Microwaves can be a real pain in the neck when it comes to spills and splatters. And if you don’t keep on top of cleaning, it can lead to a real stench and even attract pests. But let’s face it, who wants to use harsh chemicals to clean? A simple mix of vinegar and water can work wonders. Just chuck equal parts in a microwave-safe bowl and zap it for 5 minutes. Then use a sponge or cloth to wipe down the inside, including the turntable. The steam from the boiling vinegar will soften any caked-on grime and the acidity will kill germs. If you want to go the extra mile, add a lemon to the mix. It’ll give it a nice citrusy scent and will also help to eliminate any bad odors.
How to Naturally Clean a Microwave Like a Pro
Using natural cleaning supplies to clean a microwave is not only better for the environment, but it’s also better for your health. Chemical-based cleaners can emit harmful fumes and leave behind residue that can be dangerous to ingest. In contrast, natural cleaning supplies such as vinegar and lemons are non-toxic and safe to use.
Here are a few natural cleaning supplies that you can use to clean your microwave:
- Vinegar
- Lemon
- Baking soda
- Water
- Soft Sponge or Cloth
How Do I Naturally Clean My Microwave with Vinegar?
To clean your microwave using natural cleaning supplies, you will need a microwave-safe bowl, water, and white vinegar. Start by mixing 2 parts water and 1 part vinegar in the bowl. Place the bowl in the microwave and set the cook time to 5 minutes. This will allow the water and vinegar to boil, which will help to loosen any stuck-on grime and debris inside the microwave.
When the 5 minutes are up, be cautious when removing the bowl as it will be hot. Take the turntable out of the microwave. Using a sponge, wipe down the inside of the microwave, starting from the top and working your way down. Wipe off anything that doesn’t come off easily with the sponge using your hands or onto the counter below and into the trash. Clean the turntable in the sink, using the sponge to scrub any hard-to-remove stains. Rinse everything well with water and wipe dry before replacing the turntable back into the microwave.
Remove Odors in Your Microwave With Lemons
If your microwave has strong and persistent odors after cooking strong-smelling foods like fish or after accidentally burning popcorn, lemon can be a great natural solution to neutralize those odors. To use a lemon to remove odors, cut a lemon in half and place it face down on a microwave-safe plate.
Add a tablespoon of water to the plate, and then put the plate in the microwave. Heat the lemon and water for 1 minute or until the microwave is filled with steam. If the odor is particularly strong, you can leave the lemon in the microwave for a few minutes before removing it. Once the lemon is done steaming, wipe down the inside of the microwave with a dry cloth or paper towel. This will help to remove any lingering odors and leave your microwave smelling fresh and clean.
Tricks For Keeping your Microwave Clean
- Clean spills and splatters immediately: The longer food sits in the microwave, the harder it will be to clean. Wipe up spills and splatters as soon as they happen.
- Use a microwave-safe cover: Use a microwave-safe cover or lid when cooking to prevent spills and splatters.
- Clean the turntable: The turntable can be a breeding ground for bacteria, so be sure to remove it and wash it regularly.
- Use baking soda to remove tough stains: Mix baking soda with water to make a paste, and use it to scrub tough stains.
- Clean it regularly: Make it a habit to clean your microwave regularly, at least once a week, to keep it in top working condition and prevent bad odors.
If you have questions or notice your microwave isn’t working like it should call the microwave repair experts at Maughanster Appliance Repair.
