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The key to keeping a clean microwave is regular maintenance — ideally every few days. There is no need to use fancy cleaning products because you can find all the supplies you’ll be needing to clean a microwave right at home.
- Water
- Soft sponge and brush
- Oven mittens
- Eco-friendly liquid detergent
- White or apple cider vinegar
- Lemons
- Baking soda
- Clean rags or paper towels
- Microwave-safe bowl
Precautions
There are necessary precautions for you to follow to keep yourself safe from injuries.
- Unplug the microwave before cleaning
- After heating a solution in a bowl, wear oven mittens as you take them out to avoid burning yourself.
- Wear gloves while cleaning
- Avoid using bleach as it may weaken the plastic interior and damage the microwave.
- Read your manufacturer’s manual beforehand for anything you need to know about how to clean your microwave.
Cleaning inside the Microwave
A frequent occurrence when using a microwave regularly is a mixture of smells and splatters left inside. Tackle your rough-looking (or rough-smelling) microwave before it gets worse.
- Make a mixture, including a cup of water and a few tablespoons of white or apple cider vinegar, into a microwave-safe bowl.
- Squeezed juices of lemon, lime, or orange slices will also work well.
- Place it inside and turn on high for several minutes until the mixture boils.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before opening the door.
You can also remove dried-on food, especially ones stuck to the turntable, by placing the turntable in the dishwasher or washing it by hand.
Greasy Microwave Doors
Remove grease and smudges from your microwave’s exterior with the steps below:
- Dampen a sponge with water and dipped in a little baking soda.
- Clean the entire door — edges, both sides. Wipe with a damp cloth or sponge to rinse.
- For extremely greasy windows, mix 50/50 vinegar and water. Rise and wipe dry.
Eliminate All Pungent Odors
It’s not just about your microwave’s visuals. Pungent odors may even affect the food you’ll be cooking or heating up in the future.
Air out the microwave by leaving the door open or place a bowl of baking soda inside with the door closed to absorb smells.
For more pungent odors, place an odor-absorbing gel inside until you rerun the microwave.
Maintenance Suggestions for Future Microwave Usage
- Cover the food you cook or heat to avoid spillage and splattering. It also eliminates the chances of oil grease forming on the walls of your microwave.
- Adjust your microwave’s heat settings to foods that are prone to splattering or boiling over, such as cheese, milk, curries, and more.
- Regularly wipe the microwave’s insides with a paper towel after heating food up to avoid grease build-up.
Hire Experts
Over time, if your microwave has accumulated grime and dirt due to excess usage, it can be challenging to clean. Even after you do your best, it can remain dirty. If you have no time to tackle this problem, then it is time for you to hire professional house cleaning services. Urban Care, with our branch in Christchurch, will surely be your new favorite cleaning service.
Julie is a passionate writer a mother of three kids and a dedicated cleaning enthusiast, eager to share valuable insights and practical tips on maintaining a clean and organized home. With a deep understanding of the challenges of maintaining a tidy living space, Julie has spent years honing its expertise in cleaning methods, organizing techniques, and sustainable practices.