Let’s be honest, we’ve all been there. You open your microwave door, and it looks like a Jackson Pollock painting made of spaghetti sauce and mystery splatters. Knowing How To Clean A Microwave effectively is one of those essential kitchen skills that saves you time and keeps your appliance running smoothly. As the head expert at Vua Lo Vi Song, I’ve seen my fair share of microwave messes, and I’m here to tell you that getting it back to sparkling clean is easier than you think. Forget harsh chemicals; the best tools are likely already in your kitchen.
A clean microwave isn’t just about appearances. Food particles and grease buildup can absorb energy, potentially reducing the efficiency of your appliance over time. More importantly, a dirty interior can harbor bacteria and create unpleasant odors that transfer to the food you’re reheating. Keeping this essential kitchen appliance clean ensures your food tastes the way it should and that your microwave has a long, happy life.
First Things First: What You’ll Need
Before we dive into the methods, let’s gather our simple, yet powerful, cleaning arsenal. You won’t need any fancy commercial cleaners for this job.
- A microwave-safe bowl or measuring cup
- Water
- White vinegar or a lemon
- Baking soda (for a little extra scrubbing power)
- A sponge or microfiber cloth
- A dry cloth for buffing
That’s it! These everyday items are all you need to tackle even the most stubborn microwave grime.
How to Clean a Microwave: 3 Fail-Proof Methods
Depending on the level of mess, you can choose the method that best suits your needs. I’ll walk you through my top three, from a quick steam-clean to a deep scrub for those caked-on disasters.
Method 1: The Steam-Clean with White Vinegar
This is my go-to method for regular maintenance and for cutting through greasy buildup. The magic lies in the steam, which loosens grime, and the acetic acid in the vinegar, which is a natural degreaser.
- Create the Solution: In your microwave-safe bowl, combine one cup of water and one tablespoon of white vinegar.
- Heat and Steam: Place the bowl inside the microwave. Heat on high power for 3 to 5 minutes. You want the mixture to come to a rolling boil and for the interior of the microwave to fill with steam.
- Let it Sit: This is the most important step! Do not open the door right away. Let the microwave sit closed for at least 5 to 10 minutes. This allows the trapped steam to work its magic, softening all the dried-on food splatters.
- Wipe Down: Carefully remove the hot bowl (use an oven mitt!). The turntable plate will also be hot. Take your sponge or microfiber cloth and wipe down the interior ceiling, sides, floor, and door. You’ll be amazed at how easily the grime comes off.
- Dry and Shine: Use your dry cloth to give the inside a final wipe-down, removing any excess moisture.
Method 2: The Lemon Fresh Approach
If your microwave is plagued by lingering odors from reheating fish or popcorn, this method not only cleans but also acts as a powerful, natural deodorizer.
- Prep the Lemon: Cut a lemon in half. Squeeze the juice from both halves into a microwave-safe bowl containing about half a cup of water. Then, drop the lemon halves into the bowl as well.
- Microwave to Steam: Place the bowl in the microwave and heat on high for 3 minutes, or until the water is boiling vigorously.
- Patience is Key: Just like with the vinegar method, let the microwave sit undisturbed with the door closed for about 5 minutes. The citrus-infused steam will loosen grime and neutralize nasty smells.
- Wipe It Clean: Carefully remove the bowl and turntable. Wipe the entire interior with a damp cloth. The stuck-on food should lift off with minimal effort.
- Enjoy the Scent: After drying, you’ll be left with a clean microwave and a fresh, citrusy scent.
|
Our Picks for the Best Microwave Oven in 2025
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
|
||
| Num | Product | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 700 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock - Stainless |
|
| 2 | TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus, Mute Function & Child Lock, LED Lighting, Perfect for Apartment, 0.9 Cu Ft, 10.6 Inch Removable Turntable, 900W, Black Stainless Steel |
|
| 3 | Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft., 700 Watts with 10 Power Levels, 6 Cooking Presets with One-Touch Express Cook, Eco Mode, Child Safety Lock, & Mute Button - Black |
|
| 4 | Cooks Innovations Non-Stick Oven Protector Mat - Heavy Duty Nonstick Oven Rack Liners to Protect Convection, Electric, Gas, & Microwave Ovens - BPA & PFOA Free Heat Resistant Baking Mat |
|
| 5 | TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft, 12.4\" Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor 12 Auto Menus Mute Function ECO Mode Easy Clean Interior Black Color 1000W |
|
| 6 | COMFEE\' EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off, ECO Mode and Easy One-Touch Buttons, 0.7cu.ft, 700W, Black |
|
| 7 | BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door, Child Safety Lock, 700W, Stainless Steel, 0.7 Cu.ft |
|
| 8 | BLACK+DECKER Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door, Child Safety Lock, Stainless Steel, 0.9 Cu Ft |
|
| 9 | Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 1.1 Cu. Ft. Digital Stainless Steel Microwave 1000 Watts with 6 Auto Menus, 10 Power Levels, Eco Mode, Memory, Mute Function, Child Safety Lock, Easy Clean |
|
| 10 | Breville BOV450XL Mini Smart Countertop Oven and Toaster Oven, Small, Brushed Stainless Steel |
|
Method 3: The Baking Soda Paste for Stubborn Stains
What happens when steam alone won’t cut it? For those ancient, caked-on messes that seem fossilized to the microwave wall, you need a little more muscle. This is where baking soda comes in.
