How to Clean a Microwave

Your microwave is cleaner, fresher, and more efficient when it’s clean. Over time, spills and splatters build up, causing your microwave to have trouble heating food evenly. The good news is that cleaning it will be no hassle or wasted time.

Why Cleaning Your Microwave Matters

Grease and debris make your microwave smell. They can even hinder its performance over time. Regular cleaning of your appliance will make your appliance last longer and maintain a clean kitchen.

How Often Should You Clean It?

Wiping down your microwave is simple to do every few days. If you use it a lot, clean it well once a week. Being proactive in maintenance now means less scrubbing and fewer tough stains later.

What You’ll Need

You don’t need special cleaning chemicals. Most of what you’ll need is already stocked in your kitchen cabinet:

• A microwave-safe jug or bowl

• Water

• White vinegar or lemon juice

• A cloth or sponge that’s clean

• Baking soda (optional, for tough stains)

These are common household items which effectively eliminate greases and odours.

Step 1: Prepare a Cleaning Solution

Fill half a microwave-safe bowl with water. Include a few tablespoons of white vinegar or half a squeeze of lemon in it. The acid content degrades the grease and food residue.

Place the bowl in the microwave and heat it for five minutes. The steam will loosen any dried-on fragments so they are easy to wipe off.

Step 2: Let It Sit

Once the cycle is complete, allow the door to stay closed for two or three minutes. This helps the steam penetrate. Then, lift the bowl out carefully with oven gloves — it will be hot.

Clean the inside using a sponge or cleaning cloth. All the spots must be removed easily.

Step 3: Cleaning the Turntable

Remove the glass turntable and wash it in warm soapy water. In case of being greasy, a small amount of baking soda may be added to a sponge to soak up the grease. Dry it completely before putting it back.

Step 4: Clean Door and Exterior

Don’t forget about the outside. Wipe the handle, buttons, and door with a damp cloth. Don’t spray cleaner onto the microwave itself, as liquid can seep into openings.

Use a water and vinegar solution for stubborn stains on the door. For the control panel, a lightly damp cloth will do.

Step 5: Clean Tough Stains

If a few spots remain, mix baking soda and water together to make a paste. Put it on the spots and allow it to sit for ten minutes. Then remove it with a damp cloth.

If extremely pungent smells remain, repeat the vinegar or lemon steam process. Or even put an open box of baking soda in the room overnight to absorb odour.

Step 6: Keep It Fresh

To avoid future mess, cover food before reheating. Microwave lids or paper towels are good. Clean small spills as soon as they occur.

You can also steam quick weekly cleans to prevent grime buildup.

Safety Tips

Unplug the microwave before thorough cleaning. Never use abrasive chemicals or metal scouring sponges. They destroy the inside coating and performance.

Do not put foil or metal in while warming water for cleaning. Use glass or ceramic containers.

Natural Cleaning Options

If you prefer a natural cleaner, lemon juice is a great choice. Your microwave is clean and shiny-looking afterwards. A combination of half water and half vinegar is also an environmentally friendly option.

A few drops of essential oil, like lavender or eucalyptus, provide a pleasant scent also.

When to Call a Professional

If your microwave is not heating properly, has an unusual smell, or makes strange noises, it may need attention. Cleaning will not fix mechanical problems or damage.

A professional can safely examine and repair it. Regular servicing prevents future expensive issues.

Final Thoughts

Cleaning your microwave doesn’t need to be so daunting. Routine maintenance keeps it spotless, in working order, and humming along. A few minutes every week make all the difference.

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