Cleaning your microwave is one of those tedious tasks that nobody likes to do. But, to help you maintain the unit, it has to be done regularly and to ensure that your food tastes like food.
Whether you are using a countertop or built-in unit, here are eight different methods that you can use to can completely clean your microwave to stop any damage.
Cleaning
Before you start, make sure your microwave is unplugged from the power cord. This will be a good time to check the placenta for any dirt or damage, that can cause a potential fire. If in good shape, then wipe off the dust and dirt.After this, check inside your microwave oven to determine where the dirtiest areas are. You may also want to find out which parts, if any, are removable. This will allow you to pre-clean the worst parts and will also help in the overall cleaning process.
1. Wet Paper Towels
The quickest way to clean your microwave oven is to put a handful of wet paper towels in and run it for five minutes on high power. The towels will soften and loosen the caked grime. Once the towels are cooled down, they can be used to clean the interior.
2. Baking Soda
To remove the cooked food from the floor of your microwave turntable, make a paste of two parts baking soda in one part water. Apply it to hard grime and let it sit for about five minutes. Wipe baking soda with a wet sponge or cloth and remove any remaining dirt with the paper towel.
3. Water and Vinegar
Fill a microwave container with half a cup of water. Add 4 tablespoons of white vinegar. Microwave at high for five minutes. This process will steam the walls of the microwave and loosen the dry gunk. Remove the glass containers carefully and wipe the sides of the microwave with a clean cloth or a paper towel. Remove the turntable and wash like you would, a dish. You may also use a dishwasher to do it.
4. Vinegar and Baking Soda
Vinegar and baking soda, both are inexpensive, and most people have them at home. Add 4 tablespoons of the baking soda to one quart of warm water. Mash and stir well and make sure the powder is completely dissolved. Dip a cloth or sponge in the mixture and use it to wipe the inside of the microwave.
After this, put equal amount of water and white vinegar in the microwave-safe bowl. Place the bowl in the microwave and run it on high power for three minutes, or until the water is boiling loudly. Keep the microwave door shut for 10 minutes so that steam can run its magic. Open the microwave door and remove the bowls, turntable, and carousel. Soak the removable components in warm, soapy water while you wipe the interior of the microwave with vinegar and water solution. Repeat this until there is no more residue of the baking soda.
5. Lemon Juice
Cut one lemon into half, and place both the cut sides on the microwave plate. Add one tablespoon of water. Microwave for a minute or until the lemon becomes hot and the inside of the oven is filled with steam. Then just wipe the inside with clean paper towels. As a bonus, lemon makes an excellent natural, organic cleaner for disposal of your garbage. All you have to do is to split the parts into small slices and run them through the machine with plenty of water.
6. Dish Soap
Fill a microwave-safe bowl with hot water. Add enough amount of dishwashing soap. Place the bowls in the microwave for one minute, or until they start steaming. Remove the bowl. Wet a sponge and wipe it inside the microwave. Steam will loosen all the dry debris so that you can easily clean your microwave. You can also mix baking soda in the bowl to serve as a deodorizer.
7. Window Cleaner Solution
Take a bowl, mix two parts window cleaner with one part water. A thin slurry is enough to clean the inside and outside of the microwave. Soak a sponge in the mixture and wipe the microwave's interior. Remove the carousel and rub the base of the microwave until all the spots and stains are removed. To eliminate any debris, clean the microwave vent from the inside. Soak stains and spots in the window cleaner solution for five minutes before scrubbing. Be sure to wipe the upper shelf and the roof, because food tends to scatter on the top of the microwave.
After the inner shine, dip a fresh cloth into clean water and wash it again. This is to make ensure that no residue remains in the solution as it contains chemicals. If there are some tough spots, then use a cloth soaked in olive oil to clean them. Let the unit dry out wiping with a clean rag. Smell the inside and see whether you detect the window cleaner smell. If so, then soak a clean cloth in fresh water and wipe it again.
8. Commercial Cleansers
Many types of commercial cleaners can clean any dirt in your microwave, but usually, they produce heavy and often unpleasant smoke in the microwave. Remains of cleaners can cause a strange taste in your food.
If you choose a commercial cleanser, try one that is free of fume and after the cleaning is done, leave the door open for a few hours. Use caution when using any commercial cleaning products inside your microwave. You should never use the pre-soaked scrubbing pad inside your microwave because the loose particles could catch fire and explode.
As the last touch, erase the outermost part of the microwave, starting from the front, sides, back and finish in the front. Dry and replace the turning element and turntable. Plug the microwave back, and it is ready to do its work once again.
The more you use your microwave oven, the more frequent cleaning is required. However, cleaning is an appropriate time, on average, once every few weeks is a good schedule if you want it to look new and smell new.
