Microwave Oven Cleaning: 5 HACKS That Work

Hate cleaning your microwave oven? Here are 5 easy hacks that will help you clean it quickly and easily – without harsh chemicals.

If you’re like me, then you probably use your microwave oven a lot. It’s so convenient for reheating food and making quick meals. But, do you ever stop to think about how dirty the inside of your microwave is?

Well, don’t worry. I’m going to share with you some easy hacks for cleaning your microwave oven. And trust me, these hacks work. So read on and start cleaning your microwave today.

How To Clean A Microwave Oven | Natural Microwave oven cleaner

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5 microwave oven cleaning hacks

These 5 easy hacks all use household items that you probably already have. So there’s no need to run out and buy any special cleaning supplies. Plus, none of these use harsh chemicals, so they’re safe for both you and your family. See the 5 best ways to clean a microwave below.

Caution: Be careful with boiling water as it can scald your skin. Check out the FDA’s tips for microwave safety.

Method 1. How to clean a microwave with lemon

One of the easiest ways to clean your microwave is to use lemon and water. There are two ways to do this depending on how dirty your microwave oven is.

First way with lemon and water:

1. Cut a lemon in half and squeeze it into a cup of water. Be sure to use a microwave safe bowl.
2. Microwave the water/lemon juice mixture for about 4 minutes. Tip: You can also place the used lemons in this bowl while you run the microwave.
3. Do not open the microwave for another 4 minutes. Let the heat and steam soften all the dried-on debris or grease inside the microwave.
4. Next, dip a sponge in the lemon water and wipe down the inside of your microwave.

Second way using lemon as a scrubber:

1. Cut a lemon in half and soak it in water for a few minutes.
2. Then, use the lemon to scrub the inside of the microwave. The lemon juice will help to remove any built-up food or grease.
3. Rinse the entire microwave using a paper towel dipped in clean water.
4. Dry the microwave with a fresh dry paper towel.

Method 2. How to clean a microwave with vinegar

Another great way to clean your microwave is with vinegar. Vinegar is a natural cleaner and it will help to remove all of the dirt and grime from the inside of your microwave.

First way with water and vinegar:

1. Pour a mixture of one cup of water and one tablespoon of vinegar into a microwave-safe bowl and heat it for 5 minutes. The vinegar will create a steam that will help to loosen the dirt and grime.
2. Don’t open the microwave door for at least 5 minutes to let the steam do its work.
3. Then, just wipe the inside of the microwave with a cleaning cloth or sponge. Tip: you can dip the sponge in the water/vinegar mixture if needed to clean tough spots.

Second way with vinegar spray bottle:

1. Fill a spray bottle with white vinegar.
2. Spray the inside of the microwave oven being sure to soak visible debris.
3. Let the vinegar soak for at least 10 minutes.
4. Using a cleaning cloth or sponge, wipe the inside of the microwave.
5. Rinse the sponge often and repeat cleaning and rinsing.

Method 3. How to clean a microwave with baking soda

Baking soda is also a great cleaner for your microwave. The baking soda will help to remove any grease or food particles. Again, there are two ways to use baking soda to clean.

First way with baking soda and water:

1. Mix baking soda and water in a small bowl until you create a thick paste.
2. Using the paste, apply it to the areas of the microwave you want to clean.
3. Let this sit for at least 5 minutes.
4. With a slightly damp cloth or sponge, wipe away the baking soda paste, rinsing often as needed.

Second way with baking soda alone:

1. Microwave a cup of water until it boils, about 4 minutes.
2. Let this sit for at least 5 minutes.
3. Now, all you need to do is sprinkle some baking soda on a damp sponge and use it to scrub the inside of the microwave.

Method 4. How to clean a microwave with ammonia

Ammonia is a great cleaner for getting rid of tough grease and food build-up. It should be used with caution, as it can be harmful if inhaled. So make sure to use a well-ventilated area and wear gloves when using ammonia to clean your microwave. Because of this, vinegar is recommended over ammonia for cleaning.

First way with ammonia and water:

1. Mix 1/2 cup ammonia and 1 gallon of warm water in a bucket.
2. Using a sponge, scrub the inside of the microwave with the ammonia mixture.
3. Rinse well with warm water and dry.

Second way with ammonia spray bottle:

1. Pour 1/2 cup ammonia into a spray bottle.
2. Spray the inside of the microwave and let it soak for a few minutes.
3. Wipe away the ammonia with a damp cloth or sponge.
4. Rinse well and dry.

Method 5. How to clean a microwave with steam

Steam is a great way to clean your microwave. The hot steam will help to loosen any food or grease particles. All you need is water and a bowl for this, and this is a great way to clean a slightly dirty microwave.

1. Fill a large bowl with 1-2 cups of water.
2. Place a microwave-safe bowl in the center of the microwave.
3. Microwave on high for 3-5 minutes, or until the water boils.
4. Let it sit for at least 5 minutes. The hot steam will help to loosen the dirt and grime.
5. Carefully remove the bowl from the microwave using oven mitts and wipe down the inside of the microwave with a damp cloth or sponge.

What is the best way to clean inside of microwave?

The best way to clean a microwave depends on how dirty your microwave is, what the food debris is, and what kind of cleaning supplies you have on hand.

For tough food particles or grease, vinegar is a great cleaner. For light cleaning, water and baking soda work well. And for a deep clean, ammonia can be used.

Method 3 with baking soda and water is the most versatile and recommended for general cleaning. For tough spots, you can either use Method 1 with lemon and water or Method 2 with vinegar and water.

Be sure to rinse well and dry the microwave afterward. Microwaves can get really dirty, really quickly, so it is important to clean them on a regular basis.

How can I clean my microwave without vinegar?

There are several ways to clean your microwave without vinegar. You can use Method 1 with lemon and water, Method 3 with baking soda and water, Method 4 with ammonia, or Method 5 with steam. All of these methods will help to loosen any food particles or grease. Be sure to rinse well and dry the microwave afterward.

Can you clean the inside of microwave?

Yes, of course. Clean the inside of the microwave including the platter, but be careful with the use of ammonia. Microwaves are made from plastic and metal, so take care when cleaning not to damage these surfaces.

Avoid using abrasive cleaners. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when cleaning any appliance. Follow the 5 methods or hacks listed above that use household supplies.

What happens if you don’t clean your microwave?

If you don’t clean your microwave, the food particles and grease will build up and it will be harder to clean. The smell of food will also linger in the microwave.

Over time, the build-up can cause the microwave to heat unevenly and may damage the appliance. It is important to clean the microwave on a regular basis.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Microwave Oven Cleaning – Summary

Microwave ovens are a great way to heat up food, but they can be difficult to clean. Now that you know how to clean your microwave naturally and with household supplies, you can keep it clean and smelling fresh with little effort. These 5 hacks will help you clean your microwave oven in no time. Which way do you prefer to clean your microwave oven?

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