A lot of households use microwaves on a daily basis, and even for those that don’t, this particular appliance can quickly become bunged up with food particles, and covered in stains from foodie explosions. All of this grime can make a microwave more than a little unpleasant smelling, and highly unhygienic.
While cleaning companies will have their own ways for tackling microwave grime, here are some tips you can follow to keep your microwave looking as good as new:
Preparing your microwave for cleaning
- It’s essential that you unplug the microwave before cleaning it, and ensure that it has cooled to the touch.
- Then, any parts that may be removable, such as the turntable, should be taken out to make cleaning the interior easier.
Getting down to the nitty gritty
- By combining a cup of water with a cup of white vinegar in a microwave-safe bowl, you can use vinegar steam to get the interior spotlessly clean without the use of chemical-based products. Pop the bowl inside the microwave and run it for up to 10 minutes on a high setting. What should happen, is that the steam from the vinegar and water loosens any stuck-on food particles and stains.
When the 10 minutes is up, remove the bowl using oven-proof mitts or a thick cloth, and wipe the interior down with a clean, damp cloth.
- By combining the juice of a lemon and the leftover halves with a cup of water in a microwave-safe bowl, you can use the steam created by the lemon water to shift any stuck-on food particles and grime. Simply heat the bowl for up to 5 minutes, remove, and wipe down the interior with a damp cloth. The lemon juice also acts as a natural deodoriser, to help your microwave smell that bit fresher and cleaner.
Deeper cleaning of a microwave
Sometimes, for really grubby, smelly microwaves, a deeper clean is required.
- Begin by unplugging the appliance, then combine a few drops of dish soap with some warm water in a microwaveable bowl. Then, wipe the interior with a cloth or sponge dipped in the cleaning solution, paying extra attention to the sides and ceiling, the door, and the turntable.
- For stains and stuck-on grease that’s more stubborn, you can mix together 2 tablespoons of baking soda and a tablespoon of water to create a paste for gently scrubbing the stains away. Take care not to use anything too abrasive. Then, simply rinse the interior using a damp sponge or cloth to eliminate all residue.
Making your microwave smell clean again
Some odors can really linger in a microwave, but getting rid of persistent smells is easy:
- Combine equal parts vinegar with water (a cup of each should suffice) in a microwaveable bowl, place it inside the microwave and heat for up to 4 minutes. The steam will loosen any stains or food debris left behind, and thoroughly deodorize the appliance inside. Then, simply wipe clean.
Finishing touches
All that’s then required, is to wipe down the exterior of the appliance using a damp cloth or sponge. If really grubby on the outside too, you may wish to use an all-purpose cleaner.
Cleaning microwaves may be a lot simpler using the tips above, but it’s still not a pleasurable task, so why not leave it to the experts? Hire a regular cleaning service and benefit from a clean home (including all appliances), every day of the week, with none of the effort, hassle and time spent.