How to Clean a Microwave?

Your microwave is one of the hardest-working appliances in your kitchen. It heats leftovers, thaws ingredients, and pops popcorn, but it also ends up as a battleground for splatters and spills. Over time, these messes become caked on, difficult to remove, and can even start to smell. A quick wipe isn't enough to get rid of the stubborn grime.

This guide will show you simple, highly effective methods to deep-clean your microwave, deodorize it, and keep it sparkling for everyday use.

Why Microwaves Get Dirty Quickly

Microwaves are designed to cook food fast, but this process creates an environment ripe for messes.

Food splatters and steam

When food heats up, the steam and bubbling action can cause sauces and other liquids to erupt, leaving splatters all over the interior walls and ceiling. The high temperatures bake these splatters on, making them tough to remove with just a sponge.

Odor buildup over time

Microwaves are enclosed spaces, which means every strong-smelling food you heat—from leftover fish to burnt popcorn—leaves behind a lingering odor. These smells get trapped and can transfer to other foods, making your next meal smell and taste less than fresh.

Cleaning Methods That Work

The key to cleaning a microwave is to soften the caked-on grime with steam, so it wipes away easily without harsh scrubbing.

Soap and warm water wipe-down

For light, everyday messes, a simple manual wipe is all you need.

• Mix 1 teaspoon of mild liquid dish soap with a bowl of warm water.

• Dampen a clean microfiber cloth with the soapy water.

• Wipe down all the interior surfaces, including the ceiling and the turntable.

• Rinse the cloth with plain water and wipe again to remove any soap residue.

Vinegar steam method

This is the most popular and effective method for tackling tough, caked-on messes. The steam from the vinegar solution works to loosen grime, while the vinegar itself helps to disinfect and cut through grease.

• You'll need: A microwave-safe bowl, 1 cup of water, and 1/2 cup of white vinegar.

• Step 1: Combine the water and vinegar in the bowl and place it in the center of the microwave.

• Step 2: Heat the bowl on high for 5 minutes, or until the liquid comes to a rolling boil and the window is steamed up.

• Step 3: Leave the door closed for another 5 minutes to let the steam penetrate the grime.

• Step 4: Carefully remove the hot bowl. Wipe the inside of the microwave with a microfiber cloth. The splatters should now be soft and easy to wipe away.

Baking soda paste for tough stains

For particularly stubborn, hard-to-remove stains or baked-on spots, a baking soda paste is a safe and effective solution. Baking soda is a gentle abrasive that won't scratch the interior.

• Mix a small amount of baking soda with water to create a thick paste.

• Apply the paste directly to the tough stains.

• Let it sit for a few minutes.

• Gently scrub with a soft sponge or cloth. The paste will help lift the stain without damaging the surface.

Deodorizing Your Microwave

A clean microwave should smell clean, too. If you’ve got lingering odors, try one of these methods.

Lemon water steam

For a fresh, citrus scent, use lemon instead of vinegar in the steam method. The lemon’s natural acid and fragrance will neutralize smells and leave your microwave smelling great.

• Squeeze the juice of one lemon into a microwave-safe bowl with 1 cup of water.

• Microwave on high for 5 minutes, then let the steam sit with the door closed for another 5 minutes.

• Wipe clean and enjoy the fresh scent.

Charcoal or baking soda bowls

For persistent odors, place a bowl of baking soda or activated charcoal inside your microwave overnight. Both are natural odor absorbers that will trap and neutralize stale smells without any effort.

Maintenance Tips

A little prevention goes a long way.

Covering food to prevent splatters

The simplest way to keep your microwave clean is to prevent messes from happening in the first place. Use a microwave-safe lid or a paper towel to cover food before heating. This simple habit will save you from constant cleaning.

Weekly quick cleanups

Even with covers, small spills are inevitable. Make it a habit to wipe down your microwave weekly with a damp cloth. This stops grime from building up and becoming a major cleaning project later.

FAQs

Can I use bleach in a microwave?

Absolutely not. You should never use bleach or other harsh chemicals like ammonia, oven cleaners, or abrasive powders inside a microwave. The fumes can be harmful, and these chemicals can damage the plastic and metal components inside the appliance. Stick to safe, gentle cleaners like vinegar, baking soda, and mild soap.

What’s the safest way to clean vents?

Most microwaves have vents located on the top or side. To clean them, simply wipe them down with a damp cloth to remove dust and grease. Avoid spraying any liquid directly into the vents. If a vent screen is removable, you can clean it in warm, soapy water.

Need more than just a quick cleanup? Contact the experts at Sparkling Elite Cleaners today for a free estimate on our professional cleaning services!