How to clean your microwave: 6 simple steps

How to clean your microwave: A 6-step guide

Heinz All Natural Distilled White Vinegar With 5% Acidity

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$2.17 at Amazon

Kitchen Cleaning Sponge

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$12.26 at Amazon

Mainstays Microfiber Assorted Solid Colors Dishcloths, 18 Piece

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$4.88 at Walmart

Duralex Made In France Stackable Clear Glass Bowl

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$22.95 at Amazon

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A clean microwave isn't only pleasing to the eye but also ensures the hygiene of your food. However, the daunting task of cleaning a microwave, especially battling dried spills and stubborn stains, is easier than it seems. 

Here’s where we come in with a step-by-step guide on the easiest way to clean a microwave. With some simple hacks and top cleaning products that make the task more efficient and less intimidating, your kitchen appliance will look shiny and new in no time.

Read more: Chop your veggies like a pro with the best vegetable choppers

How to clean your microwave: 6 simple steps

All your microwave needs is a good clean to ensure it’s working in tip-top condition. If you’re ready to remove all the grease, food bits and dirt, here's an effective guide on the best way to clean your microwave.

Step 1:  Have your cleaning supplies ready

• Microfibre cloths

• Dishwashing detergent

• A bowl of water

• Baking soda

• Lemon juice

• Odor-removing solution

Step 2: Apply cleaning solution

The key to cleaning the inside of a microwave lies in an age-old homemade solution. Use a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water in a microwave-safe bowl, heat it in the microwave for five minutes.

Step 3: Remove of loose debris

After the solution has heated, let the steam inside the microwave do its magic for a few minutes to loosen any dried food particles. Then, remove the turntable and wash it separately.

Step 4: Wipe down the interior

Once the loose debris in the microwave interior has been dealt with, take a cleaning sponge dampened with warm water and dish soap and start undertaking how to clean the inside of your microwave.

Step 5: Rinse and dry

Follow up the cleaning by rinsing the cleaned areas with a damp cloth, followed by drying with a microfiber cloth. Place the turntable back once everything is dry.

Step 6: Remove odors

For lingering odors, simply leave a bowl of baking soda inside the microwave for a couple of hours to absorb any unpleasant smells.

Must-have products to clean a microwave

Add these cleaning products to your cart and you’ll be set to get your microwave sparkling and new.

Heinz All Natural Distilled White Vinegar With 5% Acidity

You save $0.82 (27.42%)

$2.17$2.99

$2.17 at Amazon

White vinegar is a multipurpose product to have in your kitchen cabinet. Not only is it great for cleaning, but it’s also useful when it comes to tenderizing meat and pickling vegetables.

Kitchen Cleaning Sponge

You save $3.74 (23.38%)

$12.26$16

$12.26 at Amazon

From kitchen grease to sauce stains, you can use kitchen cleaning sponges on pots, pans, dishes, bowls, and sinks without worrying about leaving any scratches. And it’s great for scrubbing your microwave too.

Mainstays Microfiber Assorted Solid Colors Dishcloths, 18 Piece

$4.88

$4.88 at Walmart

Use these for wiping down counters, drying dishes and keeping your microwave spotless. Their quick-drying feature means they absorb liquids and oils fast. 

Duralex Made In France Stackable Clear Glass Bowl

$22.95

$22.95 at Amazon

These bowls don't absorb any liquids, colors or flavors so you can serve a range of dishes and they won’t stain, let flavors mix or contain harmful chemicals. They're lead-free, cadmium-free and BPA-free and are dishwasher, fridge and microwave-safe.

Dawn Original Scent Ultra Dishwashing Liquid Dish Soap

$5.84

$5.84 at Amazon

Dawn dishwashing liquid dish soap is rated highly by our editors and is America’s top liquid soap. Not only does it fiercely scrub off grease and grime on dishes, but it also cleans other items, like your microwave. It’s a win-win for us.

Arm & Hammer Pure Baking Soda

$1.59

$1.59 at Target

In terms of versatility, Arm & Hammer pure baking soda is not just used for baking. It’ll be the star of your cleaning cabinet – it deodorizes your home and gently cleans surfaces as an eco-friendly alternative to harsh, chemical-based cleaners.

Fresh Wave Odor Removing Gel

$22.48

$22.48 at Amazon

Fresh Wave Odor Removing Gel masks and eliminates bad odors. Using ingredients like lime, pine needle, clove, anise, and cedarwood, it’s non-toxic, non-GMO, and non-hazardous.

Read this before you clean a microwave

Just like your other kitchen appliances, it’s important to clean your microwave from time to time to ensure the food you cook is safe to eat and to prolong the lifespan of your device.

A dirty microwave can harbor bacteria and other particles that can contaminate the food your cook in it. We answer some questions on how to clean a microwave here. 

Are natural products safe to use when cleaning the microwave interior?

Yes, natural cleaning agents such as vinegar, lemon juice and baking soda are safe and more than effective to clean a microwave. They're often preferred because they're non-toxic and eco-friendly.

How often should I clean my microwave?

When figuring out how to clean a microwave and keep it spotless, you should consider how frequently it should be cleaned. Depending on usage, ideally, you should clean a microwave once a week to maintain hygiene and performance.

If possible, you should give it a wipe with a damp cloth after each use to prevent food and grease buildup.

How do you clean the inside of a microwave?

Here’s a quick recap on how to clean the inside of a microwave:

1. Have your cleaning supplies ready.

2. Put a mixture of equal parts white vinegarand water in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in the microwave for five minutes.

3. Let the steam inside the microwave loosen any dried food particles, remove the turntable and wash it separately.

4. Use a cleaning sponge dampened with warm water and dish soap and scrub the inside of the microwave.

5. Rinse the area with a damp cloth and dry with a microfibre cloth. 

6. Remove any unpleasant odors by leaving a bowl of baking soda inside your microwave for a few hours.

Just follow these steps above and you’ll have a spotless microwave soon! 

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Prices updated on 12/06/2023. We are not responsible for any changes to the prices mentioned above.