Clean your microwave with vinegar and steam; you'll need a few minutes and a couple of quick swipes with a cloth. Easy-peasy! Unplug your microwave or leave the door open when scrubbing the inside or exterior, so you don't accidentally turn the microwave on.
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.
The fastest method for cleaning your microwave oven is to place a handful of soaking wet paper towels inside and run it on high power for up to five minutes. The steam from the towels will soften and loosen caked-on grime. Once the towels cool down, you can use them to wipe the interior clean.
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. The acidity means it can tackle microwave dirt and grime easily.
Avoid using bleach in your appliance
Plus, bleach can damage the plastic of your machine by making it brittle. Instead, use an antibacterial wipe (or damp cloth), along with a microwave-safe cleaning product, to keep your appliance clean and hygienic.
While you can use either lemon juice or vinegar, using both may increase the solution's cleaning power. Always dilute the vinegar and/or lemon juice with water to avoid harming components that can result in a microwave not heating properly.
Can you clean a microwave with Windex? Yes, Windex will cut through grease, so you can use it to clean a microwave, however there are better alternatives, including natural cleaning agents, such as vinegar. Always ensure you rinse away any chemicals so that food is not contaminated.
Avoid using steel wool or abrasive sponges, as they can scratch the microwave's surface. Additionally, avoid using harsh chemical cleaners, such as bleach or ammonia, as they can damage the interior and leave harmful residues.
You can use distilled white vinegar to give your microwave interior a steam cleaning. Dilute a cup of vinegar with a cup of water in a microwave-safe bowl or measuring cup. Optional: Add a few drops of essential oils or lemon juice to the vinegar mixture to weaken the vinegar odor.
These wipes contain chemicals designed to kill germs on surfaces such as countertops and sinks, but they can leave behind harmful residue and potentially damage the interior of the microwave. Moreover, the heat from the microwave can cause the chemicals to become airborne, which can be dangerous to breathe in.
Vinegar's acidity allows it to tackle all sorts of yucky messes, including glue residue, soap scum, hard water stains, and whatever that splatter is on the inside of your microwave — especially when combined with steam, which helps soften and loosen the gunk that seems like it's a permanent fixture.
Step 1: Fill a microwave-safe bowl with one cup of water and 1/4-cup of white vinegar. If you don't have vinegar handy, you can substitute one teaspoon of dish soap. Step 2: Put the solution in your microwave and cook it for approximately one to two minutes (this depends on what wattage you're using).
Clean your microwave with the paper towel method.
Basically, all you do is wet a few paper towels, put them in the microwave, and heat on high for one minute. Wait five minutes to open the door, then (carefully!) use the hot towels to wipe down the inside of your microwave.
Fill a wide microwave safe bowl with at least 1 cup of water. Add sliced lemon (one lemon will suffice), or two to three tablespoons of lemon juice. Place the bowl with sliced lemons inside and turn the microwave on for five minutes. Leave it, powered off, to steam with the door shut for a further 15 minutes.
Fill the bowl or cup with 1 cup of tap water and stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons of vinegar. Place the bowl inside the microwave. Heat the water-vinegar mixture on HIGH for one to two minutes, or until the liquid is boiling and steaming.