Learn 5 Quick and Effective Microwave Cleaning Hacks
Do you use a microwave every day? It's one of the most practical kitchen appliances. If you use it frequently, make sure to clean the device regularly. Dirt is not only unaesthetic, but it also might affect the taste of the meals you reheat. Check how to clean a microwave oven and find the best microwave cleaner. Thanks to it, your device will shine.
Why is it so important to clean a microwave regularly?
Heating meals with a microwave oven is very convenient. Food gets warm and edible in a matter of a few minutes. It’s a perfect option for busy people who don’t have time in their everyday life.
But high temperature makes everything steamy. Grease and steam settle on the walls and make them dirty. Furthermore, if you accidentally overheat a meal, it splatters around or gets spilled on the tray. That’s why it’s essential to clean a microwave regularly.
Dirt accumulated in the device is not just a matter of aesthetics and neatness. It can change the taste of heated meals or give them an entirely different smell - and not a pleasant one. What’s more, certain stains, if left for a long time, are more difficult to remove and might cause discoloration.
Cleaning microwave with vinegar
Homemade microwave cleaners are the most effective - many people agree. Using vinegar is the easiest way, as everyone has it in their kitchen. What’s more, cleaning a microwave with it is not only effective, but also quick and easy.
What to do and how to clean a microwave using this magical ingredient, which is also perfect for washing windows or cleaning an oven? It’s an easy microwave cleaning hack. Just pour some water and vinegar into a small bowl, 1:1. Next, set the device just like when heating up food. A few minutes is just enough for the steam to settle on the microwave’s walls. Then, wipe the insides of the device using a soft cloth - that’s it.
Cleaning a microwave with vinegar offers two important advantages. First, this liquid removes unpleasant smells. What’s more, it has sanitizing properties. Even if there’s a lot of dirt, you can remove the bacteria that has developed on the food leftovers.
Cleaning microwave with lemon
Have you run out of vinegar, and the microwave needs cleaning now? You can use lemon instead. Prepare the following items:
- a small bowl,
- water,
- a lemon, cut in quarters,
- a soft cloth.
Fill 3/4 of the bowl with water, add the lemon pieces and put the bowl in the microwave. Heat up the device - 3-4 minutes are enough. The water with lemons will evaporate and dissolve the dirt on the microwave walls. As the last step, wipe the inside of the device with a soft cloth.
If there’s a lot of grease inside the microwave, you can squeeze a few drops of dish soap onto the cloth. Make sure to rinse it with clean water afterwards and wipe the microwave one more time.
Cleaning microwave with baking soda
Baking soda is an invaluable help in every house. Thanks to it, you can clean silver items and wash curtains effectively. As it turns out, that’s not all! It’s also a proven method for cleaning a microwave oven, tested by many people.
Soda makes a perfect microwave cleaning hack, especially if the device hasn’t been washed in a long time. Perhaps you used the equipment a long time ago, then forgot about it, and now you need to use it again. If so, it’s an excellent method for you.
You can use a small bowl or a mug - a capacity of 250 ml is ideal. Pour 3-4 tablespoons of baking soda into it, fill it up with water and stir thoroughly. Put the dish in the microwave and turn on the heating.
- If the stains are minor, 3 minutes are enough.
- If the dirt is more extensive - set the heating for about 5 minutes.
When the device finishes its run, take a soft cloth and wipe each wall thoroughly. The whole dirt should come off and remain on the cloth.
How to clean a microwave with a toothbrush
Cleaning a microwave every day is not all - especially if you use the device regularly. In this case, you should perform a thorough cleaning at least once a month. Cleaning the plate and the elements below it is very important, in addition to the mentioned methods. That’s where food particles get trapped. You can remove them using a small brush - a toothbrush is perfect for this purpose.
Take care of the vent holes in your microwave from time to time. Depending on the model you own - they are located either in the upper part or on the side of the device. Remove the cover and use a toothbrush to remove the dust and dirt.
Cleaning microwave with store-bought products
Have you postponed cleaning your microwave, and the stains won’t come off despite using all the mentioned methods? Perhaps you’ve noticed ugly discoloration inside the device? Store-bought chemical products might be your last resort.
Make sure to pick products according to their intended use. There are many liquids, creams and other substances designed specifically for microwave ovens.
Avoid random all-purpose cleaners of so-called universal use. They may contain abrasive particles which could scratch the device.
📍 How to clean a microwave using home remedies?
Homemade cleaners are typically the best methods for cleaning a microwave. Using water and vinegar or baking soda is a good solution. Water with lemon is a great microwave cleaner as well.
📍 Is it difficult to clean a microwave oven?
Cleaning a microwave is easy - provided that you do it regularly. If the stains are minor, water with vinegar or lemon will help. For more extensive dirt, use store-bought chemicals.
📍 How to clean a microwave quickly?
For the fastest microwave cleaning hack, mix vinegar and water 1:1 in a bowl. Put it in the microwave and turn it on. Lastly, wipe the insides of the device using a soft cloth.
📍 What are the dangers of cleaning a microwave?
There are no major risks when cleaning a microwave. But you have to be careful when using store-bought chemicals. Make sure to pick the ones designed specifically for microwave ovens, without abrasive particles.
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