How to Clean a Microwave
We all know that a microwave is our go-to appliance when it comes to convenience in the kitchen. But frequent use can lead to a buildup of dirt, grime, and food splatters. Regularly cleaning your microwave is important not only for removing unpleasant odours and for hygiene reasons, but also to help maintain the life of your appliance!
Whether it’s reheating leftovers or warming up baked beans for your Sunday fry-up, food splatters in the microwave are inevitable. Left untreated, they can be difficult to remove. This guide will give you step-by-step tips on how to clean your microwave and cover the following topics:
- The power of steam cleaning
- Cleaning with baking soda and vinegar
- The importance of the turntable and plate
- Minimising your cleaning time altogether
The Power of Steam Cleaning
Steam cleaning is a great way to remove dried-on grime by rehydrating the residue, making it easier to remove. For this method, we recommend a solution of water and white vinegar. The acidity of vinegar helps to neutralise harsh odours, so this method will have your microwave sparkling and smelling fresh in no time.
Simply mix 1 cup of water with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar in a heat-safe bowl, place it in your microwave on full power for 3-4 minutes, and allow the inside to steam up. Leave this for 5 minutes to work its magic, then simply wipe away marks with a damp microfibre cloth, paying special attention to any stubborn areas. For larger microwaves or areas with lots of buildup, make sure to regularly rinse your cloth with clean water to avoid spreading residue around your appliance.
For a fresh smell, add a few lemon slices to the mixture to replace harsh odours with a fresh, citrus scent!
Cleaning with Baking Soda
Baking soda is the perfect eco-friendly cleaning essential. The chemical reaction that occurs when mixing it with water can help dislodge debris and tackle tough buildup.
For areas steam cleaning couldn’t handle, create a solution using baking soda and add water until a paste forms. This paste can be applied to stubborn stains and left to sit for 10-15 minutes. The reaction in the baking soda will help break down any dried residue and soften the buildup, so you can easily clean your microwave and wipe away marks with a damp cloth.
For a deeper clean, try creating this paste with white vinegar instead of water to break down dried-on sauces or residue and eliminate odours.
The Importance of the Turntable and Plate
Although cleaning the turntable and plate can be tedious, they are essential components of your appliance to keep clean. Food and grime buildup is not only unpleasant but can also affect how well your microwave works! With enough buildup, the turntable can become blocked, preventing the plate from rotating properly.
Remove these parts according to your microwave manual, and soak them for 5 minutes in soapy water to loosen everything up. Then, wipe them down with a little elbow grease for tougher spots, and your plate and turntable will be shining in no time. Allow the parts to completely dry before placing them back in your appliance.
Minimise Your Cleaning Time
It’s great to know how to clean up microwave messes, but wouldn’t it be better to avoid them altogether? Here are some top tips to prevent buildup in the first place:
- Using a splatter guard: Spitting and splattering are inevitable, but using a splatter guard (whether it’s a store-bought guard or simply a plate or napkin over your bowl) will help contain food and sauce splashes.
- Don’t overheat: Microwaving food over the recommended time or at too high a heat can cause it to boil over, leaving you with a big mess. Follow the recommended instructions to avoid this.
- Regular cleaning: Simply wiping down the interior and exterior after each use is a surefire way to avoid stubborn buildups. Using your microwave with splatters inside will only cook the grime onto the walls and plate, making it harder to remove later.
Top Tip: If your microwave emits an unpleasant smell but has no visible buildup or grime, try combining 2 tablespoons of dried coffee grounds with ½ cup of water, mix, and heat in your microwave for 30-45 seconds. Leave it to cool with the door closed. This should neutralize any odours that could otherwise infuse into your food.
These tips should help keep your microwave smelling and looking pristine, ensuring it continues to work as it should. After all, where would we be without our microwaves?