How To Clean Microwave Oven Step By Step
Key Takeaways
Cleaning your microwave oven regularly is essential for food safety, hygiene, and the longevity of your appliance. This guide provides a step-by-step process for effectively cleaning your microwave using common household items. We’ll explore various methods, including the popular steam cleaning approach, and offer tips for preventing future messes. Keep your microwave sparkling and your food tasting its best!
Why is Cleaning Your Microwave Oven Important?
Think about all the things your microwave oven heats up: leftovers, popcorn, frozen dinners. Splatters, spills, and food residue are inevitable. If left unaddressed, these messes can lead to several problems:
* **Unpleasant Odors:** Food remnants decompose, creating lingering and often offensive smells. Imagine trying to heat a delicious slice of apple pie in a microwave that smells like last week’s fish.
* **Bacteria and Mold Growth:** A dirty microwave oven is a breeding ground for bacteria and mold, posing a health risk. Nobody wants to inadvertently heat up a side of salmonella with their lunch.
* **Inefficient Heating:** Built-up food residue can absorb microwave energy, making your microwave less efficient and requiring longer heating times. This wastes energy and adds unnecessary wear and tear to your appliance.
* **Potential Fire Hazard:** Dried food splatters can potentially ignite, especially if they contain grease or oil. While rare, it’s a serious risk worth avoiding.
* **Altered Food Taste:** The accumulated smells and residue can subtly affect the taste of your food. A clean microwave ensures your food tastes as it should.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Microwave Oven
Here’s a comprehensive guide to cleaning your microwave oven, covering the steam cleaning method and manual cleaning for stubborn messes.
Method 1: Steam Cleaning with Lemon (Our Favorite!)
This is a quick, easy, and effective method for loosening grime and sanitizing your microwave oven. The lemon adds a pleasant scent and helps cut through grease.
- Prepare the Solution: Fill a microwave-safe bowl with 1 cup of water. Add 1-2 tablespoons of lemon juice (fresh or bottled) and a few lemon slices. The lemon’s acidity and steam work wonders.
- Microwave the Solution: Place the bowl in the microwave and heat on high for 3-5 minutes. The water should boil vigorously, creating steam. Allow the steam to condense on the interior surfaces.
- Let it Stand: Leave the bowl in the microwave with the door closed for an additional 5-10 minutes. This allows the steam to further loosen the grime. Resist the urge to open the door immediately!
- Wipe Clean: Carefully remove the bowl (it will be hot!). Use a clean, damp cloth or sponge to wipe down the interior of the microwave oven. The loosened grime should come off easily.
- Clean the Turntable and Roller Ring: Remove the turntable and roller ring. Wash them with warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry before replacing.
Method 2: Steam Cleaning with Vinegar
Vinegar is another excellent natural cleaner. Its acidity helps to dissolve grease and remove odors. This method is very similar to the lemon method.
- Prepare the Solution: Fill a microwave-safe bowl with 1 cup of water and 2 tablespoons of white vinegar.
- Microwave the Solution: Place the bowl in the microwave and heat on high for 3-5 minutes, or until the water boils and steam forms.
- Let it Stand: Leave the bowl in the microwave with the door closed for 5-10 minutes.
- Wipe Clean: Carefully remove the bowl and wipe down the interior of the microwave oven with a clean, damp cloth.
- Clean the Turntable and Roller Ring: Wash the turntable and roller ring with warm, soapy water, rinse, and dry.
Method 3: Manual Cleaning for Stubborn Stains
For stubborn stains or baked-on food, you might need a little extra elbow grease. This method is best used after attempting steam cleaning.
- Prepare a Cleaning Solution: Mix a small amount of dish soap with warm water in a bowl.
- Apply the Solution: Dip a clean sponge or cloth into the soapy water and wring out the excess. Gently scrub the stained areas of the microwave oven.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Use a clean, damp cloth to rinse away any soap residue. Be sure to remove all traces of soap.
- Dry the Interior: Use a clean, dry cloth to dry the interior of the microwave oven.
- Tackle Stubborn Spots: For particularly stubborn spots, try using a paste of baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, and then scrub gently.
Cleaning the Outside of Your Microwave Oven
Don’t forget to clean the exterior of your microwave oven. This area can accumulate dust, grease, and fingerprints.
- Wipe Down the Exterior: Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down the exterior surfaces of the microwave oven.
- Clean the Control Panel: Pay special attention to the control panel, as it can get greasy from repeated use. Use a slightly damp cloth to wipe it clean. Avoid using excessive water, as it could damage the electronics.
- Clean the Door: Wipe down the inside and outside of the microwave door.
- Dry the Exterior: Use a clean, dry cloth to dry the exterior of the microwave oven.
Tips for Preventing Microwave Oven Messes
Prevention is always better than cure! Here are some tips to help prevent messes in your microwave oven:
* **Use Microwave-Safe Covers:** Always cover food when microwaving to prevent splattering. Microwave-safe covers are readily available and very effective.
* **Vent Food Properly:** When heating foods with skins or membranes (like potatoes or sausages), pierce them with a fork to allow steam to escape. This prevents explosions.
* **Wipe Up Spills Immediately:** Clean up any spills or splatters as soon as they happen. The longer they sit, the harder they are to remove.
* **Regular Cleaning:** Make microwave oven cleaning a regular part of your kitchen cleaning routine. A quick wipe-down once a week can prevent build-up.
* **Choose the Right Containers:** Ensure you’re using microwave-safe containers. Some plastics can melt or leach chemicals into your food.
* **Consider Using Parchment Paper:** Line your microwave turntable with parchment paper when heating messy foods. This makes cleanup much easier.
Choosing the Right Cleaning Supplies
While natural cleaning solutions like lemon and vinegar are often sufficient, you might need other cleaning supplies for tougher messes. Here’s a breakdown:
* **Microfiber Cloths:** Excellent for wiping surfaces clean without leaving streaks.
* **Sponges:** Use non-abrasive sponges to avoid scratching the interior of the microwave oven.
* **Dish Soap:** Gentle dish soap is effective for cutting through grease and removing food residue.
* **Baking Soda:** A mild abrasive that can help remove stubborn stains.
* **White Vinegar:** A natural disinfectant and degreaser.
* **Lemon Juice:** Adds a pleasant scent and helps cut through grease.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use bleach to clean my microwave oven?
No, it’s generally not recommended to use bleach to clean your microwave oven. Bleach can be harmful if ingested or inhaled, and it can also damage the interior surfaces of the microwave. Stick to natural cleaning solutions like lemon, vinegar, or dish soap.
How often should I clean my microwave oven?
Ideally, you should wipe down your microwave oven after each use to prevent food from hardening. A more thorough cleaning should be done at least once a week, or more often if you frequently use your microwave oven and experience a lot of splattering.
What if my microwave still smells after cleaning?
If your microwave still smells after cleaning, try placing a bowl of baking soda in the microwave overnight. Baking soda is a natural odor absorber. You can also try microwaving a bowl of coffee grounds or lemon slices for a few minutes to freshen the air.
My microwave has a burnt smell. How do I get rid of it?
A burnt smell can be tough to eliminate. First, make sure you’ve thoroughly cleaned the microwave, removing all traces of burnt food. Then, try these methods:
* **Baking Soda:** Place an open box of baking soda in the microwave for a few days.
* **Vinegar Steam:** Microwave a bowl of vinegar and water as described above.
* **Coffee Grounds:** Leave a bowl of dry coffee grounds in the microwave to absorb the odor.
* If the smell persists, you may need to consult a professional appliance repair technician to check for any underlying issues.
