One of the most popular kitchen appliances today is the microwave. They save time and effort daily by making quick meals and warming leftovers. Microwaves, on the other hand, get dirty very quickly because they are used so often. Long term use leaves behind food splatters, grease marks, and bad smells that make the microwave look messy and may even change how food tastes. The good news is that you do not have to spend much money or hours scrubbing to keep your microwave clean. Your microwave will stay clean, safe, and last longer using simple cleaning methods and a few natural ingredients. This article will show you how to clean your microwave without trouble or stress.
Why Keeping Your Microwave Clean Matters
Prevents Bad Odors
If you leave food spills and splatters in the microwave for too long, they break down and smell bad. For instance, curry, popcorn, or fish that has been reheated can leave behind smells that mix with the smell of other food. These smells can change your food tastes and make your home less pleasant. Wiping the inside of the microwave often keeps it fresh and stops smells from building up.
Keeps Food Safe
Not only does a dirty oven look bad, but it is also bad for you. Bacteria, mold, and other germs can grow on bits of food that have been left over. When you eat, these bad chemicals can stick to newly cooked food and enter your body. Make sure the microwave is clean regularly to keep the area where food is cooked safe for you and your family.
Improves Efficiency
A dirty microwave does not work as well as a clean one. Most heat is lost when grease and dirt get inside the microwave. This makes the cooking process take longer. This makes it take longer to heat up, which uses more power. You can get the most out of your microwave by keeping the inside clean. This will save you time and electricity.
How to Clean Your Microwave Every Day
Clean Up After Using
If you wipe down your microwave after each use, it will stay clean for a long time. Cleaning the inside walls and turntable with a damp cloth or paper towel is quick and easy. After spills are cleaned right away, they do not have time to turn into tough spots. In the long run, this small habit will save you hours of deep cleaning.
Use Soap and Water
There are times when you do not need fancy cleaners. You only need a little dish soap mixed with warm water for everyday microwave cleaning. Sponge up a soft sponge and wipe down the surfaces lightly. Then use a clean cloth to wipe them down again. Last, use a towel to dry it. This is an easy way to clean your microwave that does not use harsh chemicals.
Let Steam Escape
When food is done cooking, microwaves often keep the steam and wetness inside. If you shut the door immediately, the steam has nowhere to go. This can cause condensation, which can smell bad. You can let the steam out of the microwave by leaving the door open briefly. This easy step stops wetness from building up and keeps the microwave dry and fresh.
Natural Cleaning Solutions That Work
Lemon Freshness
One of the best natural ways to clean a microwave is with lemon. Its juice has natural acids that kill germs and cut through grease. An ovenproof bowl should have a few lemon pieces or two tablespoons of lemon juice added to it. This will clean the bowl. It must be heated for three to five minutes so the water boils and steam fills the pot. The steam breaks up dried food, and the lemon leaves a nice citrus smell. After that, all you have to do is wipe down the microwave with a cloth. It will look and smell great.
Power of Vinegar
Another strong natural cleaner that most homes already have is vinegar. Its acidity breaks down tough spots and gets rid of strong smells. Mix white vinegar and water in a bowl until they are equal. Just put it in the microwave for five minutes to warm it up. Grease and food bits will become soft from the steam, making them easy to wipe away. Since vinegar is also a natural germ killer, it eliminates dirt and germs.
Baking Soda Magic
For tougher spots, baking soda is a great choice. It cleans the microwave without scratching the surface. Making a dough with baking soda and water is how you use it. Take some time to let the paste sit on dirty or oily spots. Clean it off with a sponge after a light scrub. Baking soda also takes in smells, so your microwave will smell clean.
Steps to Deep Clean
Prepare a Cleaning Solution
Pick your method: baking soda, vinegar steam, or lemon water. Then it is time for a deeper clean. Put the desired mixture in a bowl that can go in the microwave. Please put it on high heat for a few minutes until steam comes from it. The steam will break up the food, making it easy to clean.
Wipe Down the Interior
With care, take the hot bowl out of the pot and clean the inside with a soft cloth or sponge. Food spills often stick to the roof and corners, so pay extra attention to those areas. If the spots are bad, use your natural cleaner again and wait a while before scrubbing. Do not forget the inner glass of the door; it gets greasy over time.
Dry and Shine
Once the inside is clean, wipe any extra water with a dry microfiber cloth. Drying keeps water spots and lines from showing up. If you want the microwave door to shine even more, polish it with glass cleaner or vinegar and water. A shiny microwave makes your kitchen look cleaner and more modern.
Cleaning the Outside of Your Microwave
Door and Handle Care
The door and handle of the microwave are the parts you touch the most, so fingerprints, grease, and dirt stick to them fast. To clean them, use a wet cloth with a little dish soap. A little vinegar will help loosen the grease that will not go away. Keeping these parts clean will keep your microwave looking nice.
Buttons and Controls
Touchpads and buttons often get dirty from your hands. To clean them, use a slightly wet cloth. Be careful not to soak the area in water, though, because that could damage the controls. Another tool for reaching difficult locations is a cotton swab dampened with soapy water. Using your microwave is easier if you keep the control panel clean.
Shine the Surface
Microwaves’ outsides, especially ones made of stainless steel, are prone to getting lines and smudges. Use a cotton cloth and some vinegar or stainless steel cleaner to keep the look clean. When you wipe, always go with the steel’s grain. This small action makes the microwave seem neat and clean.
How to Clean Microwave Accessories
Glass Turntable
One of the most important parts of your microwave is the glass plate. Take it off often and wash it with warm, soapy water like any other dish. Clean it well with water and let it dry before putting it back. Cleaning the turntable keeps the food from sticking and ensures it cooks evenly.
Roller Ring
Over time, the small roller ring that sits under the wheel also gets dirty. It can become stuck in food and oil, causing it to spin unequally. When you clean it really well, wash it with soap and water. The turntable can turn more easily if the roller ring is clean. This lets the food heat up evenly.
Check for Damage
The glass turntable or roller ring may crack or wear out over time. A broken attachment can make cooking less effective or even dangerous. Check these parts every time you clean them. To keep your microwave safe, repair any immediate parts.
Preventing Future Messes
Cover Food While Heating
Most food spills happen when plates are not covered. Cover food in the microwave with a lid, plate, or even a paper towel that can go in the microwave.
Stir Halfway
Stop cooking food like soups or sauces in the middle to stir it. Stirring stops boiling and splattering, which makes the microwave less messy. It also makes sure that the food heats up properly.
Use Proper Containers
Always use bowls and plates that can go in the microwave. Things are more likely to spill if the containers are too small or too full. By picking the right container, you can keep your microwave clean and make sure that food is safe.
Conclusion
Cleaning in the microwave does not have to be hard. To keep your microwave clean and fresh, do easy things like wipe it down daily, use natural cleaners like lemon and vinegar, and give it a deep clean every so often. A clean microwave looks better in your home, makes food safer, saves time, and makes the appliance work better. If you do these simple things, your microwave will always be ready to use and safe for your food.
