Microwaves aren’t hard to clean if you know how. If plain tap water doesn’t work for stubborn spots, here are some simple and quick ways to clean your microwave using vinegar, lemon or dish soap!
1. Cleaning a microwave with vinegar
Fill a microwaveable bowl with 1-2 cups of water and add 1-2 tablespoons of white vinegar. Place it inside the microwave. Turn on for 5 minutes (or less for a high-powered microwave oven). The steam inside the microwave will help loosen up caked-on bits of food, and the vinegar will help eliminate any odors. If your microwave is really dirty, don’t open the microwave right away when the timer goes off. After you open the door, carefully pull the bowl out and wipe down the inside of the microwave with a clean rag or paper towel. Take out the glass tray or turntable and wash it like a dish or run it through the dishwasher.
2. Cleaning a microwave with a lemon
Cut a lemon in half and place both halves cut-side down on a microwaveable plate with a tablespoon of water. Turn on for about 1 minute or until the lemon is hot and the inside of the microwave is steamy. Open the door, wipe the inside of the microwave with kitchen paper and wash the plate. If your microwave has a turntable, lift it out and wipe it clean.
Another way of using lemon for cleaning a microwave is to squeeze the lemon juice into water and microwave for 3 minutes. The boiling liquid will condense on the sides of the microwave, dissolving food splatters. Let it stand for 5 minutes and then open the microwave door. Use a clean towel to wipe everything clean.
3. Cleaning a microwave with dish soap
Take a microwave-safe bowl and fill it with warm water and some dish-washing liquid. Put the bowl in the microwave for 1 minute or until it starts to steam. Keep the door closed to give the moisture time to work. The steam will loosen all of the gunk up so that you will be able to easily clean your microwave. Wipe the inside of the microwave (after carefully removing the bowl full of hot water) with a damp sponge.
Note: Baking soda can also be added to the bowl to serve as a deodorizer.
