Do you cringe every time you have to open your microwave? A dirty microwave, especially one with spills and cooked on food items that have been ignored, can cause anxiety and angst. Plus, all that dirt and grime is a breeding ground for bacteria and other contaminants. And it probably doesn’t smell great.
Your microwave may seem like a straightforward appliance to clean. Still, there are some tricks to removing caked-on food, such as using specific products and following our advice for eliminating nasty odors.
Suppose you don’t have Molly Maid scheduled for a regular professional cleaning or an occasional cleaning service to guarantee a spotless microwave. In that case, we have some do-it-yourself tips to help your microwave look brand new again. Learning how to clean a microwave isn’t daunting; it just takes a little time, effort, and consistency.
What is the Best Microwave Cleaner?
Wondering how to clean the inside of your microwave and remove all that stuck-on food? When it comes to a microwave cleaner, natural cleaners are your best option: vinegar, lemon, and baking soda combined with water will do wonders to clean the interior of your microwave.
There are also store-bought cleaners that work well too. All-purpose microwave cleaners with natural ingredients are great for getting rid of grease inside and outside the microwave. Sprays made with natural ingredients that don’t include synthetic fragrances, petroleum solvents, or alcohol are the safest options for you and your family.
5 Simple and Effective Ways to Clean and Deodorize a Microwave
Here are five ways to get and keep your microwave clean and smelling fresh:
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Baking Soda and Water
Form a cleaning paste by mixing baking soda and water and apply it to any caked-on grime. Let the paste sit for a minimum of five minutes, then wipe it off with a damp cloth.
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Soaked Paper Towels
Soak a wad of paper towels in water and run it in the microwave on high for five minutes. The steam from the wet towels will help soften and loosen stuck-on food. When the paper towels cool, wipe the exterior and interior of the microwave clean.
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Lemon Juice and Water
Lemon juice is an all-natural deodorizing cleaner. Cleaning a microwave with lemon will help your microwave shine, and smell lemony fresh. Rub a lemon between your hands to loosen up the juices, cut it in half and squeeze all the juice into a bowl, then add one cup of water. Drop in the lemon halves and place the bowl in your microwave. Run the microwave on high for five minutes. Wipe it clean, and you’re done!
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Vinegar and Water
Combine two cups of water and two tablespoons of vinegar in a microwave-safe bowl. To make it smell less like vinegar and more like something pleasing to the senses, add a few drops of essential oil. Microwave the bowl on high for five minutes and let the solution sit for ten more minutes. This process coats the interior walls of your oven with hot acidic humidity so no elbow grease is required: simply sponge away the remaining mess.
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Vinegar, Baking Soda, and Water
Using ingredients, you probably already have in your pantry, combine vinegar and baking soda to create a powerful and natural cleaning compound. Mix four tablespoons of baking soda with a quart of warm water. Dip a cloth or sponge into the mixture and wipe down the entire interior of your microwave.
Next, pour a half cup of water and a half cup of white vinegar into a small, microwave-safe bowl and microwave on high for three minutes or until the water boils. Let the bowl steam inside the microwave for another 10 minutes.
Okay, now that you have some useful cleaning methods to use on your dirty microwave, here are answers to some of the frequently asked questions we receive about cleaning a microwave:
Is It Safe to Use Clorox Wipes Inside a Microwave?
Clorox wipes are safe and effective for killing bacteria in your microwave, but they can be harsh on the surface of your kitchen appliances. After wiping your microwave down with a Clorox wipe, wipe the entire microwave with a damp cloth to remove any remaining residue.
While Clorox wipes may be acceptable, never use steel wool to clean stubborn stuck-on food from the interior of your microwave. Although steel wool is effective at removing food stains, it is much too abrasive to use on your microwave, and will probably scratch your appliance.
How Often Should You Clean a Microwave?
Our cleaning experts at Molly Maid recommend cleaning your microwave at least once a week to keep bacteria and odor to a minimum. It’s also good practice to wipe down your microwave immediately after a spill or food explosion. This will make those weekly cleaning much easier since the food or liquid won’t have time to harden.
Stay on Top of Your All Your Cleaning With Molly Maid
When it comes to cleaning, the trusted and reliable professionals at your local Molly Maid can make your microwave and the rest of your home shine. Let us put together a cleaning plan that meets both your needs and schedule. Whether you need weekly, occasional, or special event cleaning, Molly Maid can help you get it done. And with almost 500 locations nationwide, there is probably a Molly Maid right in your neighborhood. To learn more or to get started, give us a call or request an estimate online today.
