If you don't have lemon juice, you can skip it. However, I highly recommend you use lemon to clean the microwave if you can. It helps neutralize the strong vinegar smell which is reason enough, but it also adds even more all-natural cleaning power.
'The best way to tackle unwanted smells and bacteria from a microwave is to fill a microwaveable bowl halfway with water and half a lemon,' says cleaning experts Steph and Jade. 'Heat on high for 3-5 minutes until boiling and leave the steam to work its magic. Once it's cooled, wipe out with a microfibre cloth.
Vinegar and Water
Mom was right, distilled white vinegar is one of the best natural cleaners and sanitizers that is also safe to use on surfaces throughout your home. To clean a microwave with vinegar, fill a microwave-safe bowl with two cups of water and two tablespoons of vinegar.
To clean a really dirty microwave, combine vinegar and water, lemon juice and water, or baking soda and water in a heatproof bowl. Then, heat the mixture for three to five minutes. Let it sit a bit before your wipe it out. This way, you avoid scrubbing and your microwave breaks down the tough stains and grease for you.
There are many different methods and products available to clean a microwave, but white vinegar is easy, safe and cheap. Steam cleaning a microwave with white vinegar gets the job done with minimal effort. This is because white vinegar is very acidic, making it a great natural cleaning product.
Combine 1 cup of water, 1 cup of vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice in a bowl and place the bowl in the center of your empty microwave. Turn your microwave on high for 2 minutes. After the microwave has filled with steam, use a damp cloth to wipe down the inside.
Step 5: Wipe the sides of your microwave with a paper towel or washcloth. You may need to use a heavy-duty sponge to scrub off any stubborn food stains. We recommend not using Clorox wipes. Step 6: Take out the rotating plate and wash it with soap and water in your kitchen sink.
Windex® Original Wipes make it easy to add a little sparkle to your kitchen. They are a great stainless steel cleaner for your refrigerator or dishwasher door. And don't forget to touch up the little glass surfaces in your kitchen like the oven door, microwave exterior or glass cabinets.
Microwave Soda. Cleaning your microwave has never been easier with a little bit of baking soda, hot water and a sponge. This hack can remove even the most caked on food.
Magnetic materials absorb greatly microwaves. The more magnetic, the more microwaves are absorbed.
Start by pouring half a cup of water into a bowl or measuring cup. Then slice your lemon in half, squeeze its juice into the bowl and drop both halves in as well. Once that's done, slide the bowl into the microwave and set the time for 3 minutes or until the water boils.
For the inside of your microwave, fill a bowl with water and add three to four tablespoons of vinegar. Set the bowl in the microwave and run it for two to three minutes so that the vinegar solution boils, softening the tough grease. After you've heated it up, wipe the inside of the microwave with a damp towel.
"When it comes to cleaning a microwave, dish soap and warm water can be your best friends," Brian says. Wiping down the interior with dish soap and warm water will help remove food particles and grease.
The cleaner will cut through any dirt, grease, and grime which has built up in your microwave, as well as any food which has burnt on, leaving your microwave looking clean and smelling fresh. What's more, the non-toxic food-safe cleaner means that you can use the microwave straight away.
Lemon juice is a great degreaser.
Lemon juice and vinegar also make a great degreaser, so the next time you're facing a greasy stovetop, you know what to do. Mix 1/2 cup of lemon juice and 2 cups of white vinegar in a spray bottle to make your own degreasing kitchen spray.
To make an all-purpose cleaning solution from lemon juice and vinegar, simply add 100 ml of white vinegar, 100 ml of cooled boiled water, and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice to an empty spray bottle. Mix, and you're good to go.
The citric acid in lemons is antibacterial and antiseptic, which means that lemons can kill bacteria, remove mould and mildew and even, if done properly, remove rust. The oils in the peel (or rinds) of the lemon can also help to cut through grease and staining, leaving household items clean and shining.
Hack #2: Clean Your Microwave with Lemon
Drop the squeezed lemon halves into the container, too. Mix the lemon juice and halves with approximately one cup of water. Place the container in the microwave and run it on high for five minutes.
Microwave for 5 minutes: Place the bowl in the microwave. Microwave on high power for 5 minutes so the liquid comes to a boil. Let stand for 2 to 3 minutes: Do not open the microwave door right away; the steam trapped inside will help loosen food gunk.
Don't have a lemon or lemon juice handy? You can use half an orange or half a cup of vinegar instead. Any of these ingredients works well to remove crusted food from your microwave and leave it smelling fresh, too.