- Make the Paste: In a small dish, mix two parts baking soda with one part water to create a thick, non-abrasive paste. It should have the consistency of wet sand.
- Apply Directly: Apply the paste directly to the stubborn, caked-on spots. Avoid the metal mesh on the door and any vents.
- Let it Work: Allow the paste to sit for about 5 minutes. The baking soda will work to break down the tough grime without scratching the interior surface of your appliance.
- Scrub and Wipe: Use a damp sponge or cloth to gently scrub the areas where you applied the paste. The grime should come loose. Wipe away the residue with a clean, damp cloth until all the baking soda is gone.
Tackling the Rest: The Turntable and Door
A clean interior is only half the battle. Don’t forget these crucial parts!
- The Turntable Plate: Most glass turntables are dishwasher safe (check your user manual to be sure). For a quick clean, simply wash it in your sink with warm, soapy water like any other dish.
- The Door: Pay close attention to the edges and the seal of the door, where grease and crumbs can accumulate. Use your vinegar solution or a simple all-purpose cleaner on a cloth to wipe down both the inside and outside of the door. Never spray cleaner directly onto the microwave, especially near the vents.
Safety Warning: Never use harsh abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, or steel wool inside your microwave. These can scratch the interior coating, which can lead to rust and may even damage the waveguide cover—the small panel that protects the microwave’s essential energy-emitting components.
Expert Tips for a Permanently Clean Microwave
As someone who has advised thousands of people on their kitchen appliances, I can tell you that prevention is always better than a cure. Here’s how to keep cleaning sessions to a minimum.
- Cover Your Food: This is the single most effective tip. Use a microwave-safe cover, a lid, or even a paper towel to cover your food. This prevents splatters from ever hitting the walls.
- Wipe Up Spills Immediately: I remember a client who let a tomato soup spill sit for a week. It was like concrete! If something spills, wipe it up as soon as the container is cool enough to handle. Fresh spills are infinitely easier to clean than old ones.
- Do a Weekly Steam Clean: Make the vinegar or lemon steam clean a part of your weekly kitchen routine. It takes less than 10 minutes and prevents any serious buildup.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How often should I clean my microwave?
A: For optimal performance and hygiene, a quick wipe-down should happen after any spill. A thorough steam cleaning, like the vinegar or lemon method described above, is recommended once a week if you use your microwave daily.
Q: Can I use commercial chemical cleaners inside my microwave?
A: While some are marketed as safe, I generally advise against it. Harsh chemicals can leave behind residues that may be unsafe when heated with food. Natural methods using vinegar, lemon, and baking soda are just as effective and much safer.
Q: How do I get a burnt smell out of my microwave?
A: The lemon steam-clean method is excellent for this. For a really persistent burnt smell, you can also place a bowl of baking soda inside the microwave overnight with the door closed to absorb the odor.
Q: Is it safe to clean the small cardboard-looking panel inside?
A: That panel is called a waveguide cover, and it’s extremely important. It’s usually made of a material called mica. You should clean it very gently with a damp cloth only. Do not scrub it or get it soaking wet, as damaging it can affect the microwave’s performance and may require a professional repair.
Q: What’s the best way to clean the outside of a stainless steel microwave?
A: For stainless steel exteriors, dampen a soft cloth with a 50/50 solution of water and white vinegar. Wipe in the direction of the grain to avoid streaks. Buff dry with a clean microfiber cloth for a fingerprint-free shine.
The Final Word on a Clean Microwave
Knowing how to clean a microwave properly is a simple skill that pays huge dividends. It not only keeps your kitchen looking and smelling fresh but also helps your trusty appliance operate safely and efficiently for years to come. By using simple, natural ingredients and adopting a “clean-as-you-go” mindset, you can say goodbye to caked-on messes for good and ensure every meal you reheat is just as delicious as intended.