How to Clean a Dirty Microwave the Simple and Easy Way

Today I want to show you how to clean a dirty microwave.

Like, really good.

Your microwave is something that goes unnoticed for months (possibly years) and that’s how it is.

We are all busy and sometimes certain things go unnoticed.

Your microwave just so happens to be one of those things.

Its door is closed, so no one can tell how dirty it is.

This then leads to you putting it off for another time.

What you don’t notice is how filthy it really is.

However, with a little time and effort, you can have your microwave looking amazing again.

In this article, I will share some tips and tricks to help you clean a dirty microwave.

How to Clean a Dirty Microwave

The first step in cleaning a dirty microwave is to remove any loose debris or food particles.

This includes the piece of ham and burnt cheese from that hot pocket you forgot about.

This can be done by wiping the inside of the microwave with a damp cloth, sponge, or even a paper towel.

For stubborn stains or dried-on food, a mixture of water and vinegar can be used to loosen the grime.

Simply heat the mixture in a microwave-safe bowl for a few minutes, let it cool, and then wipe away the dirt with a cloth or sponge.

Not only will you be preparing the mixture, but the steam will help loosen any caked-on food.

Next, it’s important to tackle any lingering odors in the microwave.

This can be done by placing a bowl of water with lemon slices or vinegar inside the microwave and heating it for a few minutes.

The steam from the mixture will help to neutralize any unpleasant smells.

With these simple steps, you can clean a dirty microwave in no time.

Understanding the Importance of a Clean Microwave

As someone who loves to cook, I know how important it is to keep my kitchen appliances clean.

One appliance that often gets overlooked is the microwave.

However, keeping your microwave clean is essential for both health and efficiency reasons.

Health Benefits

A dirty microwave can harbor harmful bacteria that can contaminate your food and make you sick.

This is especially true if you frequently reheat food in your microwave.

By cleaning your microwave regularly, you can reduce the risk of foodborne illness and keep your family safe.

Efficiency Benefits

A dirty microwave can also be less efficient than a clean one.

When food splatters and spills inside the microwave, it can create hot spots that can burn your food.

This can lead to wasted food and lots of money going down the drain.

A clean microwave will heat your food evenly and prevent waste.

In addition, a dirty microwave can also be less efficient because it can reduce the lifespan of your appliance.

When food is left to build up inside the microwave, it can cause damage to the interior and the components.

This can lead to costly repairs or even the need to replace your microwave altogether.

Overall, keeping your microwave clean is essential for both health and efficiency reasons.

Don’t shorten the life of your microwave and keep it clean.

By taking the time to clean your microwave regularly, you can ensure that your appliance is working at its best and that your food is safe to eat.

What You Need to Clean a Dirty Microwave

If you want to clean a dirty microwave, you will need some basic cleaning supplies.

At the very least, it won’t be as complicated as cleaning a toilet.

Before starting the cleaning process, it is essential to gather all the necessary cleaning supplies.

Here are some of the cleaning supplies that you will need:

Natural Ingredients

Vinegar: Vinegar is a natural cleaning agent that can remove stubborn stains and grease from the microwave. It is a safe and effective alternative to harsh chemicals.
Lemon: Lemon is another natural ingredient that can be used to clean the microwave. It has natural antibacterial properties that can help to kill germs and bacteria.
Baking Soda: Baking soda is an excellent natural cleaner that can help to remove stains and odors from the microwave. It is safe to use and does not contain any harsh chemicals.

Commercial Products

All-Purpose Cleaner: An all-purpose cleaner is a versatile cleaning product that can be used to clean various surfaces. It is an effective cleaner that can remove grease and stains from the microwave.
Microwave Cleaner: A microwave cleaner is a specialized cleaning product that is designed to clean the microwave. It is an effective cleaner that can remove stubborn stains and grease from the microwave.

When choosing a cleaning product, it is essential to read the label carefully to ensure that it is safe to use in the microwave.

Some cleaning products may contain harsh chemicals that can damage the microwave.

In conclusion, gathering the necessary cleaning supplies is the first step in cleaning a dirty microwave.

Whether you choose to use natural ingredients or commercial products, it is essential to choose a safe and effective cleaner that can remove stubborn stains and grease from the microwave.

Before You Clean a Dirty Microwave

Before you learn how to clean a dirty microwave, there are a few steps you should take to prepare it.

These steps will make the cleaning process easier and safer.

Unplugging the Microwave

The first step is to unplug the microwave from the power outlet.

This is important to ensure your safety while cleaning the appliance.

You don’t want to accidentally turn on the microwave while cleaning it, which could be dangerous.

Removing the Turntable

The turntable is the rotating plate inside the microwave that holds your food.

Before cleaning the microwave, you should remove the turntable and wash it separately.

To remove the turntable, simply lift it up and out of the microwave.

Be careful not to drop it, as it can be fragile.

