The importance of maintaining a clean microwave has been regular maintenance – at the very least, once a week. When you start noticing splatters on the interior of your microwave, lube stains as well as fingerprints on the controls, or stuck-on food, consult this essential microwave cleaning guide.
Microwaves make it simple to prepare a variety of favorite foods and also tasty leftovers, but spills, as well as splatters, do occur, so getting to know how to clean a microwave quickly is useful. Cleaning a microwave properly will remove lingering and unpleasant odors while also ensuring the interior of the appliance remains in good condition, in addition to meeting the demands of proper hygiene when cleaning a kitchen.
We look at how to clean a microwave, such as using pantry ingredients, as well as the experts weigh in with tried and true methods.
How to Clean a Microwave’s Interior
A mixture of splatters and odors can make your microwave look sad. Follow these instructions to target the interior of your microwave, including the turntable:
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup of water and lemon, lime, or orange slices (squeeze liquid from the fruit slices into the water). If you have white as well as apple cider vinegar on hand, mix a few tablespoons in a microwave-safe bowl with 1 cup of water.
Microwave the bowl on high power for a few minutes, or until the combination boils as well as the window steams up.
Allow for 5 minutes of cooling before opening the door, next remove the bowl and clean the inside with a sponge.
How To Clean A Microwave With Its Doors
It is not only the inside that is important: These tricks and tips will help you remove smudges as well as grease from the exterior of your microwave.
Clean the whole door — edges, both sides, or where it seals the oven — with a dampened sponge dipped in baking soda. To rinse, use a damp cloth or sponge. Clean a greasy window with a 50/50 solution of water and vinegar. Rinse and pat dry.
Wipe down your microwave door with an all-purpose, grease-cutting cleaning solution or a sudsy mix of dish soap and water to remove heavy grease buildup and stuck-on splatters. To avoid the cleaner getting into the vent holes, apply the cleaner with a wet cloth. If necessary, scrub with a non-scratch pad. To avoid damage, don’t ever spray electronic controls straightforwardly with cleaner. Always use a cloth to apply the cleaner before wiping the controls.
How to Remove a Burnt Smell from a Microwave
When you microwave something smelly, the smell returns as quickly as you turn the oven back on. That means you should get rid of the stench as soon as possible.
For light odors (for example, spicy snacks with a strong aroma), leave the oven door open or put a bowl of baking soda inside the door firmly shut to absorb smells.
Sweep any leftover residue as well as put an odor-absorbing gel, inside until you operate it again if the odor is strong (think: burnt popcorn).
Prevent difficult cleaning jobs
While you may know how to clean a microwave, it’s always a good idea to use techniques that require less cleaning in the first place.
‘The key to dealing with spills is to avoid them, so try and put a microwave cover over your dishes,’ says Vera Peterson, president of Molly Maid(opens in new tab).
How to Use a Clean Microwave Oven More Frequently
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if you could always keep your microwave clean and smelling fresh? Use these helpful hints to keep messes under control if you want to appreciate a clean microwave oven more and avoid deep cleanings.
- Every couple of days, take out your microwave turntable as well as the platter and wash them in the sink.
- Wipe down the outside of your microwave and also the touchpad daily.
- When warming up messy foods, use lower power settings.
- To prevent splatters, cover the food in your microwave with such a paper towel or plate.
- Put a plate underneath bowls as well as other dishes to capture any spilled food.
- Spills should be cleaned up immediately.
A very little preventive cleaning goes a long way toward preventing buildup and germs. Check out our cleaning blog to learn how to clean both these small kitchen appliances or just about anything else in your home. You’ll find an organization, cleaning, and sanitizing tips to help you keep your home cleaner and healthier.
Can oven cleaner be used in a microwave?
You might believe that if you know how and where to clean an oven, you can clean a microwave. However, never use oven cleaning products in a microwave. ‘The finishes in a microwave are distinct from those in an oven,’ says Tricia Holderman, a germ prevention expert (opens in new tab).
If you prefer to use a specialized product, you can buy a microwave oven cleaner (opens in a new tab). However, doing so is not required to effectively clean a microwave. ‘I would stick to soap, water, and a vinegar solution,’ the expert advises. ‘With just these three items, you will be able to do a thorough deep clean.’
How frequently should your microwave be cleaned?
To keep bacteria buildup and strong odors at bay in your kitchen, clean your microwave once a week to once each three to four weeks. If you frequently heat messy foods such as sauces or dumplings, you will need to tidy them more frequently. You can also go upwards of a month without having to clean it if you rarely use it. Just don’t leave the grime alone for too long.
How often should your microwave be replaced?
Most microwaves are designed to last up to ten years. However, yours will last for which long if you properly maintain it and clean it regularly.
In conclusion
Microwaves are designed for convenience. Having to clean a microwave is, fortunately, the most convenient type of cleaning you can do. With very little effort, you can have a spotlessly clean microwave in about three minutes with all about the information about How To Clean A Microwave above.
Do you have any additional microwave cleaning tips that we didn’t cover? Please leave a comment below. And please let us know if you just use our microwave cleaning tips!