Microwave ovens are pretty much existent in most households. Microwave ovens are very helpful, from heating food to making 3-minute meals and baking. However, with that in mind, they get dirty. For a sparkling clean microwave, continue reading on tips for how to clean microwave oven parts.
Why Do We Need Microwave Ovens?
If you hate leftovers, then a microwave is for you. Apart from making life much easier, they offer a lot of conveniences and hence are the perfect appliance for anyone who is always on the go. Microwaves also save time doing dishes; hence they are a faster way to cook or reheat food.
Frozen foods are also popular amongst people who are always on the go. Therefore, it is much easier to enjoy your meals with a microwave oven without ever touching a single dish. However, with food comes tough stains and spills. Therefore, you need to clean your microwave as often as possible.
Cleaning your microwave not only keeps it sanitary. It also lengthens the life of your microwave. For this reason, you have to be careful with the solution you use when cleaning your dirty microwave to avoid damaging the plastic parts.
How to Clean a Microwave Oven
There are several methods you can use to clean a microwave. We will highlight some proven methods that are easier to execute with great results. Here are some things you might need to clean a microwave oven;
- Water
- Sponge
- White vinegar
- Lemon juice
- Baking soda
- Dish soap
- Microwave safe bowl
- Microfibre cloth
- Commercial cleaners
Method 1: Using Dish Soap
This method is simple and will not cost you much as you already have most of the things you will need. Fill a microwave-safe bowl with dish soap and water and place it in the microwave. Let the microwave run for about one minute. The microwave should be at a high temperature while you use it. Let the dishwasher mixture steam. Once done, carefully remove the bowl and wipe the oven with a sponge. You can clean the microwave door while at it. The steam loosens the stains in the microwave interior to make it easier to wipe off.
Ensure you wipe the microwave completely dry with a clean cloth. Then, when you leave the unit dry, you can ensure the food inside will be safely cooked.
Method 2: Wet Paper Towels
The microwave gets stained with leftover residue of food. For example, once you prepare popcorns for a full series on Netflix, you will have burnt popcorn all over the microwave. Place wet paper towels inside the microwave and turn the heat on for about five minutes. The microwave should be on high power to ensure a steam build-up that will help you when wiping off the food. This method will work wonders whenever you are cleaning your microwave.
Method 3: Baking Soda
Food will always leave stains on your cooking areas. To get rid of these stains inside and outside of your microwave, create a mixture of baking soda and water to create a paste. Place the paste on the food stains and wipe the stains off after five minutes. This mixture should not be equal parts, and the soda should be more. Wash off the stains until you end up with a clean unit.
Baking soda will help eliminate any strong smells whenever you use it to clean a microwave. Baking soda is one item you need in your house. Ensure there is always lemon juice in the house, too, as those two go hand in hand.
Method 4: Vinegar and Water Solution
This method will deep clean your microwave. Create a solution and place it in a microwave-safe bowl. The solution should be equal part vinegar and equal part water in one cup. This method is more like the soapy water method. Place the solution in the microwave and let the mixture heat with the door closed.
Once you get the door open, start cleaning immediately to get rid of the stains and avoid any traces of vinegar on the surface. Use a clean rag to get rid of the stubborn food splatters. You can use a paper towel to further get rid of any stains. Remember to clean the microwave door while at it. Remember to use oven mitts to avoid burns.
Method 5: Lemon Juice
This method is more like the soapy water mixture method. Take one lemon and cut it in half. Place the half face-down on the microwave and add a few spoons of water. Heat the lemon until it produces steam. Use a damp cloth to clean the microwave using a circular motion each time to get the microwave clean. Do this consistent cleaning, and messy foods will not stand a chance. Your microwave will not develop a smell either.
Method 6: Window Cleaner
Commercial cleaners are readily available to get rid of grease and other tough stains. The only downside is that the cleaner may leave smells that are not natural to foods. Use a wet sponge with the cleaner to get rid of stains. Then, you can use warm water to get to the greasy parts. The window cleaner will be good for the glass parts of the microwave and other cleaning surfaces.
Final Take
To clean a microwave, there are many simple steps that you can follow, as we have outlined above. However, you have to do the cleaning as consistently as you can. Cleaning your microwave after six months is a bit of a stretch. Try three weeks for a start. A dirty microwave is not a good look.
