How To Clean A Microwave: Eight Easy Ways

No one likes a dirty microwave. But with all the nooks and crannies, cleaning it can seem daunting. Luckily, there are a few simple ways to get your microwave clean. None of these methods require elbow grease.

This post will share eight easy methods to clean a microwave.

1) Clean A Microwave With Vinegar

Cleaning a microwave with vinegar is a simple and effective way to remove grime and food residue from the inside of your appliance.

Vinegar is an acidic liquid that helps to break down tough stains and grease, making it an ideal cleaning agent for this often-used kitchen item.

There are several benefits to using vinegar to clean your microwave oven. It is a natural, non-toxic cleaning solution that is inexpensive and easy to find.

Additionally, vinegar is effective at breaking down grease and stubborn stains without harsh chemicals or scrubbing.

However, vinegar can also be somewhat abrasive, so you should take care when using it to clean your microwave.

Also, vinegar can leave behind an unpleasant vinegar smell, so you may need to run your microwave for a few minutes on high heat after cleaning it to remove any lingering odors.

How To Clean A Dirty Microwave With Vinegar

1. Fill a bowl with half a cup of vinegar and place it in the microwave for five minutes.
2. Add two cups of water to the bowl and heat it on high power for another five minutes.
3. Carefully remove the bowl with oven mitts
4. Wipe the inside of your microwave with a clean cloth or sponge.
5. Your microwave should be clean and free of bacteria in no time!

Using vinegar to keep the inside clean is our favorite method. It is surprisingly easy and works the best for a deep clean.

For more ideas for using vinegar: 50+ Uses for Vinegar – Home, office, car, garden, beauty, health, and pets

2) How to clean a microwave with Angry Mama Microwave Cleaner

One popular and effective method for cleaning a microwave is angry Mama, a special cleaner designed specifically for this purpose.

Angry Mama is a fun option if you want an easy and effective way to clean the microwave.

You can read our full review of Angry Mama.

Unlike other methods, Angry Mama is straightforward – all you have to do is fill it with water, lemon juice, and vinegar, then place Angry Mama in the microwave and turn it on for five minutes. 

When Angry Mama has finished heating up, carefully remove it and wipe down the inside of your microwave.

This will help to loosen any food stains or residue that may be stuck to the walls and corners of your appliance, making it much easier to clean.

One potential drawback of using angry Mama is that it can be messy if you are not careful when removing it from the microwave.

Also, angry Mama can be pretty hot to handle when it comes out of the microwave, so you must wear protective gloves and exercise caution when using it.

3) Clean A Microwave With Lemon Juice

Cleaning a microwave with lemon juice is a simple and effective way to eliminate dirt, grime, grease, and food splatters inside your appliance.

This method has several benefits over other cleaning methods, such as being easy to use and inexpensive.

It is also environmentally friendly since it does not require harsh chemicals or specialized tools that may be difficult to find. 

Additionally, using a citrus fruit like lemon in an enclosed space such as a microwave may leave a lingering smell after cleaning.

In our experience, vinegar is better than lemon juice for a deep clean.

How to clean a microwave with lemon juice

1. Fill a microwave-safe bowl with water and several lemon slices or wedges.

2. Microwave the water and lemon mixture for around five minutes until the steam inside of the microwave begins to collect on the door’s window.

3. Use a dry towel to wipe down the interior walls of your microwave with steamy lemon water.

For more details, see our guide on Quick And Easy Ways To Clean A Dirty Microwave With Lemon

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4) Clean A Microwave With Baking Soda

Baking soda is one of the most effective and efficient ways to get the job done.

Baking soda has many benefits when cleaning your microwave, including its ability to dissolve stains quickly and stuck-on baked on food particles without causing any damage to the surface of your appliance. 

Additionally, baking soda is a more affordable and environmentally-friendly alternative to many traditional cleaning products. However, there are also some drawbacks to using baking soda for microwave cleaning.

For example, while it effectively dissolves stains and food particles, baking soda can sometimes leave behind a residue that requires additional scrubbing.

How to clean a microwave with baking soda

Mix baking soda with water to create a thick paste perfect for scrubbing away tough messes and stains. Then, apply the baking soda inside, let it sit for a few minutes, and wipe away the dirt and grime with a damp cloth or sponge.

