Microwaves

As one of the dirtiest appliances in the kitchen, it is surprising how often the buildup in a microwave can go unattended. Soup, spaghetti sauce, and plenty of other substances can build up without you noticing. While it seems like cleaning the microwave is a difficult and time-consuming task, there are various ways to completely clean the inside without getting your hands dirty. Using common household ingredients, you can have your microwave (and the rest of your kitchen, for that matter!) clean in under five minutes.

How To

Cleaning the microwave is actually a very simple process that can be done in a various number of ways. The most popular method is to place a mixture of vinegar and water in the microwave. After heating it for 5-10 minutes (or at least until it’s boiling), all you need to do is remove it, then use a cloth to wipe the grime off. Remember to remove the carousel to get the grime at the bottom, and don’t forget to check the microwave’s ceiling, as it is usually one of the appliance’s most dirty spots. This process however, is not limited to using white vinegar; other options include lemon juice and dish soap.

Another option is to use a whole lemon instead of a bowl of liquid. Take a lemon and split it in two, then put them on a plate, flesh-side down. Next, add a dash of water to the plate to help it steam. Once this is ready, heat the plate in the microwave for one minute. The mixture of lemon juice and steam will loosen the grime, and using a sponge to remove it should be a breeze.

If there is still grime stuck to the walls, you can use a metal sponge to loosen it. Although the moisture from the microwave will have dampened the grime, some may have fallen to the bottom. After wiping all of the walls, collect the crumbs with your sponge and throw them out.

Tips & Takeaways

Here are few tips to keep in mind when cleaning a microwave. Remember, this is a fairly simple task that need not be done too often, so do not overlook any stains or caked-on substances. Wikihow  recommends putting the rotating plate in the dishwasher. A dirty plate can add unwanted residue to a dish, so cleaning it is important to maintaining the cleanliness of your microwave. Also, some stains may be invisible to the naked eye, so soaking it in hot water before dishwashing it is also a good idea. For cleaning the residue after microwaving the vinegar or lemon juice, the website One Good Thing by Jillee  recommends using a cleaning solution made from a ¼ cup of rubbing alcohol, three drops of dish soap, and 5-10 drops of essential oil to mask the smell. Effective in cleaning granite countertops, the solution is good for giving your kitchen appliances a bright shine. For removing stubborn odors, there are various methods you can use, but one of the oddest but most effective involves using coffee. After using the aforementioned cleaning solutions, place a cup with two teaspoons of ground coffee inside the microwave. According to the website How to Clean Stuff, the potency of coffee will remove even the most volatile odors.