Microwaves are a kitchen essential, making it easy to heat meals in minutes. But how often do you clean this workhorse of convenience? Regular microwave cleaning is crucial to maintain hygiene, prevent odors, and ensure its longevity. This guide will walk you through how to clean a microwave with an easy cleaning schedule.
We will also cover tips for tackling tough stains, and practical steps to keep your microwave spotless and functioning at its best.
Table of Contents
Why Do You Need to Clean the Microwave?
A microwave is a household appliance that uses electromagnetic waves to heat and cook food quickly. It works by producing microwaves that cause water molecules in food to vibrate, generating heat. Microwaves are versatile and essential for reheating leftovers, defrosting frozen items, or even cooking full meals.
However, their frequent use makes them prone to messes and residue buildup, necessitating regular cleaning. Cleaning your microwave is essential for hygiene, functionality, and safety.
Accumulated food particles and grease can harbor bacteria and unpleasant odors, affect cooking performance, and even pose a fire hazard.
A clean microwave ensures even heating, extends its lifespan, and keeps your kitchen environment fresh and inviting.
Steps to Take Before You Start to Clean the Microwave
- Unplug the Microwave: Ensure safety by disconnecting it from the power source.
- Empty the Microwave: Remove the turntable, roller ring, and any loose debris inside.
- Gather Cleaning Supplies: Assemble all necessary items, such as vinegar, lemon, sponge, and bowl.
- Check for Visible Dirt: Identify areas with tough stains or heavy residue to focus on during cleaning.
- Test Cleaning Solutions: If using a new cleaner, test it on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure it won’t damage the surface.
These steps will set the stage for an efficient and thorough microwave cleaning process!
Related Read:
Top 20 Must-Have Kitchen Gadgets for Beginners
How to Clean the Microwave?
Surprisingly, the dirtiest areas include the interior walls, door handles, and under the turntable, which can harbor germs and grease. Stubborn stains, like splattered sauces or baked-on cheese, require a bit of elbow grease but are manageable with the right techniques. Cleaning your microwave doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Follow these steps:
- Gather Your Supplies: You’ll need a microwave-safe bowl, water, white vinegar or lemon juice, a soft cloth, and a sponge.
- Steam Clean: Place a bowl of water inside the microwave and heat it until it steams. Then, wipe away the loosened grime with a cloth.
- Wipe Down the Interior: Use a sponge or cloth to wipe the softened residue from the walls, ceiling, and turntable.
- Clean the Turntable: Remove the turntable and wash it with warm soapy water, then dry it thoroughly.
- Focus on the Door and Seals: Wipe the door and seals with a damp cloth to remove grease and crumbs.
- Polish the Exterior: Clean the handle and control panel using a soft cloth dampened with a gentle cleaning solution.
- Dry and Reassemble: Ensure everything is dry before reassembling the microwave.
What is Steam Cleaning? Fill a microwave-safe bowl with a mixture of water and either vinegar (1:1 ratio) or lemon slices. Microwave it on high for 5–10 minutes. The steam will loosen grime, making it easier to wipe away.
Things Required to Clean a Microwave
The table below outlines all the essential items required for cleaning a microwave:
| Item | Purpose | Stains/Residue Removed |
| Water and Vinegar | Steam cleaning to loosen grime | Grease, food splatters, dried stains |
| Lemon or Lemon Juice | Natural cleaner and deodorizer | Grease, light stains, bad odors |
| Baking Soda | Gentle abrasive for scrubbing | Tough, baked-on stains, and burnt residue |
| Mild Dish Soap | Cleaning surfaces effectively | General grease, light food residues |
| Sponge or Soft Cloth | Wiping and scrubbing | Residue and dirt from all surfaces |
| Microfiber Towel | Drying and polishing | Removes moisture, avoids streaks |
| Toothbrush or Small Brush | Reaching tight spaces like seals | Crumbs, grease from corners and crevices |
| Microwave-Safe Bowl | Containing liquids for steam cleaning | Used for holding cleaning mixtures |
Cleaning Schedule
A consistent cleaning schedule ensures your microwave remains hygienic, odor-free, and in optimal working condition.
