A microwave is one of the most frequently used appliances in any kitchen. Whether you’re heating up leftovers, making a quick snack, or defrosting food, the microwave can handle it all. However, with all that usage comes inevitable spills, splatters, and smells. Cleaning your microwave may seem like a chore, but with the right approach, it can be quick and straightforward. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the tools and materials you’ll need, a step-by-step cleaning process, and some handy tips to maintain its cleanliness.
Why Cleaning Your Microwave is Important
Before diving into the how, let’s quickly explore why cleaning your microwave is essential. First, leftover food particles can harbour bacteria, which could lead to unpleasant odours and potentially affect the quality of the food you heat up. Second, spills and grease buildup can reduce the efficiency of the microwave, potentially leading to damage over time. Lastly, a clean microwave simply looks better and contributes to a more hygienic kitchen environment.
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Tools and Materials You’ll Need
Fortunately, cleaning a microwave doesn’t require any fancy gadgets or harsh chemicals. Most of the materials you need are likely already in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Water – for steam cleaning and wiping down surfaces.
- Vinegar or lemon – both are natural cleaners that help break down grime and eliminate odours.
- Baking soda – great for tackling stubborn stains.
- Microfibre cloth or sponge – soft and absorbent for cleaning without scratching.
- A microwave-safe bowl or mug – used to steam clean the interior.
- Dish soap – for grease and grime removal.
- Paper towels or dry cloths – for drying the interior and exterior surfaces.
Now that you have your supplies ready, let’s get started on the cleaning process.
Step-by-Step Process for Cleaning a Microwave
Step 1: Remove Any Loose Debris
The first thing you want to do is remove any loose crumbs or food particles from inside the microwave. You can use a dry paper towel or cloth to sweep out any debris, or simply tip the microwave over the bin to shake it out. Be sure to remove the glass turntable and give it a good wash in warm soapy water, just as you would a regular dish.
Step 2: Prepare for Steam Cleaning
To loosen up the grime and splatters inside the microwave, you can use the power of steam. There are two popular methods for this: using vinegar or lemon.
Vinegar Method
- Fill a microwave-safe bowl with a cup of water.
- Add two tablespoons of white vinegar to the water.
- Place the bowl in the microwave and heat it on high for 5 minutes.
Lemon Method
- Fill a bowl that is safe to be used in a microwave with water and cut a lemon in half.
- Squeeze the juice into the water and drop the lemon halves in the bowl.
- Heat for 5 minutes, just as with the vinegar method.
Vinegar is helpful for neutralising odours, while lemon leaves a fresh citrus scent.
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Step 3: Wipe Down the Interior
Once the microwave has steamed up, leave the door closed for a few extra minutes to let the steam continue loosening the grime. After that, carefully remove the bowl or mug – it will be hot, so use oven gloves or a towel.
Using your microfibre cloth or sponge, wipe down the inside of the microwave, focusing on the ceiling, walls, and door. If necessary, dip the cloth in the remaining water and vinegar (or lemon) solution to remove stubborn spots. Be sure to clean the door’s interior as well, as grease and grime tend to accumulate around the seals.
Step 4: Tackle Stubborn Stains
For particularly stubborn stains or burnt-on food, you can make a paste using baking soda and water. Simply mix a tablespoon of baking soda with enough water to form a paste and apply it directly to the stain. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, then scrub gently with a sponge or cloth. Wipe away the residue with a damp cloth and dry the area with a paper towel.
Step 5: Clean the Exterior
Once the inside is clean, don’t forget the outside! The control panel, door handle, and exterior surfaces can accumulate fingerprints, dust, and grease over time. Use a slightly damp cloth with a drop of dish soap to wipe down these areas. Avoid getting too much water near the control panel to prevent damage. For any streaks on the microwave door, use a glass cleaner or a water-vinegar solution for a streak-free shine.
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Step 6: Reassemble
After the interior and exterior are spotless, ensure that everything is dry before reassembling. Place the clean turntable back in its position. Your microwave should now be sparkling clean and ready for use!
How to Maintain a Clean Microwave
Cleaning the microwave doesn’t need to be a weekly chore if you follow a few simple steps to maintain its cleanliness. Here are some tips to keep your microwave looking and smelling fresh for longer:
1. Cover Your Food
One of the easiest ways to prevent messes in the microwave is by covering your food. You can use a microwave-safe cover, a plate, or even a piece of kitchen paper to catch splatters. This simple step can save you a lot of cleaning time later on.
2. Wipe Spills Immediately
If something does spill or splatter inside the microwave, wipe it up as soon as possible. The longer spills are left to sit, the harder they become to remove. Keep a damp cloth or sponge nearby to handle any messes as soon as they happen.
3. Regular Deodorising
To keep your microwave smelling fresh, try placing a bowl of water with a few slices of lemon or a couple of tablespoons of baking soda inside. Heat for 2-3 minutes every couple of weeks to neutralise odours and keep your microwave smelling fresh.
4. Avoid Harsh Chemicals
It’s always best to avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials when cleaning your microwave. Not only can these damage the surfaces, but they could also leave behind residues that might be harmful when heated. Stick to natural cleaners like vinegar, lemon, and baking soda for effective, non-toxic cleaning.
5. Clean the Turntable Regularly
The glass turntable tends to accumulate spills and food particles. Cleaning it regularly, along with the microwave’s interior, helps maintain overall cleanliness and prevents any build-up of food that can get reheated and baked onto the surface.
Conclusion
With the simple tools and materials already in your home, you can easily remove grime, eliminate odours, and keep your microwave in top shape. By following the steps outlined above and adopting a few preventive measures, you’ll not only keep your microwave spotless but also ensure it continues working efficiently for years to come. Alternatively, you can always seek the expertise of a reputable appliance cleaning company to help you clean your microwave. So the next time your microwave gets a little dirty, you’ll be ready to tackle it with ease!