How to Clean a Microwave With Cheap Household Items

Microwaves are a lifesaver when you can’t cope with cooking a full meal – but can be a pain to clean.

Those nasty food spills can build up and even damage your appliance – so here’s how to clean your microwave using cheap household staples.

How to clean a microwave

Microwaves can be a godsend if you’re just looking for something quick and easy to ease those cravings.

If you don’t already have one, you can check out our list of the best microwaves here.

But for those of you who already have one and want a reliable cleaning hack, here are some good approaches.

Use white wine vinegar and water

For this simple technique, all you really need is some white wine vinegar and a bowl of water – making it a great option if you’re looking to save money on cleaning supplies.

Here’s how to clean a microwave with white wine vinegar:

1. Simply pour equal parts water and vinegar into a bowl, with a full cup of each for a thorough clean.
2. Place a wooden spoon in the bowl and put them in the microwave. Experts believe that the bubbles that form when the mixture boils attach to the object in the bowl, reducing the risk of your cleaning mixture exploding.
3. Heat it for ten minutes over high heat.
4. When you open the door, the microwave should be full of steam. This will have softened any hardened food inside
5. Remove the bowl from the microwave – be sure to use oven mitts as it will be extremely hot
6. You should now be able to wipe the interior clean with a damp sponge or cloth. Simple!

Use wet towels

If you’re just dealing with a few spills, you may not need a heavy-duty clean.

Here’s how to use this method to cool your microwave:

1. Dampen a few damp towels and place them in the microwave.
2. Run it up high for about five minutes.
3. Wipe off marks – the steam created will help you easily get rid of any unsightly stains.

Use baking soda

For this one, you don’t even need to turn on the microwave.

With a little help from this home staple, you can have your device sparkling again in no time.

Here’s how to clean a microwave with baking soda:

1. Mix water and baking soda to make a paste
2. Spread it over hardened foods inside your microwave
3. Give it about five minutes to work its magic
4. Wipe with a damp cloth or sponge

Use lemons

When life gives you lemons… use them to clean the microwave.

This trick is ridiculously simple, but very effective.

Lemon juice is a natural disinfectant, just like vinegar, and it’s great for cleaning out the inside of a dirty microwave.

Here’s how to clean a microwave using a lemon:

1. All you have to do is cut a lemon in half and lay it face down on a microwave-safe plate.
2. Pour a few teaspoons of water on top and turn on the microwave, watching it, until it begins to produce steam.
3. Remove the lemon and wipe up the liquid inside the microwave – food splatters should disappear immediately

Use commercial cleaners

If you’ve tried a few natural options and haven’t had much success, you can try commercial cleansers.

But keep in mind that you want to use something that won’t leave a chemical smell.

They can leave fumes that could affect the taste of your food.

Be sure to use products made specifically for the microwave, follow the instructions on the cleaning product, and air out the microwave for at least half an hour afterwards.

How to clean the glass door of a microwave

To start, you can simply try wiping the door with a sponge soaked in baking soda.

You can then remove it with a damp sponge or cloth.

If you have stubborn grease stains on it, you can break out the big guns and try a half-and-half mixture of water and vinegar.

And if that doesn’t work, try soap and water or an all-purpose grease remover.

Be sure not to spray the controls directly as the electronics could be damaged.

Apply it with something, like a sponge or cloth.

This is to ensure that liquid does not seep into the vent holes.

Cleaning tips and tricks

Here are some tips to help you clean your home like a pro: