How to clean a microwave using vinegar, lemons, or baking soda

One of the significant advantages of a microwave over a conventional oven is how simple it is to clean, especially if food is covered while cooking. Unfortunately, even the most diligent cooks will occasionally have a disaster, and there will always be casual users who ‘forget’ to place the lid on whatever they are re-heating. All too frequently, the mess is left for someone else to clean up. In a microwave, this isn’t an issue. Discover how to clean a microwave using vinegar, lemons, and baking soda.

How to clean your microwave with vinegar

Add 500ml water to the microwave-safe basin or jug, followed by two teaspoons of white vinegar. Place the microwave-safe dish or jug in the microwave. The liquid will boil after 5 minutes of maximum power in the microwave. After the 5-minute timer has expired, shut the microwave lid for another 3 minutes. Make careful to clean the device dry before using it again to ensure no vinegar residues remain inside your microwave.

Vinegar water is a time-tested, multi-purpose natural cleaning agent that helps to remove tough stains and filth. For a filthy microwave, this is a match made in heaven.

How to clean your microwave with lemons (when you don’t have vinegar)

To begin, fill your microwave-safe container halfway with water. Half a lemon, squeeze the juice into the water, and toss the rinds into the pot. The lemon functions as a natural degreaser due to its high acid content, making your kitchen smell fantastic. Microwave the lemony water for 90 seconds to 2 minutes on high power, or until it boils.

Leave the water to sit in the microwave for 2 to 3 minutes after boiling (with the door closed) to allow steam to collect and spread. When combined with the lemon, this steam will release any stuck-on residue in your microwave, making it simpler to clean with a dish towel or sponge.

Open the microwave (slowly, because there may still be billowing steam), remove the container of lemon water (don’t dump it down the drain just yet!), and wipe down the walls, ceiling, and inside of the microwave door with the dishcloth or sponge.

Here is a video showing the process from start to finish:

How to clean your microwave with baking soda (for heavy grease)

Combine equal parts of baking soda and water in a small bowl. Apply the paste to the filthy regions of your microwave using a clean cloth or sponge. Make careful to explore every corner and cranny!

Allow the paste to work its magic for a few minutes before using. After that, wipe away the baking soda paste with a moist cloth or sponge. If there are any obstinate filth particles, scrape them with a toothbrush or soft-bristled brush.

Clean the interior of your microwave with water to remove any remaining baking soda. Make sure to dry it with a clean towel or cloth thoroughly.

Wipe off the exterior of your microwave with a clean wet cloth once you’ve finished cleaning it to remove any lingering debris, stains, or cleaning residue. Next, use a dry microfiber towel to buff the glass door’s exterior and any bright trim. Then, replace any missing components and turn on your microwave.