From late night leftovers to the occasional frozen burrito, our microwaves are always there for us. This tiny appliance is a one-stop-shop for almost all of your kitchen needs. Instantly heat food, set timers, fan your stove and more. But when is the last time that you cleaned up your microwave?
If your microwave smells foul and is full of spattered food, it's time to clean it properly. We've consulted the experts and put together this step-by-step guide to safely and effectively cleaning your microwave. And, while you're on a cleaning kick, you can also check out our articles on how to clean a dishwasher and how to clean a washing machine.
What you will need
- A medium-sized microwave-safe bowl (one that can hold about 4 cups of liquid)
- Vinegar or dish soap
- A holder
- Paper towels or a clean cloth
- An abrasive sponge
- Disinfectant cleaner (like Lysol)
How to clean your microwave
Step 1 - Fill a microwave-safe bowl with a cup of water and 1/4 cup of white vinegar. If you don't have vinegar on hand, you can substitute a teaspoon of dish soap.
2nd step - Put the solution in your microwave and cook it for about a minute or two (it depends on how much power you're using). For example, if you have a microwave of 1200 watts or more, between one and one and a half minutes should be sufficient. If you only have a 700-watt microwave, you may need to cook the solution for two minutes or more if necessary. The goal is to vaporize the solution without boiling it or spilling out of the container. The microwave lets the steam do most of the work for you first.
Step 3 - After the time is up, be sure to keep the door closed for about three minutes. This will allow the steam to heat the bottom, sides and top of your microwave.
Step 4 - After you've waited three minutes, carefully remove the bowl from the microwave. Be sure to use a pot holder to avoid burning yourself.
Step 5 - Wipe down the walls of your microwave with a paper towel or washcloth. You may need to use a sturdy sponge to remove stubborn food stains. We recommend that you do not use Clorox Wipes .
Step 6 - Remove the turntable and wash it with soap and water in your kitchen sink. You can also put the plate in the dishwasher if that works better for you.
Step 7 - Take a damp paper towel or washcloth and add soap or disinfectant. Use it to wipe down the exterior and the control panel. Keep cleaner away from vents by not spraying it on the microwave. Spray it on a paper towel or washcloth first.
Step 8 - If you have a gasket or gasket on your microwave, you can use a paper towel or damp cloth to clean it. Be sure to wipe down the roller wheel as well. Take a dry paper towel and wipe off any soap residue inside the microwave.
Step 9 - Once you have finished cleaning the casters and turntable, return them to the microwave.
Step 10 - Now you can use your spotless microwave to cook whatever you need.
Advice
- If you don't have dish soap or vinegar, you can put half a lemon in a bowl of water and cook it for five minutes. This all-natural option has the added benefit of a clean, fresh scent.
- Heating a sponge inside the microwave will clean it.
- Avoid harsh or abrasive chemicals when cleaning your microwave.
- Keep your microwave clean and avoid spills by covering foods while they heat inside.
- When reheating food prone to splashing, use a low power setting and clean up any spills immediately.
Editor's recommendations
https://www.digitaltrends.com/home/how-to-clean-microwave/
