How to clean a microwave
MICROWAVES are incredibly convenient for heating up something quick when you just can’t face cooking.
However, it’s important you clean it regularly as spills can build up inside. Happily it’s easy with these simple tips. Here’s all you need to know.
How to clean a microwave
Microwaves can be a godsend if you’re just looking for something quick and easy to keep the wolf from the door.
If you don’t have one already you can check out our list of the best microwaves here.
But for those of you that have one already and want a reliable cleaning hack, here’s a few good approaches.
The no elbow grease method
For this simple technique all you really need is white wine vinegar and a bowl of water – and an implement to apply the mixture with.
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To make it, simply pour equal parts water and vinegar into a bowl, with a full cup of each for a deep clean.
Now place a wooden spoon into the bowl and put them in the microwave.
Experts believe the bubbles that form when the mixture boils will attach to the object in the bowl, reducing the risk of your cleaning mixture exploding.
Heat it for ten minutes on a high heat and make sure you use oven mitts to remove it as it will be extremely hot!
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When you open the door, the microwave should be full of steam.
This will have softened any hardened food inside.
You should now be able to simply give the inside a wipe with a wet sponge or cloth. Simple!
The soft option
If you’re just tackling a few splatters you may not need a powerful clean.
In this case, just dampen a few wet towels and place them in the microwave and run it on high for around five minutes.
The steam created will help you wipe off all the unsightly marks with ease.
Baking soda
With this one, you don’t even need to turn the microwave on.
Mix water and baking soda to make a paste and wipe it on the hardened food inside your microwave.
Give it five minutes or so to work its magic and then just wipe it off with a wet kitchen towel or sponge.
When life gives you lemons…
…use them to clean the microwave.
This tip is ridiculously simple, but highly effective.
Vinegar is a natural disinfectant, as is vinegar, and its perfect for cleaning the inside of a dirty microwave.
All you need to do is cut a lemon in half and put it face down on a – microwave friendly – plate.
Pour a few teaspoons of water over the top and turn the microwave on, watching it until it starts to produce steam.
Then all you need do is remove it and wipe off the liquid inside the microwave and the splashes of food with it!
Commercial cleaners
If you’ve tried a few natural options and aren’t having much success you might try commercial cleaners.
But bear in mind, you want to use something that’s not going to leave a chemically smell.
They can leave fumes that could affect the taste of your food.
Ensure you use products meant specifically for the microwave, that you follow the instructions provided on the cleaning product, and air out the microwave for at least half an hour afterward.
How to clean a microwave glass door
To start off with you can simply try wiping the door with a dampened sponge that’s been dipped in baking soda.
You can then remove it with a damp sponge or cloth.
If you’ve got tough grease stains on it, you can pull out the big guns and try a mixture of half-and-half water and vinegar.
And if that doesn’t work you may need try to soap and water or an all-purpose anti-grease cleaner.
Ensure you don’t spray the controls directly, as the electronics may be damaged.
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Apply it with something, like a sponge or a cloth.
This is to ensure it liquid doesn’t seep into vent holes.