The microwave is one of the most frequently used appliances in any kitchen, but it’s also one of the easiest to neglect when it comes to cleaning. Splattered food, lingering odors, and sticky residue can quickly turn your convenient appliance into an unhygienic mess. Fortunately, cleaning a microwave doesn’t have to be a chore. With a few simple, easy, and streak-free methods, you can have your microwave sparkling in no time. Asubra Cleaning shares a step-by-step guide to effortlessly keep your microwave pristine.
Why regular microwave cleaning matters
Beyond aesthetics, a clean microwave is essential for hygiene, efficiency, and safety.
- Eliminates Odors: Lingering food particles and splatters can create unpleasant smells that transfer to your next meal. Regular cleaning neutralizes these odors.
- Prevents Bacteria Growth: Food residue, especially if left for long, can become a breeding ground for bacteria and mold, posing health risks.
- Improves Efficiency: While not as direct as a dirty oven, extreme buildup can sometimes affect heating efficiency, and a clean interior allows microwave energy to distribute more effectively.
- Avoids Fire Hazards: Heavily crusted, carbonized food bits can potentially smoke or even ignite during heating, especially if left uncleaned for extended periods.
- Extends Appliance Lifespan: Regular maintenance prevents stubborn buildup that could degrade interior surfaces over time.
- Better-Tasting Food: A clean microwave ensures your food heats evenly and tastes as it should, without absorbing unwanted odors or flavors.
Steam-clean with lemon or vinegar
This is the easiest and most effective first step for loosening dried-on food.
- Prepare the Solution:
- Lemon Method: Fill a microwave-safe bowl (at least 1-cup capacity) with 1 cup of water. Slice a lemon in half and squeeze its juice into the water, then drop the lemon halves into the bowl.
- Vinegar Method: Alternatively, use 1 cup of water mixed with 2 tablespoons of white vinegar.
- Microwave: Place the bowl in the microwave and heat on high power for 3-5 minutes, or until the water comes to a rolling boil and the window is steamy.
- Let it Sit: Do not open the microwave door immediately. Let the bowl sit inside with the door closed for another 5-10 minutes. This allows the steam to fully condense and loosen all the dried-on food particles, making them easy to wipe away.
- Remove Bowl & Turntable: Carefully remove the hot bowl (use oven mitts!). Also, remove the glass turntable for separate cleaning.
- Wipe Down: Use a clean, damp cloth or sponge to wipe down the inside of the microwave. You’ll be amazed at how easily the splatters and grime come off. Work from top to bottom.
Removing grease & food splatter
Once loosened by steam, tackling residual grease and tough splatters is straightforward.
- Use a Damp Cloth/Sponge: After the steam treatment, most splatters will wipe away easily with a clean, damp cloth or sponge.
- For Stubborn Spots: For any remaining stubborn grease spots or crusted-on food:
- Apply a small amount of liquid dish soap directly to the damp cloth or sponge.
- Gently scrub the affected area. Dish soap is excellent at cutting through grease.
- For extremely tough, carbonized spots, a paste of baking soda and a little water can be gently rubbed on. Let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub and wipe. Avoid abrasive scrubbers on the interior to prevent scratching the finish.
- Wipe Clean: Rinse your cloth frequently and continue wiping until all food residue and soap suds are gone.
- Address Odors: If a lingering odor persists, wipe the interior with a cloth dampened with plain white vinegar, then let it air dry. You can also leave an open bowl of baking soda or coffee grounds inside overnight to absorb odors.
Cleaning the turntable & exterior
Don’t forget the parts that complete the clean look.
Turntable
- Remove: Take out the glass turntable and the roller ring underneath it.
- Wash: Wash the glass turntable in the sink with warm, soapy water, just like you would a plate. For stubborn spots, use a non-abrasive scrubber.
- Clean Roller Ring & Cavity: Wipe down the roller ring and the recessed area in the microwave base where it sits. Food often falls into this track.
- Dry & Replace: Dry all parts thoroughly and place them back in the microwave.
Exterior
- Wipe Down: Use a multi-surface cleaner or warm, soapy water on a clean cloth to wipe down the entire exterior of the microwave, including the top, sides, and front panel.
- Door and Handle: Pay special attention to the door and handle, which are touched frequently. Clean the area around the control panel, but avoid spraying directly into the controls or vents.
- Streak-Free Finish: For a streak-free shine on stainless steel or glossy finishes, follow up with a dry microfiber cloth, or a stainless steel cleaner if applicable.
Best products & common mistakes to avoid
Choosing the right products and avoiding pitfalls ensures a safe and effective clean.
- Best Products:
- Lemon/White Vinegar: Excellent natural degreasers and deodorizers for steam cleaning.
- Liquid Dish Soap: Highly effective for cutting grease and food splatters.
- Baking Soda: Great for gentle abrasion on stubborn spots and for absorbing odors.
- Microfiber Cloths: Ideal for streak-free wiping and polishing.
- Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Using Harsh Abrasives: Avoid steel wool, abrasive scrubbers, or harsh scouring powders, which can scratch the interior coating of the microwave, damaging it and potentially leading to sparks.
- Spraying Directly into Vents/Controls: Never spray cleaning solutions directly into the microwave’s vents, control panel, or any openings. Spray onto a cloth first, then wipe.
- Forgetting the Gasket: Don’t neglect the rubber seal/gasket around the microwave door; food bits and grime can accumulate there. Wipe it down.
- Over-Saturating: Don’t let water pool inside the microwave, especially around the base or control panel, as it can damage electrical components.
- Not Drying Thoroughly: Always ensure the microwave interior is completely dry after cleaning to prevent mold and mildew growth.
Pro tips for commercial use
For businesses with high-volume microwave use (e.g., offices, break rooms, small cafes), maintenance needs are amplified.
- Daily Wipe-Down: Implement a strict daily routine for wiping down the interior and exterior with a damp cloth, especially at the end of the day.
- Weekly Deep Clean: Schedule a full steam-clean (lemon/vinegar method) at least once a week, or more frequently depending on usage.
- Dedicated Cleaning Supplies: Keep a dedicated set of microwave-safe cleaning supplies (bowl, lemon/vinegar, dish soap, microfiber cloths) specifically for the microwave to encourage consistent cleaning.
- Signage: Post clear instructions for users to cover food and wipe up spills immediately.
- Regular Inspection: Periodically check for any persistent odors or signs of heavy buildup that might require a more aggressive cleaning or professional intervention.
- Professional Cleaning Services: For commercial settings, consider regular professional cleaning services. They have the expertise and tools to maintain hygiene standards efficiently.
By incorporating these easy and effective cleaning methods into your routine, your microwave will remain a clean, odor-free, and efficient kitchen workhorse.
Tired of tackling kitchen grime yourself? Asubra Cleaning offers comprehensive kitchen cleaning services, including meticulous appliance care, to ensure your entire kitchen, from microwave to floor, sparkles. Contact us today for a free estimate and experience the difference professional cleaning can make!