Is Your Microwave Gross? 8 Quick And Easy Microwave Cleaning Hacks!

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

Here I will share eight easy methods to clean a microwave, along with extra tips for overall microwave maintenance.

We also created this video with seven ways to clean a microwave.

https://youtu.be/nuO6ByEsKHA

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.

While vinegar can leave behind a strong scent, a quick run of your microwave on high heat after cleaning easily eliminates any lingering odors.

How To Clean A Dirty Microwave With Vinegar

Here is how to clean a microwave with vinegar.

1. Microwave the water, vinegar, oil, and toothpick* in a microwave-safe bowl for five minutes.

2. Keep the microwave door closed for five more minutes allowing the steam to do its work.

3. While you are steaming your microwave, clean the front of the microwave with a wet paper towel or a damp sponge.

4. Open the microwave door and carefully remove the bowl of hot liquid. Use oven mitts to be safe.

5. Use a sponge or clean cloth to wipe the debris out of the inside of the microwave. Don’t forget about the ceiling.

6. To clean the microwave plate, run it in your dishwasher. The turntable ring can also be cleaned in the dishwasher. If the glass plate is too large for your dishwasher, or if you don’t have one, you can hand wash it in the sink with soapy water.

You will be amazed at how easily the food particles, gunk, and grime are removed from the microwave’s interior. Even caked-on food and stubborn stains should wipe away with a damp paper towel or wet cloth.

*The toothpick is to keep the liquid from exploding.  In certain containers, the liquid can get super-heated and “explode.” See the next section.

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. 

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

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. 

Also, baking soda is a more affordable and environmentally-friendly alternative to many traditional cleaning products. But there are 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

1. Mix baking soda with water to create a thick paste, perfect for scrubbing away tough messes and stains.

2. Apply the baking soda paste inside the microwave and let it sit for a few minutes.

3. Wipe away the dirt and grime with a damp cloth or sponge.

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.

There are a few drawbacks to using soap for cleaning your microwave. It can be difficult to evenly apply dish soap around the interior, which may result in some areas being cleaned more thoroughly than others.

Dish soap can also leave streaks or residue on the inside of the microwave, which can make it harder to keep clean later on.

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

1. Fill a bowl with hot water and add several drops of dish soap.

2. Mix the solution well.

3. Dip a soft sponge or cloth into the soapy water.

4. Wipe down the inside of your microwave using the sponge or cloth, focusing on any food splatters or dirty areas.

5. Rinse out the sponge or cloth as needed in clean water, then continue wiping.

6. Dry the microwave’s interior using a clean dish towel or paper towels.

7. Finally, wipe the interior once more with a dampened cloth or sponge to remove any remaining 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.

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

Despite its benefits, there are some drawbacks to consider when using ammonia for microwave cleaning. It can be toxic if inhaled or ingested in high concentrations, requiring careful handling. 

Also, ammonia has a strong odor that may not be suitable for households with young children or pets. 

How To Clean A Microwave With Ammonia

1. Gather your ammonia-based cleaning products. You’ll need at least one, such as ammonia-based glass or oven cleaner. Optionally, have paper towels and a clean sponge ready.

2. Start by wiping the outside of the microwave with a damp sponge or cloth.

3. Spray the inside of your microwave with the ammonia-based cleaner. Avoid spraying cleaner on the buttons or vent.

4. Let the ammonia sit for 5-10 minutes to work.

5. After waiting, wipe down the interior with a sponge or soft cloth, avoiding wet areas.

6. Allow the microwave interior to dry completely before use.

Following these steps will help you clean your microwave quickly and restore its shine!

7) 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

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.

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

8) Clean a Microwave With Denture Tablets

Denture cleaning tablets contain ingredients like sodium bicarbonate and citric acid that can break down stuck-on food and grime in your microwave. 

This method is an effective and easy way to clean the interior of your microwave.

How To Clean A Microwave Using Denture Tablets

1. Fill a microwave-safe bowl with water.

2. Drop 1-2 denture cleaning tablets into the water.

3. Place the bowl in the microwave and heat it for 3-5 minutes, until the water is boiling.

4. Carefully remove the hot bowl from the microwave using oven mitts.

5. Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down the interior surfaces of the microwave. The steam and cleaning agents from the denture tablets will have loosened any stuck-on food or grime, making it easy to wipe clean.

6. Repeat steps 1-5 as needed until the microwave is sparkling clean.

This method is straight-forward and can leave your microwave smelling fresh.

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

When faced with stubborn stains or food splatters, you have access to several helpful tips and products. 

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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