How to Clean Your Microwave

The microwave is one of the most used kitchen appliances in the home.  Learn how to clean your microwave.

The microwave is a pretty handy appliance to have in the kitchen but, if yours is anything like mine, it doesn’t often get cleaned. Why? The answer is simple: because I forget about it when I am cleaning the kitchen. I am here to tell you though, that cleaning your microwave is easy.

Here are a few posts that you also might find helpful:

• How to Clean a Coffee Maker
• The Simplest Way to Clean a Plastic Shower Curtain
• How to Keep Your House Clean and Tidy

Splatter

Water

Even if you are using a paper towel to cover your bowls and plates, splatter happens. The splatter can be the most difficult part of the microwave to clean. Grab a microwave safe bowl and place about a cup of water in it. Add some limes, lemons or oranges for a fresh scent.

Set the microwave for 5 minutes.  The citrus water will produce steam making the caked on splatter really easy to remove.

Vinegar

Using several tablespoons of white vinegar instead of the water mixture will also clean your microwave.

No matter which method you choose, place the bowl in the microwave and turn the power up as high as it will go. Microwave on high for numerous minutes until the liquid boils and the window steams up. Leave the liquid to cool for 15 minutes before opening the door. Once you have opened the door and removed the bowl, wipe the sides down with a sponge and all of the splatter should come off easily.

The Door

The door easily gets just as messy as the inside walls. That is why it is important to make sure that you are properly cleaning the door of your microwave as well.

If the seal of the door is greasy you can clean it off with just water and a sponge. When it comes to the rest of the door, use a half and half mixture of vinegar and water and a sponge to wipe it down.

Exterior

Using your favorite all-purpose cleaner you can clean the outside of your microwave. Be sure to not spray the cleaner directly on the microwave instead, spray it on your sponge or cloth. By spraying your sponge or cloth, you are ensuring that the cleaner doesn’t go into the vents and doesn’t end up being applied directly to the control panel.

Stubborn Spots

Although the above methods get pretty much everything off, sometimes things can hang on through that. Using a damp magic eraser should get those other pieces off with little effort. The turntable can be removed and washed in a sink full of hot soapy water or, depending on your model, it may be able to go in the dishwasher as well.

Consistency

If you want to make cleaning your microwave even easier, clean it consistently. Waiting for a while between cleanings will only bake things on even more. Cleaning after every use will be the easiest to keep up with the cleaning.

Supplies you’ll need to clean your microwave:

• Vinegar
• Water
• Microwave safe bowl
• Sponge
• Microfiber cloth
• Your favorite all-natural AP cleaner

If you can get into a steady routine of cleaning your microwave it will be much easier to remember to do. Not only will remembering to clean it out be easier but, there should be less build up inside and out of your microwave. With less buildup, the cleaning time should be shortened. The build-up that is there, will be easier to clean as well.