And voila – your microwave will be sparkling clean in no time! 

So next time you need to clean your microwave, don’t reach for harsh chemicals or expensive cleaning products – grab some baking soda instead. Also, consider baking soda to clean your oven.

5) Clean A Microwave With Dish Soap

Dish soap is one of the most effective ways to clean the inside of your microwave, as it easily cuts through grease and grime. It also leaves a fresh, clean scent, making your kitchen feel fresh and inviting.

However, soap has a few drawbacks to cleaning your microwave. It can be difficult to evenly apply dish soap around the interior of your microwave, which can result in some areas being cleaned more thoroughly than others.

Furthermore, soap can sometimes leave behind streaks or residue on your microwave interior, making it more challenging to keep clean in the future.

Overall, dish soap is an excellent option if you are looking for an effective and fast way to clean your microwave. Many people prefer soap over the strong smells of the other options.

Apply it evenly and wipe away any excess residue or streaks that may remain after cleaning.

How to clean microwave with Dish Soap

First, fill a microwave safe bowl with hot water and add several drops of dish soap. Place this bowl in the center of your microwave, ensuring it is not touching any of the surfaces inside.

Next, turn on your microwave for about 5 minutes to allow the dish soap and water mixture to steam and loosen any stuck-on food, build up, or debris.

Once the dish soap has had time to work its magic, use a soft sponge or cloth to wipe down the inside of your microwave.

Make sure to pay special attention to any food splatters or other areas that may be extra dirty, and keep rinsing out your sponge as needed.

Finally, dry the microwave’s interior using a clean dish towel or paper towels, and then give it one last wipe with a dampened cloth or sponge to remove any lingering residue.

And that’s all there is to it – your microwave will be sparkling clean in no time!

6) Clean A Microwave With Ammonia

Ammonia is an alkaline substance that can break down messy foods, particles, or grease buildup on surfaces.

One of the main benefits of using ammonia for cleaning a microwave is that it can help remove stains and residue without needing chemical or abrasive cleaners.

Additionally, ammonia is an inexpensive and readily available household cleaning product, which can be a cost-effective solution for keeping your microwave looking clean and fresh.

However, there are also some drawbacks to using ammonia for cleaning a microwave’s interior. For example, ammonia can be toxic if inhaled or ingested in high concentrations, and it should always be used with caution and care.

Additionally, ammonia is a strong-smelling substance that may not be suitable for households with young children or pets.

How to clean a microwave with ammonia

The first step is to gather your ammonia-based cleaning products. You will need at least one ammonia-based cleaner, such as ammonia-based glass or oven cleaner.

You may also want to have some paper towels on hand and a clean sponge.

Once your ammonia products are ready, start by wiping the outside of the microwave with a damp sponge or cloth. Then, spray the inside of your microwave with ammonia-based cleaner, making sure to avoid getting any cleaner on the buttons or vent of your microwave.

Next, let the ammonia sit for at least 5-10 minutes to work its cleaning magic. Once the ammonia has had time to break down any stuck-on food or grease, you can start wiping away the mess.

Begin by wiping down the interior of your microwave with a sponge or soft cloth, taking care to avoid getting ammonia on any part of the microwave that is still wet. Then, let your microwave interior dry entirely before using it again.

With these simple steps, you can quickly and easily clean your microwave and restore it to its former shine!

7) Clean A Microwave With WD-40

WD-40 to clean microwaves? We don’t support it, but some reddit users and others on the internet claim a quick and effective way to clean your microwave is by using WD-40.

WD-40 has many benefits compared to other cleaning methods, including its ability to quickly break down dirt and grime and its easy accessibility and affordability. 

However, it is critical to note that WD-40 should not be used on all surfaces of your microwave, as the chemicals may damage some materials in WD-40 and its fumes.

Some people recommend using WD-40 to clean a microwave, so we included it. But we do not recommend WD-40 because it is a fire hazard.

In fact, we recommend that you do not use WD-40 on the inside.

How to clean a microwave with WD-40

To clean your microwave using WD-40:

1. Spray a small amount directly onto any visible grime or dirt inside your microwave.
2. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the WD-40 to break down any stubborn stains or particles.
3. Wipe clean using a soft cloth or paper towel.
4. Leave the door open overnight before using the microwave.

