Microwaves can be a nuisance to clean, especially if you have left it too long and there’s burnt-on food splattered all over it.
I personally hate cleaning the ceiling of a microwave especially, as it is so awkward to get up there and scrub. But if you use this method, you should find that a simple wipe-over is all you need to get it gleaming.
You will never need to scrub it again!
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Why use vinegar as a cleaner?
Vinegar is such an effective and natural cleaner. It’s the PH value that makes it particularly special.
Vinegar is primarily made up of acetic acid, which gives it a low pH which allows it to break down mineral deposits, grease, and grime, and even disinfect surfaces.
Vinegar can also neutralize odors. It’s safe for most surfaces, making it an eco-friendly alternative to harsher chemical cleaners.
The biggest advantage, for me, is that vinegar is an all-natural cleaner.
Although you wouldn’t want to drink vinegar neat, it is safe to use in cooking. Anything that is safe to go in your body, is going to be much safer to clean with.
Will vinegar make your kitchen smell?
Vinegar unfortunately has quite a strong smell, and it can be a bit overpowering for the nose! But the good news is that it does dissipate, and you will find the smell goes away quite quickly.
I recommend keeping doors and windows open while using it, to help the smell go away a bit faster.
How to clean the microwave with vinegar
You will need:
- Distilled white vinegar
- Water
- Small bowl
- Microfiber cloth
- Rubber gloves
Step 1 – Fill the bowl
Add a couple of tablespoons of vinegar to a small microwave-safe bowl, and then top up with cold water.
Step 2 – Cook on high heat
Cook the vinegar mixture on the highest heat for five minutes and then leave for a few more to let the steam do its thing and loosen everything.
Step 3 – Wipe inside
Now you should find that stuck-on food is no longer so sticky.
Remove the glass turntable and the plastic bit underneath that helps it spin.
You should be able to easily wipe away food splatters and grime from the turntable with your cloth.
If find you still have some stubborn dirt that won’t shift, cook the vinegar water for another few minutes and leave the steam to penetrate for a little longer.
How to clean the outside of your microwave
Now you have a clean inside, it’s time to check the outside too. My microwave gets very sticky and oily on the outside where people have opened it with grubby hands.
Here’s the best method to get the outside of your microwave sparkling:
- Make a spray bottle of a tablespoon of dish soap and a couple of tablespoons of distilled white vinegar for extra cleaning power.
- Spray the outside of the microwave.
- Take a damp microfiber cloth and wipe until greasy marks and stickiness has gone. You will know when it’s clean because the cloth will start to glide over the surface more easily.
- Finish off by wiping with a clean dry microfiber cloth.
What to do if your microwave is smelly
If you’ve been cooking things like fish, or spicy food, or your microwave has just taken on a bit of a whiff, you should find that the vinegar cleaning method will help a lot. However, when it comes to microwaves, lemon juice is also your friend. A lemon will make your microwave (and your kitchen) smell gorgeous.
Simply squeeze the juice of a lemon into a small bowl, and then cut it into chunks. Put the juice and the lemon chunks in a microwave-safe bowl and top up with water.
Cook it on high heat for at least a couple of minutes.
Other ways to clean your microwave
Here are some other ways to clean your microwave.
- Baking Soda Paste. Baking soda is a gentle abrasive that can tackle tough stains in your microwave. Mix a few tablespoons of baking soda with water until it forms a thick paste. Apply the paste to any stubborn spots or stains inside the microwave and let it sit for about 10–15 minutes. Afterward, use a damp cloth or sponge to scrub the areas gently. Rinse the cloth and wipe down the microwave to remove any baking soda residue.
- Lemon Juice. Lemon juice (or orange juice) is another natural cleaning agent that can help freshen and clean your microwave. Fill a microwave-safe bowl with water and add the juice of one lemon, along with the lemon halves. Heat the mixture in the microwave for about five minutes. The steam from the lemon-infused water will help dissolve food particles and eliminate odors. After heating, let it sit for a couple of minutes before opening the door. Wipe down the interior with a soft cloth or sponge, and enjoy the fresh citrus scent!
- Just water! Yes, if you have no other cleaner, or you don’t want to waste a lemon or make your kitchen smell all ‘vinegary’, water is all you need. Simply put a small bowl of water in your micro and cook on high for a few minutes. Let the steam work its magic and then wipe around with your cloth. Here’s more on how to clean your microwave with just water.
How to keep your microwave clean
I have a neat trick that keeps both my micro sanitary and my dish cloth.
Once a day, I cook my damp dish cloth for a minute. Yes its true!
Then I let the cloth cool and then use it to wipe the microwave inside and out. It doesn’t take long because if I do this daily it never gets very dirty.
Important! – make sure your dish cloth is wet before you microwave it, otherwise it could catch fire!
