8 Easy Ways to Clean Your Microwave [Explained]

Microwaves are great for fast and efficient cooking, but they may get messy pretty quickly. Spills, grease, and food splatters will make your microwave smell and work less efficiently. But you don’t need expensive cleaners to clean your microwave. With a few simple steps, you can clean it safely and easily using ingredients from your kitchen.

In this guide, we’ll show you simple methods to clean your microwave without scrubbing or harsh chemicals. You’ll learn how to clean your microwave using common kitchen ingredients like white vinegar, lemon juice, and baking soda.

What You Need to Clean a Microwave Properly

You don’t need fancy or expensive products to clean the microwave properly. Just a few basic cleaning tools and natural ingredients will do the job. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Cleaning Tools and Products

You can start cleaning your microwave with a kitchen dishcloth or a sponge. These non-abrasive materials are perfect for wiping down the inside of your microwave without causing damage. You’ll also need a bowl or microwave-safe container to hold your cleaning solution. A bowl helps when microwaving water and other cleaning ingredients like vinegar or baking soda. You can use dish soap to remove stubborn grime or oil build-up effectively.

Natural Ingredients for Cleaning

White vinegar is a must-have for cleaning. It’s great for degreasing and removing odors. You can mix it with water in a microwave-safe container and microwave the solution to create steam that loosens grime.

Another helpful ingredient is baking soda. It works as a gentle abrasive and deodorizer and is great for cleaning tough spots.

You can use lemon juice for a fresh scent and a powerful way to cut through grease. Combine it with water in a microwave-safe container, heat it up, and it will do wonders for cleaning the microwave.

These simple items will help you clean your microwave easily and keep it fresh: a clean cloth, microwave-safe container, vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice.

How to Clean a Microwave Without Scrub

You can clean your microwave without scrubbing it. Here are two simple methods to help you clean your microwave without scrubbing away stubborn stains.

Simple Steam Cleaning Method

This method uses steam to loosen grime, making cleaning effortless. Here's how you do it:

Step 1: Fill a microwave-safe container with water. Add 1-2 tablespoons of white vinegar. This solution will help to break down grease and food particle.

Step 2: Place the bowl in your microwave and heat it on high for about 5 minutes. The steam from the vinegar and water will loosen any stuck-on food and grease inside the microwave. You’ll notice condensation forming on the walls, which means the grime is starting to soften.

Step 3: After the microwave finishes, carefully remove the hot bowl using oven mitts. Then, wipe down the interior with a soft cloth to remove the loosened food and grime. This way, the microwave will be fresh and clean without any scrubbing.

Cleaning with Baking Soda

Baking soda is a great solution for cleaning stubborn spots in your microwave. It helps remove grime and eliminate odors. Here’s how to use it:

Step 1: Mix baking soda with water to form a thick paste. The paste should be thick enough to stay on the spot you want to clean but not too runny.

Step 2: Apply the paste to the stubborn area inside your microwave. These might include grease splatters or food stains. Let the paste sit for about 10 minutes. During this time, the baking soda will break down the stuck food and grease.

Step 3: After 10 minutes, wipe off the paste with a damp cloth. This will leave your microwave clean and grime-free. Plus, it will have a fresh smell thanks to the odor-fighting power of baking soda.

These two methods: using water, microwave-safe containers, vinegar, and baking soda, make it easy to clean the inside of your microwave without scrubbing. The steam cleaning method is great for general cleaning, and the baking soda method is perfect for stubborn spots.

How to Clean a Microwave with Water and Stream

Cleaning your microwave with water and steam is an easy way to tackle food grime without much effort. Here's how you can use this method to clean your microwave effectively:

How to Clean a Microwave with Water and Steam

Cleaning your microwave using just water and steam is a natural way to remove food grime and grease. This method uses the power of steam to loosen stuck food and dirt to wipe clean without scrubbing. Here’s how you can use it:

Step 1: Fill a microwave-safe bowl with about 1 cup of water. Make sure the bowl is microwave-safe to avoid any accidents. Once the bowl is filled, place it in the microwave.

Step 2: Microwave the bowl on high for 5 minutes. The water will start to boil and create steam inside the microwave. This steam is incredibly helpful as it loosens stuck-on food, grease, and grime from the walls of your microwave.

Step 3: Once the microwave finishes, let the steam sit for 2-3 minutes. This allows the steam to work its magic, soften the food particles, and make them easier to clean. After waiting, carefully remove the bowl from the microwave using oven mitts to avoid burns.

Step 4: Use a damp cloth to wipe the inside of the microwave. The grime should come off easily with the cloth, and make the microwave clean and fresh. The steam helps to loosen even the most stubborn food splatters. It is one of the easiest ways to clean your microwave.

How to Clean a Microwave with Water and Dish Soap

You can add dish soap to the water for a deeper clean, especially when you have greasy or sticky spots. Here’s how:

Step 1: Before microwaving the water, add a few drops of dish soap to the bowl. Dish soap helps to break down grease and grime more effectively than water alone. Stir the water slightly to mix the soap in.

Step 2: Microwave the water and dish soap mixture on high for 5 minutes. The steam created will not only loosen food but also help dissolve any grease inside the microwave.

Step 3: After the microwave finishes, remove the bowl carefully and use a soft cloth or sponge to clean the interior of the microwave. The soap will make it easier to wipe away stubborn grease and grime.

Step 4: Use a damp cloth to wipe the inside of the microwave. The grime should come off easily with the cloth and keep the microwave clean and fresh. The steam helps to loosen even the most stubborn food splatters. This cleaning method is one of the easiest ways to clean your microwave.

