Introduction
A microwave oven is a staple appliance in most kitchens. It’s incredibly convenient for quickly heating up leftovers or preparing simple meals. However, like most kitchen appliances, microwaves can get dirty over time. Spilled food and grease buildup can make microwaves unpleasant to use and potentially unsafe if left uncleaned.
Luckily, cleaning a microwave is an easy process that takes just a few minutes. With some simple cleaning products and tools, I can have my microwave looking brand new again. In this article, I’ll share the easiest way I’ve found to clean my microwave thoroughly.
Supplies Needed
Before getting started, I make sure to have the following supplies on hand:
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Dish soap – Choose a mild variety, not heavily scented. Dish soap helps cut through grease.
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Baking soda – Baking soda is a gentle abrasive that lifts away dried food and grease. It also helps absorb odors.
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Sponge or dishcloth – Use something that is sturdy but won’t scratch.
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Microwave-safe bowl – This will be used to heat the baking soda and water solution.
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White vinegar – Vinegar helps dissolve stuck-on food and kill bacteria. Its acidity also removes odors.
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Water
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Microfiber cloth or paper towels – For wiping down the interior.
Step 1: Remove Loose Debris
Before doing any scrubbing, I start by removing any loose food debris from my microwave’s interior. I take out the glass turntable and wash it separately in the sink with warm soapy water.
Then, I carefully wipe down the inside surfaces with a damp microwave-safe cloth or paper towel. This removes any large chunks or splatters that would otherwise get smeared around during cleaning.
Step 2: Make Cleaning Solution
Next, I make a simple microwave cleaning solution using ingredients I already have in my kitchen: baking soda and water.
Here is the easy recipe:
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 1 to 2 tablespoons dish soap
- 2 cups water
I mix these ingredients together in a microwave-safe bowl until combined into a thick paste. The baking soda scrubbing action along with the grease-cutting dish soap makes the perfect cleaner!
Step 3: Scrub Interior
I place the bowl with cleaning solution into the microwave and heat for 2 to 3 minutes, until hot. The heat activates the ingredients.
Using a sponge or dishcloth, I carefully scrub down all the interior surfaces – the walls, ceiling, and door. I pay close attention to any cooked-on food spots.
The heated cleaning solution really lifts away dried food, grease, and residue easily! I also open and scrub around the outside of the microwave door near the seal, a spot that often collects gunk.
Step 4: Vinegar Rinse
After thoroughly scrubbing down the inside, I remove the bowl and give the microwave one final wipe down with a cloth dipped in plain white vinegar.
The vinegar shine helps remove any leftover soap residue and also deodorizes. My microwave is left sparkling clean!
Extra Tips
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For really stubborn dried food, try letting the heated cleaning solution sit for 5 minutes before scrubbing.
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Avoid using abrasive scouring pads or anything that could scratch the interior surface.
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To freshen the interior between deep cleanings, place a small bowl of vinegar or lemon juice inside and heat for a few minutes.
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Always unplug the microwave before cleaning for safety.
Conclusion
Regularly cleaning the microwave keeps it looking great and also helps it function properly by removing grease buildup. This simple 4-step method using basic pantry ingredients like baking soda and vinegar makes cleaning painless!
My microwave gets used multiple times a day, but thanks to this quick routine, it always looks and smells fresh. With minimal effort, I’m able to keep this hardworking kitchen appliance sparkling clean for us to enjoy.
