All it takes to turn a sparkling clean microwave into a dirty, smelly mess is a few rounds of leftovers or a burnt bag of popcorn. The key to keeping your microwave clean is regular maintenance; follow this guide on how to clean a microwave and clean yours every few days, at the very least to keep it shiny and healthy.
Unlike other appliances in a kitchen, a microwave can be cleaned with everyday supplies that are readily available at home. We’re talking about household items like baking soda, liquid dish cleaners, and vinegar (white or apple cider). Avoid using bleach because it weakens the plastic interior and spoils the entire appliance in the long run. Microwaves don’t stain like countertops and sinks, so there is no need for bleach in the first place.
Once you’ve been able to put together the household items we listed, you can follow these steps to clean your microwave and get it sparkling again.
How to Clean a Microwave from Inside
The combination of splatters and smells can leave your microwave with a nasty stench. To properly clean the inside of your microwave, follow this step-by-step guide:
In a microwave-safe bowl, mix 1 cup of water and lemon, lime, or orange slices (squeeze juice from the fruit slices into the water). Then add a few tablespoons of white or apple cider vinegar.
Place it inside the microwave and turn it on high power for several minutes until the mixture boils and the window steams up.
Let cool for 5 minutes before opening the door, then remove the bowl and wipe the inside clean with a sponge.
How to Clean Greasy Microwave Doors
When It comes to cleaning your microwave, it’s not just the inside that counts. Get rid of stains and grease from the surface of your microwave by following these tips.
Start by cleaning the rubber gasket around the door of your microwave with a wet sponge dipped in a little baking soda, then wipe with a damp cloth or sponge to rinse.
For a greasy window, clean with a 50/50 mixture of vinegar and water, then rinse and wipe dry.
For heavy grease build-up, wipe your microwave door with a lathery mix of dish cleaning liquid and water. To prevent the soapy mixture from getting into the vent holes, use a cloth or sponge to apply the mixture.
How to Get Rid of Smells From Your Microwave
When a meal gets burnt in your microwave, the smell comes back whenever you turn it on. So it’s essential that you get rid of the smell as soon as possible.
To get the burnt smell out of your microwave, first air it out by leaving the door open for some time, then place an open microwave-safe bowl containing 2 tablespoons of baking soda and water inside with the door closed. Then increase the heat to high for 3 minutes to absorb smells.
Finally, wipe down the interior to clean any leftover residue.
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