The Ultimate Guide to Sparkling Clean Microwaves: A Cost-Effective Solution

"Over time, your microwave oven can become a greasy, grimy mess with food stains and odors. But don't despair! With these simple, easy-to-follow steps, you can quickly and effectively clean your microwave and get rid of that nasty smell. Say goodbye to the grime and hello to a sparkling, fresh-smelling appliance!"

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When reheating food in the microwave, it’s common for grease and oil to splatter and coat the interior, especially with dishes like eggs, fish, and fatty pork. Over time, these buildups can cause unpleasant odors and even a burnt smell. To prevent this, it’s recommended to wipe down the microwave with a dry paper towel every 2–3 days to remove any excess grease, followed by a thorough cleaning with a damp cloth. If there’s still a lingering burnt odor, try one of these methods:

1 Cleaning with Dish Soap

Mix warm water with dish soap and, if desired, add a few spoons of baking soda to enhance odor removal. Place the mixture in the microwave and heat for 2–3 minutes to create steam. Then, use a cloth to wipe down the interior.

Cleaning the microwave with dish soap

2 Lemon Cleaning

Lemon is a great way to leave your microwave smelling fresh. Simply squeeze the juice of 1–2 lemons into a bowl of water and place it inside. Then, turn on the microwave for 2–3 minutes to allow the lemon-scented steam to coat the interior. Finish by wiping down the surfaces with a dry cloth.

Cleaning the microwave with lemon

3 Vinegar Cleaning

Mix half a bowl of water with a few tablespoons of vinegar and place it in the microwave. Heat for 2–3 minutes; if your microwave has lower wattage, you may need to heat it for 5–10 minutes. Then, use a paper towel or cloth to wipe down the interior, removing bacteria and odors.

Cleaning the microwave with vinegar

4 Window Cleaner

Use a window cleaner to spritz the interior directly or mix two parts window cleaner with one part warm water in a bowl. This mixture is perfect for cleaning both the inside and outside of the microwave. Dip a sponge into the solution and apply it to stains for about 5 minutes before scrubbing them away. Use this mixture to clean the turntable, the bottom of the microwave, and the vents and door to remove any built-up grime.

Cleaning the microwave with window cleaner

5 Notes on Microwave Cleaning

After heating the cleaning solution, let it sit for about 5 minutes before unplugging the microwave and proceeding with cleaning.

Avoid using abrasive scrubbers to clean the microwave; stick to soft cloths or sponges.

Use window cleaner to wipe down the exterior of the microwave.

6 Preventing Microwave Messes

Cover food loosely when reheating to prevent splatters.

Keep the microwave door open for a few minutes after use to air it out and prevent food odors from lingering.

Clean up spills immediately to prevent stubborn stains from forming.

Perform a deep clean of your microwave about once a month.

Now you know some effective ways to keep your microwave clean and odor-free. Since microwaves are commonly used for cooking and reheating food, they can quickly become dirty and smelly. By regularly using these methods, you’ll ensure your microwave stays pristine, making mealtimes more enjoyable.

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Frequently asked questions

A cost-effective and natural solution is to use a mixture of water, lemon juice, and baking soda. This method can remove even the toughest, burnt-on food residue without the need for expensive, chemical-laden cleaners. Simply mix the ingredients, apply to the microwave interior, and wipe away with a damp cloth.

This method is not only cheaper but also safer for your family and the environment. It avoids the use of harsh chemicals, which can be dangerous if inhaled or ingested. It also leaves your microwave smelling fresh and clean, without the strong, artificial scents that some store-bought cleaners leave behind.

The acidity in the lemon juice breaks down and dissolves the food residue, while the baking soda acts as a mild abrasive to help lift it away. The water dilutes the acidity and ensures the mixture is easy to apply and wipe off. This combination is very effective at cutting through grease and removing stains.

Yes, both ingredients have natural antibacterial properties, which help to sanitize your microwave, killing any harmful bacteria that may be lurking. They also help to eliminate odors, not just mask them, leaving your microwave truly clean and fresh.

It is recommended to give your microwave a thorough clean using this method once a week to keep it in optimal condition. However, if you use your microwave frequently or for cooking messy foods, you may need to clean it more often.
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