We all use it constantly, but cleaning a microwave oven is a chore that often gets pushed to the back of the queue. Knowing how to clean a microwave oven properly, however, is essential for keeping it working well, smelling fresh, and ensuring your food heats safely. This simple guide will walk you through the fastest, most effective methods using items you probably already have at home.
Let’s face it, a dirty microwave isn’t just an eyesore. Those splatters can harden, becoming much tougher to remove later. Old food particles can affect the taste of your meals and even create lingering odors. A quick, regular clean is much easier than tackling a major mess, and it helps your appliance last longer.
How to Clean a Microwave Oven
This is your comprehensive, step-by-step method for a deep clean. It uses steam to loosen baked-on grime, making the wiping process almost effortless. You’ll need a microwave-safe bowl, water, and something acidic like vinegar or lemon.
What You’ll Need
- A microwave-safe bowl or large cup
- White vinegar, lemon juice, or even just water
- Fresh water
- A soft cloth or sponge (non-abrasive)
- Dish soap
- Optional: Baking soda for stubborn stains
The Steaming Method: Step-by-Step
- Prepare Your Cleaning Solution: Fill your microwave-safe bowl with about 1-2 cups of water. Then, add one of the following: ½ cup of white vinegar, the juice of one lemon (you can add the spent lemon halves too), or a tablespoon of citric acid. The acid helps break down grease and grime and deodorizes.
- Heat and Steam: Place the bowl in the center of the microwave. Heat it on high for 3-5 minutes, or until the solution boils and the window is very steamy. The goal is to let the steam condense on the interior walls and ceiling, softening all the dried-on spills.
- Let it Sit (Important!): Do not open the door immediately. Let the bowl sit inside the closed microwave for another 5-10 minutes. This allows the steam to do its work, loosening the gunk without any effort from you. Be careful when you do open the door, as the bowl and steam will be hot.
- Wipe Down: Remove the bowl carefully. Dip your cloth or sponge in the warm (now cooled slightly) cleaning solution from the bowl. Wring it out and thoroughly wipe the entire interior—ceiling, walls, door, and the turntable. For the glass tray, you can usually remove it and wash it in the sink with warm soapy water. Most splatters should wipe away with minimal scrubbing.
- Tackle Stubborn Stains: For any spots that remain, make a paste of baking soda and water. Apply it directly to the stain, let it sit for a minute, and then gently scrub with your cloth. The baking soda acts as a gentle abrasive.
- The Final Rinse and Dry: Use a clean cloth dampened with plain water to rinse any vinegar or baking soda residue from the interior surfaces. Give it a final dry with a clean towel to prevent streaks. Don’t forget to wipe the exterior, handle, and control panel with a damp cloth.
Alternative Quick Methods
If you’re in a hurry or don’t have vinegar, try these:
- Water-Only Steam: Just heat a bowl of plain water for 3-5 minutes and let it sit. This works well for light cleaning.
- Dish Soap Steam: Add a drop of dish soap to the bowl of water before heating. The soap will create a super-effective cleaning steam.
- All-Purpose Cleaner: For the outside and light interior wipes, a simple all-purpose spray on a cloth works fine. Never spray cleaner directly into the microwave.
What to Avoid When Cleaning
- Abrasive Scrubbers: Steel wool or harsh scouring pads can scratch the interior surface, creating places for grime to stick even worse in the future.
- Harsh Chemicals: Avoid strong oven cleaners or bleach-based products inside the microwave. Fumes can linger and potentially contaminate food.
- Overheating: Never run the microwave empty, and always ensure your cleaning bowl has enough liquid in it.
Maintaining a Clean Microwave
The best way to avoid a big cleaning job is to prevent major messes. Here’s a few habbits to get into:
- Cover your food with a microwave-safe lid, plate, or even a paper towel when heating. This catches most splatters.
- Wipe up small spills immediately with a damp cloth while the microwave is still warm (but not hot).
- Give the interior a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth once a week. This takes 30 seconds and prevents buildup.
- Regularly wash the turntable and ring in the dishwasher or sink.
Dealing with Specific Problems
1. Removing Tough, Burnt-On Stains
For those dark, carbonized spots, you might need a more targeted approach. After steaming, apply a thick baking soda paste directly to the stain. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes to really penetrate. Then, gently scrub in a circular motion with a soft cloth or even an old toothbrush. Repeat if necessary.
2. Eliminating Strong Odors
If your microwave smells like last week’s fish, steam is your best friend again. A vinegar-water solution is the most effective odor neutralizer. You can also try heating a bowl of water with several tablespoons of baking soda, or with citrus peels (like lemon or orange). The heat helps spread the deodorizing agents into every corner.
3. Cleaning the Exterior and Vents
The outside needs attention too! For a stainless steel exterior, use a cleaner made for stainless steel to avoid streaks and fingerprints. For a painted exterior, a mild all-purpose cleaner is fine. Always unplug the unit first for safety. Gently vacuum or wipe the vent openings on the top or side to remove dust, which helps the microwave vent properly and prevents overheating.
4. The Turntable and Ring
These parts are usually dishwasher safe, but check your manual. If washing by hand, use warm soapy water. For stuck-on food on the turntable, let it soak in the sink for a few minutes. Scrub the rubber or plastic ring that rotates the tray as well, as grease and crumbs accumulate there.
Why Regular Cleaning Matters
It’s not just about looks. A clean microwave heats food more efficiently because splatters don’t absorb the microwave energy. It prevents cross-contamination of flavors and odors between different foods. Most importantly, it ensures a hygienic environment for preparing your meals, reducing the risk of bacteria lingering from old spills. It’s a simple maintenance task that protects your investment.
FAQ Section
What is the easiest way to clean the inside of a microwave?
The steaming method described above is the easiest and most effective. Heat a bowl of water with vinegar or lemon until it steams, let it sit, then wipe clean. It requires minimal scrubbing and uses natural products.
Can I use baking soda to clean my microwave?
Yes, baking soda is excellent for tackling stubborn stains. Make a paste with water, apply it to the spot, let it sit, then gently scrub. It’s a gentle abrasive that won’t scratch the surface. You can also use it for deodorizing.
Is it safe to use vinegar to clean a microwave?
Absolutely. White vinegar is a safe, natural cleaner and deodorizer. When heated, it creates a steam that loosens grime and kills odor-causing bacteria. Any mild vinegar smell will dissapate quickly after you air it out.
How often should I give my microwave a deep clean?
For most households, a thorough clean using the steaming method once a month is sufficient. If you use it very frequently or for messier foods, you might want to do it every two weeks. A quick wipe-down after major spills is always recommended.
Why does my microwave still smell after cleaning?
Persistent odors can mean there’s residue in a hidden area, like under the turntable ring or in the vent system. Ensure you remove and clean all removable parts. Try a dedicated odor-removing steam session with vinegar, and leave the door open for a few hours to air it out completely.
Can I run the microwave with just a wet paper towel inside to clean it?
Heating a very wet, folded paper towel for a minute or two can create a small amount of steam for a very light refresh, but it’s not as effective as a full bowl of water. There’s also a small risk of the paper getting too hot and scorching if it dries out, so the bowl method is safer and more reliable.
Keeping your microwave clean doesn’t have to be a dreaded task. With the right technique and a few minutes of preventative care, you can maintain a sparkling, odor-free appliance that works perfectly for years to come. The next time you see those splatters, you’ll know exactly what to do—quickly and without harsh chemicals. Just remember to cover your food next time!