Keeping a microwave clean is easy and helps prevent the buildup of germs and unpleasant smells. Over time, food splatters and forgotten spills can lead to stubborn grime and unpleasant odors, but you don’t need harsh chemicals to get your microwave sparkling again. In this guide, we’ll explore simple and effective cleaning hacks using common household ingredients such as lemons, vinegar, and baking soda. A microwave doesn’t hold grease; instead, the grease accumulates on the appliance’s surfaces. These natural methods are designed to help you easily remove that greasy buildup and keep your microwave clean.

Steam Cleaning Method 

The secret to effortlessly cleaning your microwave lies in the power of steam. By heating a simple solution inside the microwave, you can create a steamy environment that softens stuck-on food, making it easy to wipe off. Steps for cleaning a microwave with steam and other ingredients:

1. The Lemon Steam Method 

This natural, chemical-free method uses the effectiveness of citric acid to cut through grease and leave your microwave smelling fresh.

• Benefits:
  1. Natural Degreaser: Citric acid effectively breaks down stubborn grease.
  2. Pleasant Scent: Leaves a fresh, clean, citrusy smell.
  3. Safe & Chemical-Free: Ideal for food-safe equipment.
  4. Inexpensive: A budget-friendly alternative to commercial cleaners.
• What You’ll Need:
  1. 1 Lemon
  2. 1 Microwave-safe bowl
  3. Water
  4. A cloth or sponge
• The Method:
  1. Cut the lemon in half and squeeze its juice into the bowl. Drop the squeezed lemon halves into the bowl as well.
  2. Add about 230 ml (1 cup) of cold water to the bowl.
  3. Microwave on high for 3-5 minutes, allowing the water to boil and create steam.
  4. Keep the door closed for another 2-3 minutes to allow the steam to continue its work, loosening grime and stains.
  5. Carefully remove the hot bowl. Wipe down the interior surfaces with a damp cloth or sponge; the grime should come right off.
  6. For the turntable, remove it and wash it separately with warm, soapy water.

2. The White Vinegar Steam Method 

White vinegar is another powerhouse cleaner known for its acidity, which makes it a natural degreaser and deodorizer.

• Benefits:
  1. Highly Acidic: The acidity breaks down mineral buildup and grease.
  2. Deodorizing Properties: Neutralizes and eliminates odors rather than masking them.
  3. Eco-Friendly & Inexpensive: A safe and affordable cleaning choice.
• What You’ll Need:
  1. White vinegar
  2. Microwave-safe bowl or jug
  3. Sponge
  4. Dry cloth
• The Method:
  1. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 500 ml of water with 2 tablespoons of white vinegar.
  2. Microwave the solution on high for 5 minutes, allowing it to boil and create steam.
  3. Leave the door closed for 3 minutes to trap the steam and let it work on the burnt-on food.
  4. Carefully remove the hot bowl. Use a sponge to wipe down the inside of the microwave, starting from the top and working your way down.
  5. Remove and wash the turntable with a sponge, and dry with a clean cloth. Buff the interior dry to finish.

3. The Baking Soda Steam Method 

For particularly tough stains, baking soda is the perfect solution. It works with steam to lift away grime without hard scrubbing.

• Benefits:
  1. Natural Deodorizer: Baking soda absorbs and eliminates lingering odors.
  2. Mildly Abrasive: Great for scrubbing off stubborn food splatters.
  3. Safe & Chemical-Free: A non-toxic alternative for a food-safe appliance.
• What You’ll Need:
  1. 1 tablespoon baking soda
  2. 1 cup of water
  3. Microwave-safe bowl
  4. Sponge or cloth
• The Method:
  1. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of baking soda and 1 cup of water.
  2. Microwave on high for 3–5 minutes, until the mixture is steaming.
  3. Leave the door closed for 2–3 minutes after the timer goes off to let the steam work its magic.
  4. Carefully remove the bowl. The steam should have loosened the grime, so you can now easily wipe the interior clean with a damp sponge or cloth.
  5. Remove and wash the turntable with warm, soapy water.

Conclusion

Remember to establish quick daily habits, such as wiping spills immediately and using a microwave cover to prevent future splatters. By using the natural power of steam with lemons, vinegar, and baking soda, you can easily tackle even the toughest grime and odors.