Clean a Microwave

From Tips and Steps

Splatters of food from microwaving look bad, smell bad, and decrease the efficiency of your microwave. Fortunately, microwaves aren't hard to clean if you know how.

Steps

Using vinegar

1. Fill a microwave-safe glass or bowl half full of water and add a tablespoon of white vinegar.
2. Place inside the microwave.
3. Turn on for 5 minutes. The idea here is to steam up the walls of the microwave and loosen the dried-on gunk.
4. When it is done, remove the glass container and wipe down the inside of microwave with a clean towel or paper towel.
5. The loose gunk should come off easily now, and without chemical cleaners inside the microwave.
6. Take out the glass tray or turntable and wash it like a dish. You could even run it through the dishwasher if you have the time.

Using a lemon

1. Cut a lemon in half and place both halves cut-side down on a microwaveable plate with a tablespoon of water.
2. Microwave for about 1 minute or until the lemon is hot and the inside of the microwave is steamy.
3. Wipe the inside of the microwave with kitchen paper and wash the plate as above.

   (Now that the lemon is hot and squishy, it makes a great natural cleanser for a smelly garbage disposal: cut the halves into smaller pieces and flush through with plenty of water.)

Using dish soap

1. First take a microwave safe bowl and fill it with warm water.
2. Then add as much dishwashing liquid as you think you'll need to the same bowl.
3. After that, put in the microwave for 1 minute or until it starts to steam.
4. Then, take the bowl out and take a fairly damp sponge and wipe the inside of the microwave.
5. The steam will have loosened all of the gunk up so that you will be able to easily clean your microwave.

Tips

• Leave the microwave open for a few minutes afterward, to let it dry and air out a bit inside.
• To keep your microwave clean, cover food loosely when heating it.
• Pour some lemon juice mixed with an equal amount of water in a bowl and microwave for a couple of minutes until boiling. Let stand for a few minutes. This will eliminate any odor in the microwave.
• Use a scrub-brush that can be used for washing dishes to get off greasy food build-up you may find.
• White vinegar and/or baking soda in the water will also help clean better and dispel odors. The soda is especially good if the spatters are greasy.
• When you're not using your microwave, keep baking soda inside the microwave but remember if you need to use it TAKE THE BAKING SODA OUT! The baking soda will keep your microwave fresh.
• It's always best to clean up messes in your microwave right away.
• Clean your microwave about twice /once a month which ever is best for you.

Warnings

• Don't use abrasive cleaners on your microwave.
• Don't forget to replace the glass tray or turntable.

Things You'll Need

• A couple of dishcloths or sponges.
• A dish towel
• A few minutes.
• A microwave.
• A Lemon
• A Microwave Safe Bowl

Related Tips and Steps

• How to Cook Bacon in the Microwave
• How to Poach an Egg Using a Microwave
• How to Test if a Dish Is Microwave Safe
• How to Change the Fuse in a GE Microwave
• How to Clean a Birdbath

Sources and Citations

• How to clean a microwave

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