I don’t know what it is about microwaves, but they are constantly filthy. It’s one of the biggest complaints from my kids at college and colleagues at work, but these microwave cleaning tips will make this chore less of a pain in the neck.
These quick and straightforward methods to clean your microwave effectively make it an easy addition to your regular cleaning routine. Between the suggestions to avoid the mess in the first place and the easy ways to clean your microwave, this should help you keep it sparkling and fresh.
Keeping it clean is crucial for hygiene and even helps your microwave work better. I don’t use my microwave as much as many people do, but somehow whenever I do go to use it, it needs to be cleaned again (thank you family).
No one want to use a dirty microwave though whether you’re heating up leftover pizza or making my microwave individual chocolate chip cookies – and that’s my favorite use of a microwave!
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How to avoid making a mess in your microwave
Prevention is always better than cure, and this is especially true when it comes to your microwave. Taking simple steps to avoid spills and splatters can save you time and effort when it comes to cleaning.
One of the easiest ways to prevent a mess is to cover your food when heating it. Use a microwave-safe lid, paper towel, or even a plate to cover dishes while they heat. This keeps sauces, soups, and other foods from splattering all over the inside of the microwave.
Microwaves have different power settings for a reason, but most people don’t use them. Those higher power settings can cause food to bubble over and splatter. If you’re heating something liquid, like soup or sauce, use a lower power setting to heat it more evenly and reduce the risk of spills.
Don’t fill containers to the brim either. Foods can expand or boil over during heating, leading to unnecessary messes. Leave a bit of space at the top of the container to allow for expansion.
Why you shouldn’t use soap in the microwave
While it may seem logical to use soap to clean your microwave, it’s not always the best option. Soap can leave behind residues that might not fully rinse off, and when you use the microwave again, those soap residues could get into your food or produce unpleasant smells.
Additionally, using soapy water in a microwave can cause excessive suds that are hard to remove from the small corners and crevices. Instead of soap, opt for natural cleaning methods that won’t leave behind any harmful residues.
This also has the added benefit of not creating any nasty chemical reactions like mixing bleach with vinegar that makes chlorine gas or hydrogen peroxide and vinegar to create paracetic acid, amongst other potential deadly combinations.
Clean a microwave with steam
One of the most effective ways to clean a microwave is by using steam, and this just so happens to be my favorite. This method softens stuck-on food particles and makes them easy to wipe away.
Fill a microwave-safe bowl with water and add a few slices of lemon or up to a 50/50 mix of vinegar and water. Both lemon and vinegar have natural cleaning properties that help break down grime and eliminate odors.
There is also a really fun product called the Angry Mama that you fill just the same as a bowl. The fun nature of this product might make the rest of your family more inclined to use it, and it also means you have a dedicated cleaning vessel and don’t need to dirty another bowl.
Place the bowl in the microwave, and heat it on high for five minutes. The boiling water produces steam that loosens food debris and softens stubborn stains.
Let the microwave sit with the steam for two to three minutes before you carefully remove the bowl – which is another reason I like the Angry Mama, as she is less likely to accidentally burn you. Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down the interior of the microwave.
The loosened bits come off so easily with just a quick wipe and no scrubbing needed. No matter which method you choose, be sure to dry the microwave with a microfiber towel that leaves no fibers behind like a paper towel and dries completely so you have no streaks once you finish.
Use baking soda to clean your microwave
Baking soda is another powerful, natural cleaner that can tackle tough stains and odors in your microwave. It’s mildly abrasive, which makes it great for scrubbing away stubborn grime without scratching the surfaces.
Mix two tablespoons of baking soda with a small amount of water to form a thick paste. The paste should have the consistency of toothpaste.
Use a sponge or cloth to apply the baking soda paste to any areas inside the microwave where there is food buildup or stains. Let the paste sit for a few minutes to loosen the debris.
Gently scrub the areas with a sponge or brush, then wipe away the paste with a clean, damp cloth. Repeat the process if necessary until the microwave is clean.
Clean your microwave with a wet sponge (and sanitize it, too!)
This method not only cleans your microwave but also sanitizes your sponge in the process. It’s a quick and easy way to tackle two cleaning tasks at once.
Take a clean kitchen sponge and soak it in water. Make sure it’s fully saturated, as a dry sponge can become a fire hazard when heated.
Place the wet sponge in the microwave and heat it on high for 1-2 minutes. The heat will create steam that helps loosen food debris inside the microwave, while also killing bacteria and germs on the sponge.
After the sponge has cooled slightly, use it to wipe down the interior of the microwave. Be sure to rinse the sponge frequently as you clean.
Sponges can harbor bacteria and germs over time, especially after being used to clean dirty surfaces. Sanitizing your sponge while cleaning your microwave is an easy way to extend its life and keep it safe for future use.
Don’t forget to wash the rest of your microwave
Remove the turntable and wash it by hand in soapy water for a deeper clean. This helps to remove any remaining residue and ensures every part of your microwave is clean as a whistle.
Those “every parts” includes the edge of your microwave, the seals, and both the inside and outside of the door. Those are the areas that people often overlook, and food bits and splatters manage to sneak their way in those areas far too often.
If you don’t clean every part of your microwave regularly, those places you miss are where bacteria can grow, and it’s often where those nasty microwave smells come from. Use the same methods to clean those places in your microwave that you do the interior walls.
Clean the outside of the microwave
You need to clean the outside of your microwave, espeically if it’s installed over your stovetop where it’s prone to splatters and grease from cooking. Even if it’s on a counter away from your stove, it needs a regular cleaning, just like your cabinets do.
Mix together a solution of warm water and mild dish soap or more of the baking soda paste. Both soap and baking soda help cut through the grease and food splatters.
Dip a soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge into the cleaning solution. Wring it out so it’s damp but not dripping to ensure you don’t get moisture into the microwave’s vents or electronic panel.
Be careful not to push debris into the vent for the vent and fan area. Instead, gently wipe the surface and use a soft-bristled brush to loosen any stuck-on particles.
Just like with the interior of your microwave, dry the exterior with a clean, dry towel. This prevents streaks and water spots that take away from the effort you just put into your cleaning.
Regular cleaning can prevent stubborn stains and smells
When we use our microwaves regularly, those bits of food and splatters can quickly build up. If these aren’t cleaned often, they can harden and become much harder to scrub off.
Staying on top of microwave cleaning means your microwave not only looks better but also may work better. When the inside is clean, your microwave can heat your food more evenly.
Use these techniques regularly to keep your microwave sparkling
Cleaning your microwave doesn’t have to be a dreaded chore. With a few simple tools and techniques, you can keep it looking and smelling fresh.
Avoid messes as much as you can to start with, and use these natural cleaners to ensure your microwave stays spotless without the need for harsh chemicals. You can even kill two birds with one stone by sanitizing your sponge while you clean.
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