How To Easily Clean Your Microwave

Why Clean Microwave

Microwaves are a common kitchen appliance found in most households. It cooks food with the help of electromagnetic radiation. The oven saves the time of people. People do not have to wait for long hours to cook simple food.

Cleaning is required especially because sometimes food can spread over the oven. Also, if you are cooking food that has a bad smell then the oven should be cleaned. If the oil and other lubricants are spilled then microwave cleaning is mandatory.

You just cannot cook and go on and on with the same baking sheets and oven. All this equipment has to be cleaned properly. A clean microwave makes sure that your food is healthy and clean. Regular cleaning also reduces the chances of defects.

What You Will Need to Clean Microwave

To clean any kitchen items, you need different cleaning materials. There are different things that are to be taken into consideration while cleaning the microwave. It requires proper care because of its size and function. The electric cooking method comes with some cons as well.

It is not sure that you will always have the electricity. Sometimes people may be deprived of the electric current for a long time. In such cases, the microwave may smell bad if it is not used for a long time. So, cleaning is very important.

Here you will get to know about the different things that you must have to clean the microwave. 

• Lemon and Vinegar: You must be very aware of this home hack. Lemon is used by many people for cleaning different items. From using it in your clothes to cleaning the microwave, this vegetable works as magic. All you need to do is put the lemon in the bowl with water and clean it. You can also use vinegar instead of lemons. Squeezing lemons might be a little more time-consuming than using the vinegar directly. 
• Dish Soap: One doesn't even have to explain about the soap. Cleaning cannot be imagined without detergents and soaps. They help to clean the tools better than any other products. Soaps are easily available at homes. So, you don't have to worry about cleaning the microwave thinking they will increase your cost. 
• Baking Soda: You are completely living on another planet if you do not have an idea about baking soda. People are using it a lot for cleaning purposes. The strains and dirt are removed properly with the help of soda. So, you shouldn't just use it for eating. The same edible food can also be used for cleaning. Lucky us right? 

• Warm Water: How can you forget water when you are cleaning anything? The hot water perfectly cleans any of your kitchen items. Cold liquids can also be used. But it is always better to use warm water and other liquids for cleaning. 
• Toothbrush: You definitely have too many unused brushes at your home. Use one of them to clean your microwave. It will help to deep clean as the heating parts may be difficult to clean with hands. 
• Soft Clothes: Do not use rough or glitter clothes to clean your microwave. This will damage the outer surfaces of the oven. Always use soft clothes and towels for cleaning. After using water, the oven has to be brought back to dry. The dry parts will work better. 
• Cleaning Liquids: You can purchase different cleaning liquids from the market to clean the microwave. The gels and mists will clean the microwave better. Purchase the cleaning items considering the size and quality of the oven.

How to Clean Microwave? 

As discussed earlier, there are different things that you need to look for while cleaning. There are different methods of cleaning the microwave. Some of them are explained in detail for you all.

1. Cleaning Inside of the Microwave

You need to take care of the microwave from the inside to the outside. The cleaning process differs for both the sides. The inside cleaning is the most important one. Here are the steps that you need to follow while cleaning them. 

What You'll Need: 

• Water
• Cup 
• Cotton Cloth
• Soap
• Lemon and Vinegar

Step 1: Microwave Water 

If you microwave a cup of water then this will ease the cleaning process. When you are following this step make sure to boil water for 2 to 3 minutes. The steam that comes out from the water will help to clean properly. It will loosen any dirt and other food items from the oven. This makes the cleaning process easier. 

Step 2: Wipe the Interior

Here, you need to wipe down the interior with soft clothes and water. Avoid using hard and rough clothes. Use the clean clothes and pat dry them. If the surface is watery then it might be very risky. Also, there is a high chance that the oven will stop functioning soon. 

Step 3: Rinse and Dry 

Rinsing doesn't mean washing away the whole microwave. You have to use water and soap to clean the microwave. Use the soft and dry towel again to clean the oven. Make sure the cooking tool is dry and clean. 

2. Cleaning Microwave Turntable

Similar to cleaning the inside and outside of the microwave, the turntable cleaning is also very important. Make sure to unplug the microwave and let it cool down for a few minutes. 

What You'll Need: 

• Dishwasher
• Warm Water 
• Clean Towel 
• Soft clothes 
• Toothbrush

Step 1: Check Hotness 

If the turntable is hot then you will end up hurting yourself. So, it is better to check the hotness. If it is hot then let it cool down for some time. Wash it only after it becomes cool. 

Step 2: Wash the turntable 

After you cool down the turntable you have to wash them. It is recommended to wash them with your hands. People can also use a dishwasher to wash them.

Check the cleanliness suggestion in the packaging of the microwave. You shouldn't use cleaning methods on your own. Use a toothbrush on the part you cannot clean yourself.

Step 3: Rinse and Clean 

It is recommended to clean the turntable with warm water. After cleaning let them become dry. If you use the wet one then you might face many problems. Always use a clean towel or soft clothes to dry them. 