1. Daily Cleaning
Frequent use leads to splatters, crumbs, and residue. If left unattended, these can harden, become more difficult to remove, and cause unpleasant odors. Cleaning daily minimizes bacterial growth and keeps your microwave ready for use.
How to clean?
- After each use, check for spills or splatters.
- Use a damp cloth or paper towel to wipe the interior walls, ceiling, and door.
- For fresh stains, dampen the cloth with warm soapy water for better results.
- Always dry the surfaces with a clean, dry towel to prevent moisture buildup.
When to clean?
- Immediately after cooking or reheating food that splatters or spills. A quick wipe-down should take no more than 2–3 minutes.
2. Weekly Cleaning
Over a week, even small spills and grease deposits can build up. Regular weekly cleaning prevents the accumulation of grime and avoids the need for intensive scrubbing later.
How to clean?
- Remove the turntable and wash it with warm soapy water; let it air dry or wipe it with a clean towel.
- Wipe the interior walls, ceiling, and door with a sponge or microfiber cloth dampened with a mild cleaning solution.
- Check and clean the door seals using a toothbrush or soft cloth to remove trapped crumbs and grease.
- Clean the exterior, including the handle and control panel, with a disinfectant or glass cleaner (if applicable).
When to clean ?
- Set aside 10–15 minutes once a week, ideally at the end of your meal prep day, to clean the microwave thoroughly.
Related Read: Know about different Microwave oven Types
3. Monthly Deep Cleaning
A monthly deep clean is essential to eliminate lingering odors, hardened stains, and grease buildup that daily or weekly cleaning might miss. This also ensures the appliance remains in good working order and prevents malfunctions caused by residue.
How to clean?
- Steam Clean the microwave for 5-10 minutes.
- Wipe the interior thoroughly with a soft cloth or sponge. Pay attention to corners and edges where grease might hide.
- Use a baking soda paste (made with water) to scrub stubborn stains gently without damaging the surface.
- Check the vents and clean them with a small brush to ensure they are free of dust and grease.
- Clean the exterior surfaces, focusing on the door handle and buttons, using a disinfectant or glass cleaner.
When to clean?
- Dedicate 30–40 minutes once a month to deep-cleaning your microwave, ideally on the same day as other major kitchen appliance cleanings.
4. As Needed Cleaning
Spills or splatters from certain foods, such as tomato sauce or greasy dishes, can harden quickly and become more challenging to clean. Prompt cleaning prevents long-term staining and odors.
How to clean?
- Address spills immediately by wiping them with a damp cloth or sponge.
- For hardened spots, use a warm, damp cloth and let it sit on the stain for a few minutes to soften it.
- Scrub gently with a non-abrasive sponge or baking soda paste.
When to clean?
- Clean spills and messes as soon as they occur. Tackling them immediately reduces cleaning time and effort later.
Benefits of a Regular Cleaning Schedule
- Hygiene: Prevents bacterial growth and cross-contamination.
- Efficiency: A clean microwave heats food evenly and operates more effectively.
- Durability: Regular cleaning reduces wear and tear, extending the lifespan of the appliance.
- Aesthetics: A spotless microwave enhances the overall look of your kitchen.
The Dirtiest Areas
Certain parts of the microwave accumulate dirt, grease, and food particles more than others:
- Interior Walls and Ceiling: These areas collect splatters from sauces, soups, and other liquids that boil over.
- Turntable and Underneath It: Food crumbs and liquid spills often settle under the turntable, becoming a breeding ground for bacteria.
- Door Handle and Control Panel: Regular handling can leave fingerprints, grease, and germs on these high-touch surfaces.
- Door Seals: The rubber lining around the door can trap grease and crumbs, which can lead to unpleasant odors if not cleaned regularly.
Toughest Stains Caused By
Microwaves often face stubborn stains caused by the following:
- Spattered Sauces and Gravies: These can harden over time, making them difficult to remove.
