Top Microwave Cleaning Hacks

For many households, the microwave is the most used appliance in their kitchen. For offices, teachers’ lounges, and other common areas the average microwave can be used dozens of times in a single day. As grease and grime accumulate, the threat of breakdown and the need for microwave repair increases.

Keeping your microwave clean can go a long way in terms of preventing the failure of this critical cooking appliance. However, many users put off this important task because the effort in scrubbing old food and grease can be particularly unsettling.

Thankfully, there are a number of hacks that can greatly reduce the effort needed to clean the average microwave. With many of these hacks, the key lies in harnessing the penetrating power of steam combined with a natural or commonly available cleaning agent.

At Comfort Appliance, we help people in Atlanta, Covington, Conyers, and beyond with expert microwave repair and services for other major appliances. Read on for our top microwave cleaning hacks the average homeowner should know.

Hack #1: Clean with Vinegar

The acidic nature of white cleaning vinegar is strong enough to dissolve mineral deposits, dirt, grease, and grime. It is also strong enough to kill certain odor-causing bacteria. It can therefore make for a powerful cleaning solution for the interior of your microwave.

Start by mixing two tablespoons of white vinegar with two cups of water in a microwave-safe bowl or a large glass measuring cup (such as Pyrex). If the acidic smell of vinegar makes you uncomfortable, you can add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to manage the smell.

Microwave the mixture on high for five minutes. You may see some boiling over as it heats, but this is okay. The goal is to get the interior of the microwave as steamy as possible, which will soften any stubborn grease and grime.

When the time is up, wait at least ten minutes before opening the microwave door to let the steam continue to penetrate the inside. Be careful picking up the bowl, as it can be extremely hot even after the ten-minute wait.

Using a clean soft rag or paper towels, wipe down the microwave’s interior, including the sides and door. Take care to avoid getting liquid in the microwave’s vents, which can cause mechanical issues and possibly warrant the need for microwave repair.

Hack #2: Clean with Lemon

The lemon is one of Mother Nature’s most trusty cleaners. The citrus fruit’s high citric acid content and antibacterial properties make it a cleaning powerhouse when used appropriately.

The method for cleaning your microwave with lemon will look somewhat similar to the vinegar cleaning method mentioned previously. Fill a microwave-safe bowl with a few cups of hot water, then add some fresh lemon wedges. Microwave the bowl on high until the water begins to boil, usually between three to five minutes.

Like with vinegar, the trick with this method is to let the steam do its job. When the timer is up, leave the appliance’s door closed for about ten to fifteen minutes, then wipe with a clean damp microfiber cloth.

Hack #3: Clean with Dish Soap

If you do not have any vinegar or lemons on hand, a teaspoon of dish soap may be all you need to achieve a deep clean on your microwave. Simply mix this teaspoon of dish soap with 1 cup water in a microwave-safe bowl, then heat for a couple of minutes until the water boils and the interior fills with steam. Take caution to not let the bowl boil over.

Let the appliance sit for about five minutes, then carefully remove the bowl using oven mitts or a damp towel. Wipe down the interior using paper towels or a microfiber cloth.

Hack #4: Scrub with Baking Soda

For particularly hard to scrub spots, try making a paste out of baking soda and water. Apply this paste to the tough spots inside your microwave and let them sit for about five minutes, then wipe with a wet sponge. In many cases, the need for scrubbing using this method should be minimal.

Need microwave repair? Call in the experts at Comfort Appliance today. We serve most major brands and can help you with just about any issue. Talk to you soon!