If you’ve ever stared at dried-on food or weird splatters inside your microwave, you’re not the only one—it happens to all of us.
Lemons can naturally loosen stuck-on messes, so you don’t have to scrub much. In just a few minutes, your microwave will look clean and fresh again.
Don’t have a lemon to hand? Limes and oranges work really well too.
After you are done, don’t throw the lemon! Toss it into your kettle and it will clean it up beautifully, or push it down your waste disposal to freshen it up.
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Why Lemons Work So Well
The citric acid in lemon juice breaks down grease and stubborn food and naturally kills bacteria.
Citrus fruits, especially lemons, have essential oils that help loosen grime.
The lemon, along with the steam, softens the stuck-on food, so wiping it away becomes easy.
Bonus: your kitchen will smell gorgeous! 🍋
What You Need Before You Start
Grab one lemon. You’ll also need some clean water, plus a cloth or microfiber towel for wiping everything down afterward.
Cut the lemon in half with a kitchen knife so you can squeeze out the juice.
You’ll also want a microwave-safe bowl for heating the lemon and water.
A sturdy oven mitt is nice to have, since the bowl can get pretty hot.
Removing Stubborn Stains
You should find that stuck on food comes off super easy, but if you still have some stubborn marks on the turntable, let it soak in the leftover lemon water for several minutes.
Baking soda works wonders on tough stains or brown spots, without scratching.
Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with a bit of water to make a thick paste.
Then spread the paste on stubborn spots with your fingers or a cloth. Let it sit for at least 5 minutes. Then wipe away with a damp sponge. Repeat if you need to.
Keeping your Microwave Clean
Heat food without a cover, and you’ll probably end up with splatters all over the microwave walls. Always use a microwave-safe lid, plate, or even just a paper towel to cover your dishes when reheating.
This keeps things much cleaner and helps you avoid those sticky stains that are no fun to scrub later.
I like using a cover with vents—it lets steam out, so leftovers don’t get soggy. If you’re using wax paper or plastic wrap, just leave a little corner open for steam to escape.
Spills happen. Wipe them up right away if you can.
Fresh messes come off way easier than the dried, baked-on stuff. For greasy foods or thick sauces, I keep a pack of wet wipes or a damp cloth handy.
Regular Cleaning Tips
Give your microwave a quick wipe-down every few days.
Most days, a damp sponge or soft cloth does the trick for the inside walls, ceiling, and turntable.
Once a week, check for crumbs or drips under the turntable—it usually lifts right out for easy cleaning.
Here’s a cleaning routine I like to follow:
| Task | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Wipe after each use | Every time |
| Deep clean | Weekly |
| Clean door/edges | Weekly |
| Wash turntable | Weekly |
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Your Microwave
It’s surprisingly easy to mess up your microwave if you use the wrong products or cleaning methods.
Steel wool and rough scrubbers can scratch up the inside of your microwave. Once that happens, food and stains start sticking even more.
Strong scrubbing pads or powders can also strip off the special coating inside. That coating helps heat food evenly and keeps things safe. If it wears away, your microwave just won’t work as well, and it might not last as long.
For tough stains, stick to a soft cloth or a non-scratch sponge. It takes a bit more patience, but you’re saving your microwave in the long run.
Harsh chemicals like bleach, ammonia, and strong commercial cleaning agents just don’t belong in your microwave. If you use them, leftover residue can stick to the walls and heat up the next time you zap your leftovers.
Those fumes and chemical bits might end up in your food. Honestly, that’s not something anyone wants to risk.
They can also mess with the plastic or rubber parts inside, making seals and buttons wear out way sooner than they should.
If lemon juice isn’t cutting it, try using vinegar and water
Always check the labels and stick with gentle cleaners, especially for anything that might touch your food.
