Microwave Cleaning 101: Your Comprehensive Microwave Cleaning Guide

Microwaves are known for their convenience, but we all know that cleaning a microwave is no easy task. For many of us, just thinking about scrubbing away the layers of stuck-on food and grease is enough to make us regret buying the practical appliance in the first place.  At Nixxit Junk Removal, we understand the struggle is real, but we have this crazy idea that cleaning your microwave should be just as easy as using it. That’s why we’ve compiled the best tips and tricks in this comprehensive microwave cleaning guide.  If you follow this guide, cleaning your microwave will be quick, easy, and painless.

The Best Way to Clean a Microwave

What is the best cleaning product out there? The answer might surprise you. No, it’s not a magic eraser or an as-seen-on-TV miracle cleaner. The thing that removes stubborn grime better than anything else is steam.  Most people make the mistake of cleaning their microwaves like they clean dishes or stovetops. Instead of scrubbing for hours with a sponge, you can use the microwave itself for the cleaning.  By heating water with vinegar or lemon juice in the microwave, you can essentially steam the inside of the appliance. The steam will loosen up grime and caked-on food, making the cleaning process 10 times easier.

Cleaning With Lemon

Don’t waste your money on special microwave cleaning products that work “like magic.” One of the best things for cleaning a microwave is the humble lemon.  You can use both lemon juice and lemon essential oil. Not only are these two things natural and relatively inexpensive, but they also actually work and will make your appliance smell fresh. 

1. Soak a kitchen sponge in a mixture that’s half water and half lemon juice. Make sure the sponge is soaking wet.
2. Fill a small spray bottle with water. Add about five or six drops of lemon essential oil and shake well.
3. Spray the inside of your microwave with the lemon essential oil mixture. Don’t be afraid to cover the appliance with the mixture. Spray it everywhere and spray a lot of it!
4. Place the wet sponge in your microwave.
5. Turn your microwave on high for about two minutes. When the timer goes off, keep the microwave door closed for three to five more minutes.
6. Open the microwave door and check to see that the sponge is cool enough to touch.
7. Use the sponge to clean up the food, grease, and debris. It will come off effortlessly.
8. Enjoy the new lemony freshness of your beloved appliance.

Cleaning With Vinegar

Vinegar presents another practical, reliable option for cleaning your microwave. Vinegar is a well-loved natural cleaner that people have been using for generations. The acetic acid in vinegar allows it to break down stubborn dirt and grease. It also acts as a disinfectant, killing off any nasty bacteria.  The vinegar cleaning technique is similar to using lemon. Both methods use the magical properties of steam to make quick work of food splatters and stains. 

1. Get a microwave-safe bowl or measuring cup. Pour one cup of vinegar and one cup of water into the cup. Any basic white vinegar will work.
2. Place the vinegar mixture into your microwave and set it on high for about six minutes. If your microwave isn’t powerful, you might need to microwave the mixture for up to 10 minutes.
3. Use an oven mitt to carefully remove the bowl or measuring cup. Exercise extreme caution as both the mixture and the cup itself will be scorching hot!
4. You’ll see that the steam has loosened up all the food and grease. Use a sponge, cloth, or paper towel to wipe away the mess.

Cleaning With Baking Soda

If your microwave is in serious need of deodorizing, then baking soda will quickly become your new best friend. There are two ways to add baking soda to your microwave cleaning routine.

While Cleaning

To remove odors while cleaning up hardened food spills, add a small amount of baking soda to the vinegar or lemon juice mixture. Steam the microwave as previously instructed.   Baking soda reacts with the particles that create the bad smell. By reacting with those particles, baking soda eliminates the smell instead of just masking it.

After Cleaning

You can also use baking soda if your microwave is spick and span but still smells terrible. There’s no need to clean the appliance again. Pour baking soda into a bowl and leave it in your microwave with the door closed.  When left in your microwave overnight, baking soda may be able to reduce bad smells by 70%.

 Clean the Outside of the Microwave

Now that the inside of your microwave is clean and fresh, it’s time to get the outside looking sparkling new. 

1. In a small bowl, mix equal parts white vinegar and water. Add a small amount of baking soda to the mixture.
2. Dip a sponge into the mixture and wipe away any dirt, grease, or food from the front of your microwave.
3. Next, pour some rubbing alcohol onto a microfiber cloth. Gently buff the outside of the microwave until it’s clean and shiny.

Nixxit Junk Removal: The Bay Area’s Go-To Eco-Friendly Junk Removal Company

Even if you regularly clean and care for your microwave, there will come a time when it breaks. When that time comes, you should safely dispose of it before buying a new microwave.  Nixxit Junk Removal is your friendly neighborhood full-service junk removal company. Not only do we provide our community with eco-friendly junk removal solutions, but we’re also a locally owned and certified woman-owned small business.  As a locally owned Bay Area business, we take pride in the natural beauty of our region. Because we always go the extra mile to use environmentally friendly practices, we’re one of only a handful of junk removal companies to become a Certified California Green Business.  Our services include everything from small appliance pickups to complete cleanout services. Whether you have a broken microwave to get rid of or are a recovering hoarder with rooms full of trash, our trained and fully licensed team is always ready to help.  Call Nixxit Junk Removal today to schedule a pickup, or check out our easy-to-use website to book online.