3. Cleaning Outside of the Microwave

It is equally important to clean the microwave from the outside. Your kitchen doesn't look clean with the dirty microwave in it, right? So, always clean both the inside and outside parts of the microwave. You can follow the steps of cleaning the microwave from outside. 

What You'll Need: 

• Water
• Clean Clothes
• Vinegar and lemon
• Baking Soda
• Soap

Step 1: Control Lock Option

There is an option called control lock in the oven. Make sure to click on this option as this will make you safe. The button will not allow the microwave to turn on. If any parts of the oven get on then you might accidentally burn yourself. So, always better to switch off the main button or use the control lock option. 

Step 2: Wipe the Exterior 

In this step, you have to clean the outer part of the microwave. We have discussed different cleaning tools previously. So, you can use any of the cleaning items to clean the microwave.

Just be sure that you don't end up cleaning everything with soap and water. Some parts may not support the cleaning materials. In such cases, only use the water. Pat dry them with clean clothes. 

Step 3: Clean the Grease Filter 

The filters should also be cleaned time and often. You can slide the grease filter and clean it with water soap and vinegar. If it is difficult then just use warm water to clean it. We would recommend you clean them with baking soda once a month or at your convenience.

How to Get Smell Out of the Microwave

Even after carefully cooking food in the microwave, it still can smell bad. You reheat and bake so many food items. Some of them might smell really bad. After cleaning the internal part of the oven the smell can fade away. But it is important to clean them in the right way.

Here are a few ideas for you to enjoy the fresh and clean food in the oven. You can prevent both the hard smell and the light smell.

• Strong Smell: It already feels bad just thinking about the strong odor. This has to be removed on time. The fragrance definitely matters. It is recommended to keep the odor-free gel or liquids inside the oven to remove the smell.
• Light Smell: Do not take the light smell lightly. This will affect the overall taste of the food. Baking soda and lemons already have a good smell. So, it is better to clean the oven by using them. You can also just open the door of the microwave and allow some freshness in the room. Keeping a cup of baking soda for some time will also help to remove the smell. 

So, it is always suggested to use the natural way of cleaning. Using the gels and chemicals might affect both the oven and the food. Use easily available cleaning items to clean the microwave. Fresh lemon and baking soda are to be tried for sure.

How Often To Clean Microwave

For a cleanliness freak, time shouldn't be a matter of concern. You want to clean everything every day. There is no exact time to clean anything. If things get dirty you would like to clean it. Kitchen cleaning is the most important one. There are very few people who count days to clean the kitchen. 

Since the microwave is one appliance that people use on a regular basis. It needs to be cleaned properly. If you're wondering how and when to clean your microwave,  recommend you not look for the days to clean. This kitchen appliance is used most often. So, try to clean it with vinegar, soaps, and other cleaning gels. If possible clean the microwave daily.

The deep cleaning is not necessary every day. But at least make a little effort to clean it. If not possible, you can choose to clean it on weekdays. But do not extend the cleaning process further. Avoid having leftovers and bad smells by cleaning them on time.

Tips for Keeping Microwave Cleaner Longer

As mentioned earlier, people think that the microwave doesn't have to be cleaned daily. But this is wrong. The kitchen should be kept clean and neat the whole time.

Still, considering that people want to clean microwaves at some time of the day, here are some suggestions for you all. These tips will help to keep the microwave clean for a long time. 

• Make a cleanliness routine: Make sure to keep cleaning track. You have to clean the microwave at least once a week. There is no excuse for that. By avoiding cleaning you yourself are deteriorating your health. So, the routine will work to clean the microwave on time. 
• Clean immediately: Do not wait for a week if you spill something in the oven. Clean them immediately. Even if you are cooking something that smells bad then also you have to clean the oven. If not cleaned on time, it will become difficult to clean it later. 
• Use oil: To everyone's surprise olive oil is the perfect option to clean the microwave. The turntable can be cleaned using the lubricants. Use oils to make them smooth and remove the dirt particles. 
• Avoid overheating: The foods should be cooked in the right heat in the microwave. If they are overheated then they might not work properly for a long time. So, follow the cooking instructions mentioned in the packaging. This will increase the life of your oven. 
• Safe containers: Always use the container of the oven only. The outside container may damage the microwave. It will not fit properly to the heat and cooking time of this kitchen tool. Avoid bursting and burning the microwave by using the right container. 
• Cleansers: Avoid using chemicals and other hard products for cleaning the microwave. You can use the easily available home products such as lemon and baking soda. They will not just make your microwave clean but also bring good fragrance to your kitchen. 
• Electricity precautions: People do not turn off the microwave completely after using them. But this can be very harmful. You have to turn off the oven while sleeping. This will reduce the risks of having electricity accidents. Also, don't you ever forget to turn off the electricity while cleaning this kitchen tool. Never put the microwave on top of other electrical appliances.