Whether it’s popping corn, reheating pizza slices, softening butter, or melting chocolate, the microwave does the heavy lifting day in and day out. It also means severe dirt and food odors. Over time, all the exploding food mess will reduce the efficiency of the microwave. The good news is that we have a quick, easy way to get your microwave back to the way it was clean when it was first unboxed, or to keep it almost clean. Here’s how to clean your microwave.
Start with a Little Prevention
According to Evelyn Carpenter of the Whirlpool Family Science Institute, your first line of defense is to prevent problems from happening in the first place. Covering what is microwave-heated will go a long way in preventing most spots and splashes.
Wipe Clean Daily
Carpenter also recommends cleaning the inside of your microwave as part of your daily kitchen routine. Use a soft cloth, sponge, or paper towel to wipe down interior ceilings, floors, sides, and trays. This eliminates any splashes that may escape control before hardening.
Steam Cleans Stubborn Stains
If the stain is clumpy, try steam before applying elbow grease. Using a microwave-safe container, heat about 1 cup of water on high for two to three minutes. Let it sit for five minutes, then carefully remove the water (the water will be hot) and the turntable. Wipe all surfaces with a soft cloth, sponge, or paper towel.
Meg Roberts, president of Molly Maid, a housekeeping service company, said odors can also be removed and disinfected during the process. Start by adding half a fresh lemon to the water while the water is hot. Half of the lemon will be hot when you remove it, but once it cools down, place it in the garbage bin to keep it fresh.
White vinegar is then used as a natural disinfectant. Soak the microfiber cloth in a 50-50 water vinegar solution, wring it out until slightly damp, and wipe the surface with it. In most cases, this is enough to make the microwave sparkle inside. If there is still some splashing, just repeat the process.
Wrapping up the Work
Remove the turntable before cleaning. Almost all turntables are dishwasher safe, but if you’re not sure if your own turntable is dishwasher safe, or if you suspect that the microwave won’t work while the dishwasher is working, you can wash the turntable with warm water and dish soap.
It is also possible to wipe the rubber gasket with a damp cloth. A damp cloth is also a good option for wiping down glass doors, but if the glass doors are very greasy, a 50-50 solution of water and white vinegar or a glass cleaner can be used. If you want the glass to look brighter, you can dry it with a soft, dry cloth.
Finally, wipe the exterior surface, including the dashboard, with a soft, damp cloth. If something is particularly greasy or has fingerprints, wipe it again with a vinegar solution. You can dry the surface with a soft cloth for a smoother appearance.
Carpenter recommends steam cleaning the inside of the microwave oven once a week or so, but this method can work even if the cleaning interval is longer. If you’re vacuuming refrigerator vents, vacuum microwave vents as well. Your microwave will be appreciated.
