The Best Way To Clean A Microwave

Between heating up leftovers and thawing out meats, your microwave can become covered in filth. In general, it’s best to clean your microwave once a month. If you find yourself chiseling away at baked-on foods, we’ve got you covered. Here we review the proper way to clean your microwave and certain methods to avoid damaging your microwave.

First, it’s important to note that prevention is best when it comes to tough messes in your microwave. Always use microwave-safe dishware, cover dishes with a paper towel to avoid splattering, and place frozen meats on a dish to prevent leaking. If you do come across a splatter or spill, simply clean it up right away before using it again to prevent the messes from getting cooked, making them harder to remove. Alright, onto the good stuff!

Step 1. Grab Your Supplies
So you have a messy microwave that smells awful each time you heat it up. Instead of reaching for harsh bleaches and chemical cleaners, opt for inexpensive white vinegar. Vinegar is a non-toxic ingredient that does an excellent job at safely breaking down tough messes while also neutralizing odors. You will also need rubber gloves, water, a microwave-safe bowl, lemon juice, a soft cloth, a sponge, and some dish soap.

Step 2. Heat Up The Bowl
In your microwave-safe bowl, combine one part water and one part vinegar and add two tablespoons of lemon juice (optional). The acidic makeup in white vinegar makes it power through layered buildup. Place the bowl inside the microwave and heat the solution for 10 minutes. As the vinegar solution heats up, it releases steam and acid inside to coat the plate and walls which will loosen up baked-on debris. Once it is finished, put on your oven mitt to safely remove the bowl without getting burned (it will be hot!).

Step 3. Wipe Down The Interior
Once you have removed the bowl, put on your rubber gloves and grab your dry, soft cloth. With the cloth, wipe down the inside of your microwave thoroughly, reaching every spot, especially the rear and top which can sometimes be forgotten. The cloth will help dry off any remaining team while you wipe. If there are any spots or stains that are difficult to remove, dip your scrubbing sponge into the vinegar mixture and gently scrub away.

Step 4. Polish The Exterior
Now that the inside of your microwave is clean, it’s time to make it shine. Dampen a soft cloth and either use your vinegar solution or a dab of gentle dish soap to remove any spots, smudges, and oils. If your appliance is stainless steel, be sure to avoid any abrasive sponges and brushes. Make it shine with a polishing cloth or a dry, soft cloth.

If your microwave is getting old or has stains that just cannot be removed, it may be time for a new microwave. Check out our selection of countertop, over-the-range, drawer, and built-in microwaves here.