Experts Reveal How to Clean a Microwave Easily

Knowing how to clean a microwave is an essential task. When done correctly, it helps prevent unpleasant odors and the accumulation of stubborn food residue that could contaminate the food you heat up. Additionally, a clean microwave operates more efficiently and is safer.

Home expert Noell Jett, author of “From the Ground Up” ($21, amazon.com), cautions, “Accumulated spills and splatters can reduce efficiency or potentially void your warranty. In the worst-case scenario, a dirty microwave may even pose a fire hazard.”

Fortunately, cleaning a microwave and maintaining its pristine condition is surprisingly simple, almost like magic. Follow our tips for cleaning both the interior and exterior of your microwave, as well as instructions on how to clean the microwave filter.

How Often to Clean a Microwave

Try to clean your microwave at least once a month and give the exterior a quick wipe whenever you clean your kitchen countertops. If you start to see stains or notice unpleasant odors developing, consider cleaning it more frequently.

According to Vera Peterson, a cleaning expert and president of Molly Maid, a Neighborly company, “Microwaves typically have a lifespan of about five to 10 years, depending on the quality of care they receive. Regular cleaning is essential to keep your microwave in optimal working condition.”

What You Need:

To Clean a Microwave You will need:

• A spray bottle
• A microwave-safe bowl
• Distilled white vinegar (or lemon juice)
• Optional: Essential oil
• A toothpick or a small wooden spoon
• Potholders or oven mitts
• A microfiber cloth or non-abrasive scrubbing brush
• Grease-cutting dish soap
• A sponge
• A lint-free dish towel
• All-purpose kitchen cleaner

To Clean a Microwave Filter

• Large bowl
• Grease-cutting dish soap
• Baking soda (optional)
• Sponge

How to Clean a Microwave With Vinegar

Feeling motivated to roll up your sleeves and give your microwave a thorough cleaning? Follow these straightforward steps:

Step 1: Spot-Clean Stains and Spills Start by spot-spraying any stubborn stains and spills inside your microwave, similar to how you might pretreat stains on clothing before washing. Noell Jett recommends mixing equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and applying it generously.

Step 2: Prepare a Vinegar Cleaning Solution Take a microwave-safe bowl and fill it with two cups of water and two tablespoons of vinegar. Optionally, you can add one or two drops of essential oil for a pleasant aroma. If you don’t have vinegar, Vera Peterson suggests using freshly squeezed lemon juice as a substitute.

Pro Tip: Place a small wooden spoon or a toothpick in the bowl. This helps prevent the water from superheating and potentially causing an explosion by allowing bubbles to form as the water heats up.

Step 3: Microwave the Solution Put the bowl inside the microwave, close the door, and microwave it on high for three minutes. Afterward, let it sit for an additional 15 minutes without opening the microwave door. This waiting period allows steam to build up, making it easier to remove stubborn stains.

Step 4: Remove the Bowl and Turntable Use oven mitts or potholders to protect your hands as you carefully take out the bowl from the microwave, but don’t pour out its contents just yet. Also, remove the turntable tray to clean it in the sink.

Step 5: Wipe the Interior Dampen a clean microfiber cloth with the vinegar mixture and use it to wipe down the inside of your microwave. Most of the mess should come off easily, but for any stubborn spots or hard-to-reach areas, consider using a non-scratch scrubbing tool, as recommended by Jett.

Step 6: Clean the Turntable In your kitchen sink, wash the microwave turntable with dish soap, hot water, and a sponge. Dry it with a clean dish towel and then return it to the now-clean microwave.

Step 7: Clean the Exterior Spray an all-purpose cleaner onto a clean cloth and use it to wipe down the exterior of the microwave. (Avoid spraying directly onto the control panel.)

Peterson suggests, “For stainless steel appliances, wet the cloth with water and dishwashing liquid, wring it out, and then wipe with the grain.” Don’t forget to clean the control panel, sides, top, and bottom of the microwave as well.

How to Clean Microwave Filters With Dish Soap

Countertop microwaves do not come equipped with filters, but above-the-range microwaves featuring exhaust fans do. These filters are designed to assist in venting smoke and grease when cooking on the stovetop. It is essential to clean microwave filters every three to six months, depending on the frequency of microwave usage.

A dirty filter poses a fire risk and hinders the microwave’s efficiency. Fortunately, cleaning a microwave filter is a straightforward process that requires no special tools. Please follow the instructions below:

Step 1: Remove the Filter Locate the filter beneath the above-the-range microwave; it should easily pop out. Gently extract it using your hands.

Step 2: Soak the Filter Submerge the filter in a large bowl filled with very hot, soapy water. If the filter appears excessively greasy, add 1/4 cup of baking soda to the water. Allow the filter to soak for approximately 15 minutes to facilitate the breakdown of grease.

Step 3: Scrub Away Grease Retrieve the filter from the hot water and scrub it over the sink with a sponge. The grease should come off easily.

Step 4: Rinse and Dry Thoroughly rinse the filter and ensure it is completely dry before reinserting it into the microwave.

How to Keep Your Microwave Clean Longer

Achieving a spotless microwave can be a satisfying accomplishment. To help maintain its cleanliness for longer, consider the following tips:

• Cover Food Prevention is key. Before you start the microwave, place a microwave-safe food cover or a paper towel over any food that may splatter.
• Clean Spills Immediately Fresh spills are much easier to clean than stubborn, baked-on messes. According to Peterson, “If spills do occur, most can be removed with warm soapy water or a microwave oven-specific cleaner.”
• Use Microwave-Safe Dishes Always use containers designated as microwave-safe. Some materials can melt or produce sparks, potentially causing messes or fires. Ensure that the dish is labeled as “microwave-safe” on the bottom (or on its original packaging) and doesn’t become excessively hot when used in the microwave.
• Follow Cooking Times Overcooking food is a common cause of microwave messes. To avoid this, always adhere to the recommended cooking times. Reducing the power setting can also help prevent food from overheating.

Maintain Regular Cleaning

In addition to immediate spot cleaning, strive to perform a thorough monthly cleaning of your microwave to keep it in sparkling condition!