- Baked-On Cheese: Melted cheese from reheated dishes can stick to the walls and ceiling.
- Grease Splashes: These can form a sticky layer on the interior, especially when reheating oily foods.
- Coffee or Tea Spills: Liquid stains from beverages can leave stubborn marks if not cleaned immediately.
- Burnt Food Residue: Overheated food can leave charred spots or tough stains that require scrubbing.
Best Buys For Microwave Cleaning
To make your cleaning process hassle free- Mishry Recommends!
1. Microfibre Cloth
This ultra-soft, non-abrasive microfiber cloth is perfect for wiping down your microwave without scratching its surface. Designed to capture dust, grease, and residue, it ensures a streak-free shine while being gentle on delicate surfaces. It’s reusable and eco-friendly, making it a cost-effective cleaning essential.
Key Features
- Scratch-free and non-abrasive
- Highly absorbent
- Reusable and eco-friendly
2. Apple cider vinegar
A natural cleaning solution, apple cider vinegar effectively cuts through grease and eliminates stubborn odors in your microwave. Its acidic properties help loosen grime, making it easier to wipe away stains. Safe, non-toxic, and eco-friendly, it’s an ideal alternative to chemical cleaners.
Key Features
- Natural and non-toxic
- Eliminates tough odors.
- Multi-purpose and budget-friendly.
3. Klenzmo Microwave Cleaners
Specially formulated for microwave interiors, this liquid cleaner quickly dissolves tough grease, baked-on food, and stains. With their powerful yet food-safe formula, they leave your microwave spotless and fresh without harsh chemical residues.
Key Features
- Specially formulated for food-safe microwave cleaning.
- Dissolves tough grease
- Leaves a fresh and clean finish with no residue.
4. Cif Microwave Cleaners
Known for their heavy-duty cleaning power, Cif cleaners are effective for tackling stubborn stains and grease inside the microwave. Their creamy formula ensures easy application and thorough removal of grime. Plus it effectively cleans the microwave without damaging the interior or exterior.
Key Features
- Powerful cleaning action
- Easy application and thorough coverage.
- Safe for both microwave interiors and exteriors.
5. Microwave Wipes
Convenient and pre-moistened, microwave wipes are infused with grease-fighting agents to clean spills and stains. They’re perfect for quick clean-ups and leave a refreshing scent. This ensures your microwave stays fresh and hygienic between deep cleans.
Key Features
- Pre-moistened and ready-to-use
- Infused with grease-fighting agents to remove residue.
- Leaves a refreshing scent
6. Steam Cleaner
An eco-friendly cleaning tool, this steam cleaner uses high-temperature steam to loosen and dissolve stubborn grease, grime, and food residue in your microwave. It’s chemical-free, making it safe for food appliances. While its efficiency minimizes effort and time in cleaning your microwave.
Key Features
- Uses high-temperature steam
- Loosens and removes stubborn grease
- Reduces cleaning time.
Tips For Long-Term Maintenance
- Clean Spills Immediately: Wipe down splatters and spills after every use to prevent hardening.
- Use Microwave Covers: Cover dishes with a lid or microwave-safe cover to reduce splattering.
- Avoid Overheating: Prevent food from boiling over by setting the correct heating time and power level.
- Inspect Regularly: Check door seals and vents for buildup and clean as necessary.
- Deep Clean Monthly: Perform a thorough cleaning to remove hidden grime and odors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some interesting FAQs on how to clean a microwave:
Daily for minor spills, weekly for thorough cleaning, and monthly for deep cleaning.
Steam cleaning with water and vinegar or lemon is the fastest and most effective method.
Interior walls, ceiling, door seals, turntable, and under the turntable.
Spattered sauces, melted cheese, greasy foods, and burnt residues are common culprits.
Conclusion
Regular cleaning of your microwave is vital for maintaining hygiene, increasing efficiency, and extending its lifespan. A constant cleaning plan, whether it’s a quick wipe, weekly scrubbing, or monthly deep cleaning, helps to prevent severe stain buildup.
By following simple techniques, you can keep your microwave spotless and ready for daily use.
