As a homeowner, you’re probably no stranger to a dirty microwave, especially when you’ve put off cleaning it for a while. But fret not; tackling this task is a breeze with the right items—that you might have at home. Without further ado, let’s dive into how to easily clean a microwave!
Step #1. Kick things off with the turntable
Many of the spills in your microwave end up on the turntable. Of course, cleaning it while it’s inside the microwave itself is quite impractical. Work smarter, not harder, and remove the turntable first to wash it.
Once you’ve got the turntable out, give it a thorough scrub using warm, soapy water and a kitchen sponge over your sink. For those stubborn stains that just won’t budge, employ a medium-bristled toothbrush—gentle on the material but tough on stains.
Pro-tip: If the turntable isn’t too grimy, save some time by popping it in the dishwasher—just place it in carefully, like any other plate!
Step #2. Deal with sticky residue
Before we dive into the main cleaning act, let’s address that annoying food gunk stuck to the microwave walls. Clearing this out now will save you time since excessive food residue can make the cleaning process trickier.
For the fresher, softer spills, use a slightly damp cloth to wipe them away. As for those stubborn, dried-on food particles, a plastic spatula or scraper will be your trusty sidekick.
Step #3. Craft a homemade cleaning solution
Forget about running to the store and spending on fancy cleaning products! Get creative with a straightforward DIY cleaning solution. You’ll only need some baking soda, dish soap, and warm water. Mix them up in a spray bottle, shake it well, and you’re good to go!
Step #4. Banish the grime
With your homemade cleaner ready, spritz it generously all over the inside of your microwave and let it work for about ten minutes to soften the stains. Remember not to overdo it near the vent holes to avoid mishaps, such as electrical failures.
Next, grab a trusty kitchen sponge, dampen it with warm water, and wipe away that grime. Start from the ceiling and work your way down to prevent dirt from resettling (you’ll save yourself from extra work!). If the sponge gets too filthy, give it a quick rinse and keep going.
Step #5: Dry everything and reinstall the turntable
Before you call it a day, ensure that everything is dry and sparkling. Use a clean, dry microfiber cloth to give the microwave interior and turntable a final wipe-down. Once everything is dry, slide that turntable back into its rightful place.
What about vinegar for microwave cleaning?
You might have heard about using vinegar to clean this appliance— a simple and effective method. However, it works best when your microwave isn’t overly dirty, as acidic solutions might not have enough kick for some stains. It’s best to stick with our DIY solution for heavy-duty tasks.
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