How to Clean Your Microwave: A Step-by-Step Guide

The microwave is one of the most used—and often most neglected—appliances in the kitchen. From heating up leftovers to cooking quick meals, it gets a lot of use, and over time, it can accumulate splatters, spills, and stubborn grime. A dirty microwave not only looks unsightly but can also affect the taste of your food and even pose health risks due to the build-up of bacteria and food particles. But don’t worry—cleaning your microwave is easier than you might think! Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean your microwave. 

Why Should You Clean Your Microwave Regularly? 

While cleaning the microwave isn’t anyone’s idea of a fun Saturday night, it’s still important. The microwave is often forgotten when we’re tidying up the kitchen because with the door closed it can be easy to miss that splatter of gravy that is drying on the walls inside.  Regularly cleaning the microwave can prevent odours, some of those food spills and splatters can start to smell over time. It’s also safer to keep your microwave clean, leftover food particles can harbour bacteria and when heated up these could transfer to your food and contaminate it. Keeping your microwave clean prevents rust and damage, effectively extending the life of the appliance.  

Here’s What You’ll Need to Clean Your Microwave 

– A microwave-safe bowl or cup 

– Water 

– White vinegar or lemon juice 

– Dish soap 

– A sponge or microfibre cloth 

– A soft-bristle toothbrush or scrub brush 

– Paper towels or dry microfibre cloths 

Prepare a Steam Cleaning Solution 

Steam cleaning is a simple and effective way to loosen grime inside your microwave without the need for harsh scrubbing. You can use either white vinegar or lemon juice for this step. 

Using Vinegar: 

– Fill a microwave-safe bowl or coffee mug with water. 

– Add two tablespoons of white vinegar to the water. 

Using Lemon Juice: 

– Fill a microwave-safe bowl or a coffee mug with water. 

– Squeeze the juice of one lemon into the water and drop the lemon halves into the bowl or mug as well. 

Both vinegar and lemon juice are natural cleaners that help break down grease and eliminate odours. 

Steam the Microwave 

Place your bowl or mug of vinegar-water or lemon-water mixture in the microwave and heat it on high for 3 minutes. This will allow the solution to boil and produce steam, which helps loosen food splatters and grime from the interior walls and ceiling of the microwave. 

After the 3 minutes are up, leave the microwave door closed for another minute. The steam will continue working its magic, softening any hardened food particles before carefully removing the mug.  

Wipe Down the Interior 

Carefully open the microwave door—be cautious, as the bowl will still be hot. Remove the microwave’s turntable (the glass plate or tray at the bottom) and set it aside. If your microwave has a plastic ring that the turntable sits on, remove that as well. 

 Using a sponge or microfibre cloth, wipe down the interior walls, ceiling, and floor of the microwave. The steam will loosen any stuck-on grime, making it easy to wipe away. 

For stubborn stains: If there are still some spots that aren’t coming off easily, dip your sponge in the remaining vinegar or lemon solution and scrub the area gently. You can also use a soft-bristle toothbrush to get into corners or around the door seal. 

 Make sure to clean the inside of the microwave door as well. This area often gets covered in food splatters, which can block your view of the food cooking inside. 

Clean the Turntable 

Wash the turntable and the plastic ring with warm, soapy water just like you would wash a dish. If it’s especially greasy or has stuck-on food, let it soak for a few minutes before scrubbing it with a sponge or dish brush. Once clean, rinse it thoroughly and leave it to dry. 

Clean the Exterior 

Once the inside of your microwave is clean, it’s time to give the outside some attention. Use a damp cloth or sponge with a bit of dish soap to wipe down the exterior, focusing on the handle, buttons, and door frame. These areas can get grimy with frequent use, especially if you open the microwave with food-covered hands. 

– For digital displays and buttons: Be gentle and avoid getting water inside any openings. You can lightly dampen a microfibre cloth and wipe down these areas to avoid damaging the electronics.  

How Often Should You Clean Your Microwave? 

– Daily: Wipe up any spills or splatters immediately to prevent them from hardening. A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth after every use can help keep your microwave clean for longer. 

– Weekly: Deep clean your microwave using the steam method outlined above. This will prevent grease, grime, and odors from building up. 

Tips for Keeping Your Microwave Clean Longer 

Cover your food: Use a microwave-safe cover over your food while heating. This helps prevent splatters from landing on the walls and ceiling. 

Clean spills right away: Don’t wait until later to clean up spills. Wipe them up as soon as they happen to prevent them from hardening. 

Use a bowl of water to steam regularly: Even if your microwave doesn’t look dirty, steaming it once a week can prevent grime from building up and make deep cleaning easier. 

 Final Thoughts 

Cleaning your microwave doesn’t have to be a dreaded chore. With the right tools and techniques, it’s a quick and easy process that will leave your appliance looking and smelling fresh. By regularly maintaining your microwave, you can ensure it operates efficiently, lasts longer, and heats your food evenly every time. 

Whether you’re dealing with stubborn grease, hardened food particles, or just want to keep your microwave in tip-top shape, following this step-by-step guide will help you get the job done in no time. A clean microwave is not only more pleasant to use but also safer and more hygienic for your household. 

And remember, if you’re ever too busy to tackle the task yourself, consider reaching out to a professional cleaning service like Absolute Domestics. Our trained and police-checked cleaners can help keep your entire kitchen—microwave included—spotless!