How to Clean a Microwave with White Vinegar

White vinegar is a powerful, natural cleaner that can effectively tackle grime and odors in your microwave. Let’s break down how you can use white vinegar to keep your microwave spotless.

Vinegar Steam Cleaning

This method uses steam to loosen food grime and grease inside your microwave. It’s an easier way to wipe away stuck-on food without scrubbing.

Step 1: Combine 1 cup of water and 1 cup of white vinegar in a microwave-safe bowl. Make sure the bowl is large enough to allow the steam to circulate and loosen the grime inside.

Step 2: Microwave on high for 5 minutes. The water and vinegar solution will start to boil and create steam inside the microwave. The steam will work to break down food particles, grease, and grime that have built up inside.

Step 3: After the microwave cools down, use a clean cloth to wipe down the inside of the microwave. The grime should come off easily and make your microwave fresh and clean.

Vinegar for Deep Cleaning

Vinegar can be used as a more concentrated solution for deep cleaning. It’s especially useful for cleaning stubborn stains or built-up grime in the microwave.

Step 1: Add 2 tablespoons of vinegar to warm water in a bowl. Microwave the mixture on high for about 3 minutes. The vinegar will help loosen any deep grime or stains inside the microwave.

Step 2: Let the solution sit for another 5 minutes. The steam will continue to work and help further loosen grime. Once it has cooled, use a cloth to wipe away the loosened grime, and your microwave will be deep-cleaned and fresh.

How to Clean a Microwave with Baking Soda

Baking soda is a natural ingredient that can work wonders for both cleaning and deodorizing without harsh chemicals. Follow these simple steps to keep your microwave clean and fresh with baking soda.

Cleaning with Baking Soda Paste

Here are some simple steps to clean your microwave using baking soda paste:

Step 1: Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 2 tablespoons of water to create a thick paste. The paste should be easy to apply and stick to food spots inside the microwave.

Step 2: Apply the paste directly to stubborn spots or food build-up inside the microwave. Focus on areas where grease or food residue has been collected, as baking soda is excellent for breaking down tough grime.

Step 3: Let the paste sit for 5-10 minutes. In this time, baking soda will work to loosen stuck-on food and grime. Once the paste has had time to work, then wipe it off with a damp cloth. This will make your microwave clean and fresh without any scrubbing.

Deodorizing with Baking Soda

Baking soda also removes unpleasant odors from your microwave. It absorbs bad smells and leaves your microwave smelling fresh.

Step 1: Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda onto a damp cloth to deodorize lingering odors inside your microwave. Baking soda naturally absorbs and neutralizes odors and leaves your microwave smelling fresh.

Step 2: Wipe down the interior of the microwave with a damp cloth. This will help remove unpleasant smells and make your microwave smell clean without harsh chemicals.

Using baking soda is a natural solution for tackling both grime and odors. Baking soda is a great way to keep your microwave clean and fresh without chemicals.

How Often Should You Clean a Microwave?

Cleaning your microwave regularly prevent unpleasant smells and maintain its performance. It’s important to know the right balance between light cleaning and deep cleaning to keep your microwave in the best condition.

Frequency of Cleaning

Light Cleaning: It’s a good idea to wipe down the microwave’s interior once a week. This helps prevent food build-up and grease accumulation. A quick wipe-down also prevents food particles from hardening and makes cleaning more difficult later on.

Deep Cleaning: Deep clean your microwave at least once a month using natural ingredients like vinegar or baking soda. If you notice food residue, lingering odors, or stubborn stains, it’s time to give your microwave a thorough clean. This deep clean removes the built-up grime and helps maintain the appliance’s cooking efficiency.

How to Remove Stuck-on Food from Inside a Microwave

Removing stuck-on food from your microwave can be easy with a little help from steam and some natural cleaning ingredients. You can easily loosen and wipe away food grime without scrubbing hard. Here’s how you can remove those tough, stuck-on food spots and keep your microwave clean.

Steam Cleaning with Water

Steam is a great way to loosen food residue. It’s easier to wipe away without scrubbing.

Step 1: Fill a microwave-safe bowl with 1 cup of water. Place the bowl in the microwave and heat it on high for 5 minutes. The steam will begin to build up inside the microwave and soften the stuck-on food and grease.

Step 2: After the microwave finishes, let the steam sit for a few minutes to further loosen the grime. Once the grime has loosened, use a soft cloth to wipe the inside of the microwave. The steam will make the cleaning process quick and easy by removing most stuck food.

Cleaning Stubborn Food Spots

Baking soda can help break down grime and food build-up for tough spots effectively.

Step 1: Make a baking soda paste by mixing 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 2 tablespoons of water. Apply this paste to the stubborn food spots inside the microwave. Let it sit for about 5 minutes. The baking soda will work to loosen the grime and food residue.

Step 2: After the paste has had time to work, use a damp cloth to wipe off the paste. This should remove the stubborn spots and leave your microwave clean and fresh.

Conclusion

Keeping your microwave clean doesn’t have to be a hassle. You can easily maintain a fresh and clean microwave by using simple tools and natural ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon. These methods are effective and safe for the whole family.

Make it a habit to clean your microwave at least once a week. Regular cleaning helps maintain its efficiency and prevents build-up that could impact its performance. A clean microwave has better cooking results and creates a fresher kitchen.

By using natural cleaners, you'll keep your microwave sparkling without any harsh chemicals.