How To Clean A Microwave?
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Clean a microwave by microwaving a bowl of 1 cup water with 2 tablespoons of white vinegar (or a sliced lemon) for 5 minutes. The steam loosens stuck-on food. Let sit 2 minutes, then wipe the interior with a damp cloth. No scrubbing required.
Cleaning a microwave is one of the easiest household cleaning tasks once you know the steam method. Instead of scrubbing burnt-on food, you let the microwave do the work by creating steam that loosens everything. The whole process takes about 10 minutes and uses ingredients already in your kitchen. Here is the method and how to handle tougher stains.
What is the easiest cleaning method?
Fill a microwave-safe bowl with 1 cup of water and add 2 tablespoons of white vinegar (or the juice and rinds of half a lemon for a fresher smell). Place in the microwave and run on high for 5 minutes. The water boils and creates steam that loosens dried food and grease on the walls, ceiling, and turntable. After the timer goes off, leave the door closed for 2 to 3 minutes so the steam continues working. Then wipe the interior with a damp microfiber cloth.
How do you tackle stuck-on food?
For stubborn spots after the steam method, make a paste of 2 tablespoons baking soda and 1 tablespoon water. Apply directly to stuck-on food with a damp cloth, let sit 5 minutes, then wipe away. For really tough spots, repeat the steam method a second time. The combination of repeated steam plus baking soda paste handles even old burnt-on splatters that have been there for months. Avoid steel wool or abrasive scrubbers since they scratch the interior coating.
How do you clean the outside?
The exterior usually only needs a quick wipe with a damp microfiber cloth. For greasy fingerprints around the door handle and control panel, use a 50/50 solution of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle, spraying onto the cloth (never directly on the control panel since liquid can damage the electronics). The vents on the side or back can be vacuumed with a brush attachment to remove dust buildup. Avoid bleach-based cleaners on stainless steel since they can damage the finish.
How often should you clean a microwave?
Wipe out the interior weekly to prevent splatters from baking on. Do the steam clean monthly for a deep clean. The turntable plate can be removed and washed in the sink (it is usually glass and dishwasher-safe but takes up space in the dishwasher). Wipe the door seal weekly since food residue there can cause the door to not close fully, which the microwave detects and refuses to start. Keep a microwave cover on bowls when reheating to minimize splatters in the first place.
Microwave cleaning works best with the steam method: bowl of water and vinegar, 5 minutes on high, let sit, wipe with damp cloth. Tough spots need baking soda paste or a second steam pass. Wipe the exterior weekly, deep-clean monthly. The whole process takes 10 minutes and avoids scrubbing entirely. Use a microwave cover when reheating to keep splatters minimal between cleans.
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