Get Your Microwave Spotless in Minutes

Why Keeping Your Microwave Clean is Important

A clean microwave is not just aesthetically pleasing, but keeping it clean has some important health benefits as well.

• Food particles and stains: Leftover food and stains left in the microwave can get moldy and bacteria can grow, which can contaminate the next food you microwave. This poses a health risk.
• Odors: Smells from leftover or spilled foods can linger in the microwave and make everything you cook in it take on those odors. A clean microwave means your foods will smell appetizing.
• Safety hazards: Built up grease and grime in the microwave can be a fire hazard. Keeping the inside surfaces clean reduces this danger.

For these reasons, it’s valuable to keep your microwave clean. The good news is it only takes a few minutes to get it spotless.

How to Clean Your Microwave in Minutes

Cleaning your microwave regularly takes minimal effort. Here are some quick and easy methods.

Supplies You’ll Need

• Microfiber cloth or paper towels
• All-purpose cleaner or spray bottle filled with vinegar and water
• Large microwave-safe bowl
• Baking soda
• Lemon

Method 1 – Quick Daily Wipe Down

It only takes 30 seconds to do a quick daily wipe down of your microwave’s interior.

1. Fill a spray bottle with equal parts white vinegar and water. Spritz the interior surfaces.
2. Wipe with a microfiber cloth or paper towel.
3. For any stubborn spots, spray directly and let sit for 10 seconds before wiping.

This quick daily clean keeps odors and stains from building up.

Method 2 – Deep Monthly Cleaning

Once a month, do a more thorough deep cleaning. This removes all stains and residue.

1. Mix 1/4 cup baking soda with a quart of water in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 5 minutes, allowing the mixture to boil and steam. The steam from the heated mixture will soften any baked-on foods.
2. Carefully remove the hot bowl and wipe down all interior surfaces with a cloth. The baked-on stains should wipe away easily.
3. Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the surfaces and wipe clean to remove any residue and eliminate odors.
4. Slice a lemon in half and microwave it for 2 minutes. The lemon steam further removes odors.
5. Wipe once more with a clean damp cloth.

This monthly deep cleaning only takes 10 minutes but gets rid of the toughest baked-on stains.

Method 3 – Steam Cleaning

For extremely stubborn stains, the power of steam cleaning will lift them with minimal scrubbing needed.

1. Fill a microwave-safe bowl with water and microwave for 5 minutes to generate steam. Remove carefully.
2. Dip a cloth or paper towel in more hot water and wring out thoroughly so it is damp but not dripping.
3. Working in 30 second intervals, hold the hot damp cloth against stained areas to allow the steam to penetrate. Wipe clean.
4. Repeat until all stains are removed.
5. Spray down all interior surfaces with a vinegar and water solution. Wipe clean.

Steam cleaning allows you to melt away baked-on food effortlessly.

Tips for Keeping Your Microwave Cleaner Longer

With regular quick cleanings, you can go longer between deep cleanings. Here are some tips to keep your microwave spotless day-to-day.

• Wipe up spills immediately after they happen. This keeps stains from setting.
• Always use a cover on foods to prevent splatters. You can use a paper towel, paper plate, or microwave-safe lid.
• When cooking foods that are prone to popping and splattering like bacon or popcorn, lay down a paper towel first to catch the mess.
• Install an odor-absorbing box or bowl inside. Fill it with baking soda, charcoal, or lemon peels to absorb smells.
• Microwave a bowl of lemon water every couple of days. The steam releases and lemon scent mask odors.
• Only microwave microwave-safe containers to prevent cracks that harbor bacteria.
• Keep the exterior surface clean by wiping with an all-purpose cleaner.

Conclusion

With a quick daily wipe down, monthly deep cleaning, and some care when using your microwave, you can keep it spotless and odor-free with minimal effort. A clean microwave is safer for your health and makes cooking more pleasant. Getting it clean only takes minutes using these simple methods.