Splashes. Debris. Lingering odors. How can you clean your microwave well and quickly? We have some advice to share with you.
How Often Should I Clean My Microwave?
The best time to clean a microwave is immediately after a mess has occurred. Wiping down all surfaces before food has hardened will save you time and prevent food-related staining.
If you don’t have time for a quick wipe down, that is okay. Adding microwave cleaning to your routine cleaning checklist will ensure that microwave messes get tackled on a regular basis.
For harder messes we have a simple plan of attack.
Cleaning a Microwave:
The Super Power
As you may know, StayClean loves how versatile cleaning vinegar is. Cleaning vinegar is the perfect solution for tackling your microwave. As a natural ingredient, it powerfully cuts through buildup and leaves no harsh chemicals behind, leaving your microwave environment both clean and healthy.
Follow these “work smarter, not harder” steps from RealSimple when using cleaning vinegar in your microwave:
1. STEAM THE INSIDE OF THE MICROWAVE
1. Fill a microwave safe bowl with 2 cups water and 1/4 cup cleaning vinegar, and the juice of 1/2 a lemon (optional: the lemon will leave a pleasant scent).
2. Place the bowl in the microwave and heat on high for one to two minutes or until the mixture boils and steams up the interior of the appliance.
3. Leave the door closed for about 15 minutes so the steam can loosen the splatters on the inside of the microwave.
* Disclaimer: Always review your manufacturer’s instructions when cleaning or taking apart appliances.
2. CLEAN THE TURNTABLE
Depending on your microwave, you may be able to remove the turntable and hand wash it using dish soap. Use a non-abrasive pad for more stuck-on debris. If your turntable is dishwasher safe (check the manual), save time and muscle by loading it into the dishwasher and running the cycle.
3. CLEAN THE MICROWAVE INTERIOR
Cleaning the interior surfaces is as easy as using a rag and some warm water. Wipe down all surfaces. Pay attention to the inside of the door, vents in the top and sides, and the edges of the opening where debris builds up. Use a plastic putty knife or dedicated cleaning toothbrush to remove any stuck-on debris.
Tip: StayClean CEO and founder, Torey Tryon, likes to use some of the recently boiled water/vinegar/lemon solution to clean the interior sides and top of her microwave.
4. CLEAN THE EXTERIOR OF THE MICROWAVE
Cleaning the exterior of the microwave is pretty simple. Use a diluted solution of cleaning vinegar and water to clean and polish the exterior of stainless steel microwaves. A rag damp with soapy water will achieve similar results on plastic-coated microwaves. If your microwave is above your stove be sure to get underneath and on top of the microwave because grease from stovetop cooking has most likely built up there. After wiping with a damp soapy rag, wipe again with damp rag with just water to remove any soap residue, then wipe with a dry rag. Double check that the controls are dry to ensure the water does not harm the controls.
Preventative Measures
Paper towels over bowls, watching when melting butter, and plate covers are all great preventative measures for catching splashes while heating up food in the microwave.