How to Deep Clean a Microwave 4 Easy Ways

Microwave ovens can be an invaluable addition to any kitchen, but they can also become an easily accessible source of spaghetti sauce stains and unpleasant odors. Luckily, using items already present in your pantry you can restore its sparkle back quickly and easily.

Regular microwave cleaning involves spraying all-purpose cleaner over its exterior and touchpad before sweeping away dirt or using grease-cutting cleaner on any spots such as handles or vents that might require special attention.

Steam Cleaning

Your microwave can quickly become an eyesore. But don’t despair: There are easy ways to clean it, such as creating steam that will loosen stuck-on messes and cut through grime without much scrubbing required.

Start by developing the habit of wiping down interior surfaces before they become crusty, as this is the best way to keep a microwave looking its best and avoid needing deeper, more in-depth clean-up procedures.

Use a damp sponge or paper towel to regularly wipe down the interior surfaces of your microwave, including its carousel. For particularly stubborn stains, consider using a plastic kitchen scraper to break up crusty bits and scrub away. If your vents become blocked up, try soaking a sponge in water mixed with some dish soap like Dawn for some minutes to unclog them.

When it’s time to tackle a deep clean, fill a non-metallic bowl with equal parts water and white vinegar (or lemon juice) before placing it in your microwave and running it on high for five minutes. The steam generated will help break up food debris and loosen grease for easier cleanup afterwards.

Don’t forget the exterior surfaces either; handles, touchpads, and vents are magnets for grime that require daily wiping down. A spray of all-purpose cleaner or an odor eliminator like Mr. Clean’s Clean Freak Mist may work wonders on a particularly grimy microwave; just be sure to thoroughly rinse any residue and leave the door open post-cleanup to let any chemical fumes escape before closing it up again afterwards! Alternatively you could wipe down your microwave with soapy water, sponged for stainless steel microwaves dab of rubbing alcohol can do just as good a job as all three techniques!

Baking Soda

Food debris and unpleasant odors are no strangers in a microwave, making cleaning it up an unenviable task. Luckily, baking soda’s powerful deodorizing and cleansing abilities make it an excellent natural deodorizer and cleaner solution.

Cleaning your microwave regularly is key to keeping it looking and smelling its best. Use a sponge, microfiber cloth or paper towel to quickly wipe up spills, crumbs and debris after each use before they have time to harden into crusty clumps. Furthermore, wipe down its exterior once every week using mild cleaners such as white vinegar or lemon juice and damp cloths for best results.

When the inside of your microwave begins to look like a cave, grab some distilled white vinegar and baking soda for quick relief. Combine four tablespoons of baking soda in one quart of warm water and mash it until all powder dissolves completely before dipping a sponge or cloth into this solution and wiping down its interior, paying particular attention to any corners where grime or odors might hide. Open up the door of your microwave, take out its turntable (if it has one) and carousel (if applicable), before placing them into hot, soapy water while continuing cleaning the rest of the interior of your microwave.

Once all the grime and odors have been eliminated from your microwave, give it one final cleaning with some dishwashing liquid mixed with warm water. Soak a sponge in this mixture until most of it has evaporated before scrubbing problem areas with a melamine sponge soaked in vinegar-and-baking-soda solution; its abrasive action should help loosen stuck-on food particles or stains that remain.

If your microwave still smells like an underground sewer, try applying another layer of baking soda spray — this time mixed with all-purpose kitchen cleaner. To protect electronic controls from spray directly being applied onto them directly, instead apply it onto a rag first before wiping over them with it. Don’t forget the touch pad and handle as these areas often build up greasy fingerprints over time!

Dish Soap

Though we may not think much about our microwaves, that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t get some regular attention when it comes to cleaning. Microwaves see plenty of food debris buildup, stains and smells that require special solutions; rather than turning to store-bought products to get rid of messes and reduce odors try using everyday cleaning supplies from around the house for maximum effect.

Your microwave will thank you – not only will it look better but its operation will improve too. While bleach may weaken plastic interiors over time, for easy and quick cleanup use all-purpose cleaner, baking soda or white vinegar as your main cleaning products. For tough messes or smelly odors add some rubbing alcohol for quick and effective clean-up solutions.

Orange juice and grated peel make for an effective citrus cleaner that also tackles microwave grime and odors. Simply combine one cup of water with grated peel from one whole lemon along with its juice to produce steam, then place in your microwave and heat on high for five minutes to generate steam and loosen and remove unwanted food debris, while freshening up your microwave!

After steaming your microwave, wipe all surfaces down with a damp cloth to give all surfaces an effective clean. If yours is stainless steel, use oil-free polish or rubbing alcohol to maintain its shine, while for handles, touchpads or filters (if applicable) simply spray some all-purpose cleaner onto a cloth and give a light wipe for routine cleaning – don’t forget the inside!

Some microwave messes, especially dark stains from tomato sauce or gravy, can be more stubborn than others. If swiping with damp sponge and baking soda doesn’t do the trick, try applying small amounts of acetone instead – but make sure you wear gloves and open a window as the fumes from this chemical can be quite strong!

Vinegar

Microwaves can be convenient appliances, but they can become unruly over time. Instead of investing in expensive commercial cleaning solutions, try vinegar to clean your microwave instead. Acetic acid in the liquid disinfects while steam produced from heating it loosens food spatter and grease stuck to its surfaces – plus chances are good you already have some in your pantry!

To use vinegar to clean your microwave, mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a microwave-safe bowl, adding your preferred essential oil if the smell bothers you. After placing this solution into your microwave and heating on high for five minutes, take it out and handwash its glass plate and turntable separately with sudsy dish soap before rinsing and drying its interior using a soft cloth or sponge.

Before beginning cleaning your microwave, ensure it is empty. This will make wiping down all surfaces easier while also preventing any liquid escaping unexpectedly while you work.

Make use of a damp sponge to clean the interior of your microwave, including its door, bottom, sides, and handle. Pay particular attention to its handle as this area tends to become the dirtiest over time. If there is an especially stubborn stain or food spill that needs scrubbing away use vinegar solution and use your clean sponge soaked in it to scrub. Once complete replace turntable and glass plate and you should have an immaculate microwave.

Your microwave should be cleaned on a regular basis to avoid an accumulation of gunk and food debris that hardens into solid deposits, but the frequency will depend on how often and what types of foods you cook in it. A weekly cleaning should suffice for most people; if you frequently reheat leftovers or prepare soups and sauces in it more frequent cleaning may be required.

Maintaining regular microwave cleanings will keep it looking and smelling great, saving time and hassle during a deep clean. For help on when best to do this, reach out to an expert; they’ll help determine the most suitable frequency based on your specific needs.