Once you have removed the turntable, inspect it for any cracks or damage.

If it is damaged, you should replace it before using the microwave again.

If it is in good condition, you can wash it with soap and water.

By following these pre-cleaning steps, you can ensure that your microwave is safe to clean and that you won’t damage any of its components.

Cleaning the Interior of a Dirty Microwave

Cleaning the interior is where most of the work takes place.

It can also be a task, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be done in no time.

Here are some simple tips that will help a big deal.

Loosening Baked-On Grime

The first step is to loosen any baked-on grime that may be stuck to the interior of the microwave. To do this, I recommend the following:

Fill a microwave-safe bowl with 1 cup of water and 1 tablespoon of vinegar.
Place the bowl in the microwave and heat on high for 5 minutes.
After the time is up, let the bowl sit in the microwave for a few minutes to allow the steam to loosen the grime so you don’t get burned.
Carefully remove the bowl (it will be hot!) and wipe down the interior of the microwave with a damp cloth.

Wiping Down Surfaces

Once the grime has been loosened, it’s time to wipe down all the surfaces. Here are some tips to make this process easier:

Use a soft cloth or sponge to wipe down the interior of the microwave.
For tough stains, use a mixture of baking soda and water to create a paste. Apply the paste to the stain and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it away.
Pay special attention to the corners and crevices of the microwave, where grime can accumulate.
Use a dry cloth to wipe down the interior of the microwave once you’re done cleaning it.

With these simple steps, you can have a clean and fresh-smelling microwave in no time.

Cleaning the Outside of a Dirty Microwave

When it comes to cleaning the exterior of a dirty microwave, there are a few things to keep in mind.

It’s the easiest part to clean, and you might have been doing this regularly.

So, do what is necessary and wipe what needs to be wiped.

Cleaning the Door

The door of your microwave can get pretty dirty over time, but as I just mentioned, it isn’t hard to clean.

All you need is some dish soap, warm water, and a gentle cloth.

You can also use some glass cleaner, but maybe you can save that for last.

Wiping the Control Panel

The control panel of your microwave can also get dirty, especially if you use it frequently.

Safety is always a must, so follow these steps to clean your microwave’s control panel.

Turn off the microwave and unplug it from the wall.
Mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water in a bowl.
Dip a clean microfiber cloth into the soapy water and wring it out.
Use the cloth to wipe down the control panel, being careful not to get any water inside the buttons or display.
If necessary, use a dry microfiber cloth to remove any excess moisture from the control panel.

By following these simple steps, you clean a dirty microwave, all while keeping the exterior looking brand new.

After You Clean a Dirty Microwave

Microwaves will get dirty and there’s nothing we can do about it.

However, there are still some steps that need to be taken after you are finished with all the cleaning.

Drying the Microwave

After cleaning the inside of the microwave, it is important to dry it thoroughly to prevent any moisture from causing rust or other damage.

I recommend using a clean, dry cloth or paper towel to wipe down the interior of the microwave.

Be sure to pay special attention to the corners and crevices where water may have collected.

If there is still moisture present after wiping down the interior, you can use a dry, clean towel or paper towel to gently pat the surface until it is completely dry.

Avoid using a damp cloth to dry the interior, as this can reintroduce moisture and undo all of your hard work.

We don’t want that.

Reassembling the Microwave

Once the interior of the microwave is clean and dry, it is time to reassemble the few things you took apart.

Start by replacing the turntable and any other removable parts that you may have taken out during the cleaning process.

Next, carefully reattach the microwave’s door, making sure that it clicks securely into place.

If your microwave has a filter or other removable parts, be sure to clean and replace them as well.

Finally, plug the microwave back in and turn it on for a few seconds to make sure that everything is working properly.

Congratulations, you have successfully cleaned a dirty microwave.

Maintenance is a Must

As someone who regularly uses my microwave, I know how important it is to keep it clean.

A dirty microwave can not only affect the taste of your food, but it can also be a breeding ground for bacteria.

Here are a few tips on how to maintain a clean microwave:

Regular Cleaning Schedule

I find that setting a regular cleaning schedule for my microwave helps me keep it clean and avoid any build-up of grime.

I suggest cleaning your microwave once a week or every two weeks, depending on how often you use it.

Now, if you wipe it down after a few uses, it will save you from having to clean a dirty microwave.

Clean-Up of Spills – Immediately

Sometimes spills happen, and it’s important to clean them up as soon as possible to avoid any staining or build-up.

By doing this, you will save yourself from having to deal with a different world of funk.

Conclusion – Now You Know How to Clean a Dirty Microwave

Microwaves are a big part of our lives these days and you will have to clean it.

No one is going to do it and it is definitely not going to clean itself.

If you want to keep life simple and flowing, take these tips and clean a dirty microwave regularly.

I hope you have learned a thing or two from this post.

If you have any tips you would love to share, feel free to leave them in the comments section below.

Thanks for reading!