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.
- Fill a spray bottle with equal parts white vinegar and water. Spritz the interior surfaces.
- Wipe with a microfiber cloth or paper towel.
- 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.
- 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.
- Carefully remove the hot bowl and wipe down all interior surfaces with a cloth. The baked-on stains should wipe away easily.
- Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the surfaces and wipe clean to remove any residue and eliminate odors.
- Slice a lemon in half and microwave it for 2 minutes. The lemon steam further removes odors.
- 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.
- Fill a microwave-safe bowl with water and microwave for 5 minutes to generate steam. Remove carefully.
- Dip a cloth or paper towel in more hot water and wring out thoroughly so it is damp but not dripping.
- Working in 30 second intervals, hold the hot damp cloth against stained areas to allow the steam to penetrate. Wipe clean.
- Repeat until all stains are removed.
- 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.