Is It Dangerous To Clean a Microwave With WD-40?

When cleaning your microwave, you can use various products and methods. Some people swear by WD-40, which is known for easily removing grease and grime from surfaces.

However, while WD-40 may be effective at getting rid of messes in your microwave, there are better options than this one.

A few important things to consider when using WD-40 for cleaning your microwave.

First, you should always wear gloves and protective eyewear when using this product, as it can be harsh on your skin and eyes.

Additionally, WD-40 is highly flammable and should not be used around open flames.

If you decide to go ahead and use WD-40 in your microwave, be sure to thoroughly wipe the surface after cleaning.

This will help remove any potentially harmful residues on your appliance. Then, leave the door open for several hours overnight before using it.

Ultimately, it’s best to stick with safer cleaning methods such as warm soapy water or a commercial cleaner formulated explicitly for microwaves.

8) Clean A Microwave With Hydrogen Peroxide

One popular alternative to traditional cleaning methods is hydrogen peroxide. This simple, natural substance has many benefits when cleaning your microwave.

It removes stains and bad odors without leaving behind harsh chemicals or residues.

However, hydrogen peroxide also has its drawbacks, as it can be challenging to use and may cause damage to your microwave if misused.

How to clean a microwave using hydrogen peroxide

When cleaning your microwave with hydrogen peroxide, it is essential to follow a few key steps:

1. You will need to gather all the necessary materials: hydrogen peroxide, a sponge or soft cloth, and a bowl of warm water.
2. Spray the hydrogen peroxide directly onto your microwave surfaces
3. Let the hydrogen peroxide sit for several minutes, then wipe it away with a wet sponge or cloth.
4. Use your bowl of warm water to rinse away any leftover hydrogen peroxide residue.
5. Let the microwave dry.

Overall, hydrogen peroxide is a great cleaning tool for your microwave. It is easy to use, inexpensive and removes dirt and grime from your appliance.

How To Clean A Microwave Door

To clean greasy microwave doors, use soapy water or a vinegar solution and a microfiber cloth. To clean a microwave’s exterior

1. With the door closed, start by wiping away any food debris, splatters, or greasy fingerprints from the door’s surface using a soapy cloth or sponge. User a circular motion.
2. Use a damp cloth, white vinegar and water, or sudsy water to remove fingerprints and grease from the door.
3. Dry the surface with a clean rag or microfiber cloth to prevent water spots from forming.
4. Repeat these steps to keep your microwave door looking and working its best.

These steps are very similar to cleaning an oven door.

How To Clean A Microwave Turntable

If you have a glass plate turntable in your microwave, keeping them clean can be a challenge. Fortunately, there are several ways to clean your turntable.

Remove the glass plate from the microwave and wash it with warm, soapy water. You can also run it in the dishwasher or soak it overnight in soapy water.

Once your glass plate is clean, you can place it inside a microwave.

How to prevent food from sticking to the inside of your microwave

One of the challenges when cleaning a microwave is dealing with food sticking to the inside surfaces. To prevent this from happening, start by wiping down the interior walls with a soapy cloth after each use.

This will help remove grease and other residues before it has a chance to harden and become more challenging to clean.

How to prevent your microwave from becoming dirty in the first place

You can take a few simple steps to help prevent your microwave from becoming dirty and full of food splatters and spills. The first step is consistent cleaning your microwave’s inside.

Another helpful tip is to cover any containers you plan on heating up in the microwave using a microwave-safe lid or film. This will help keep your food from splattering and making microwave messes.

You can also clean any spills as soon as they happen using a wet paper towel or rag.

In particular, tomato sauce and other sauces can be a challenge to clean from the inside of your microwave. Be sure to cover them with a paper towel when cooking.

Getting Your Microwave Clean Is So Easy

Whether you are dealing with stubborn stains or food splatters, many valuable tips and products can help.

Some of the most effective methods include hydrogen peroxide, angry Mama, or a damp cloth soaked in white vinegar.  Try a few and decide which to add to your regular cleaning routine.

Additionally, you can take steps to prevent food from sticking to the inside of your microwave, such as wiping it down after each use and using a microwave-safe lid or film to cover your food.

By following these helpful tips, you can ensure that you have a clean microwave that remains functional for years.

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