How to Clean a Microwave

Do you know how to clean a microwave?  Have you taught your kids how to clean the microwave?  If you open the door to your microwave right now, will it fail your inspection?  If your microwave (in its present state) was in a restaurant kitchen- would you ever eat there again?
If you answered no to any of the above questions, you’ve come to the right place!  We’re going to show you easy fast ways to keep your microwave spotless without using chemicals to clean the inside.
If your microwave falls short in the hygiene department, don’t feel bad.  This convenient appliance is often caked with dried, hard food splatters on all sides and even the ceiling.  No matter how great a housekeeper you are, chances are that you are right in there with the majority of the population when it comes to the microwave being the dirtiest thing in your kitchen.
Not only is a dirty microwave unpleasant to look at, but it can also transfer foul odors to the food being cooked inside it and harbor bacteria and germs.  The most frequent answer people give for why their microwaves are so dirty is that they don’t know how to properly clean them.  Cleaning microwaves is easy, and we’re going to help today by offering several different methods for how to get yours in tiptop shape.

About Cleaning Microwaves Without Chemicals

The methods we use here all include harmless, natural, household substances as cleaners.  It is always preferable not to use chemicals inside the microwave, because you don’t want to leave any chemical residue inside where you are cooking your food.  Since microwaves cannot be submerged in water or rinsed with running water, it is very difficult to remove traces of residual chemical cleaners from the interior.
That being the case, we always try to stick to “green” cleaners, like cleaners from the Seventh Generation brand, or the household items mentioned below.  Lemons and vinegar are highly acidic, and baking soda is a light abrasive, making all three wonderful cleaning materials.

How to Clean a Microwave

Step 1.  If your microwave has a removable glass tray or turntable, take it out before getting started.
Step 2.  To clean the removable glass tray, either put it in the dishwasher for a normal wash cycle, or wash it by hand with regular dishwashing detergent.  Make sure to wash both sides gently with a sponge, and rinse thoroughly.
Step 3.  Set the glass tray aside.  It will go back into the microwave after the cleaning is complete.
Step 4.  Wipe all solid food and crumbs out of the bottom of the microwave with a damp sponge.
Step 5.  Choose your choice of cleaning ingredients below and follow the steps listed for each.

How to Clean a Microwave with Baking Soda

1. Put a small amount of baking soda into a bowl.
2. Wet a sponge with water, then dip it into the baking soda.
3. Scrub any tough food spots with baking soda to loosen them up.
4. Rinse the sponge with water, then finish wiping down all surfaces inside the microwave.
5. Leave the door of the microwave open to allow the inside to air dry.
6. Once dry, replace the glass tray.

Or choose one of the following cleaning methods:

• How to Clean a Microwave with Vinegar Steaming
• How to Clean a Microwave with Vinegar Spray
• How to Clean a Microwave with a Lemon
• How to Clean a Microwave with Lemon Juice

Additional Tips for Cleaning the Microwave

Be cautious of hot liquids and container temperatures when heating anything inside your microwave.
It’s best to put microwave cleaning on your housekeeping schedule at least twice per month.  This will keep the food buildup to a minimum and make cleaning much easier and faster.  Wipe up food spills immediately with a sponge or paper towel to keep them from hardening.  For large areas of dried food that are hard to remove, soak a sponge or paper towel in vinegar and set it on top of the food spot.  Allow to sit for a few minutes, then wipe food away.  If you found this cleaning guide helpful, get our free updates delivered to you each day by email or RSS.