Your microwave shouldn’t look like a crime scene every time you open the door. While it’s easy to ignore those stubborn, dried-on splatters, leaving old food to bake onto the interior surfaces eventually turns your appliance into a breeding ground for bacteria.
Beyond the gross factor, a coated interior actually interferes with how the machine distributes energy, meaning your dinner takes longer to heat because the waves are fighting through layers of yesterday’s leftovers. And if you ask me, that’s absolutely disgusting.
No matter what type of mess you’re dealing with, some simple cleaning products and these tips will help keep this small-but-mighty kitchen appliance in great shape.
Why it’s important to clean your microwave
Keeping your microwave clean isn’t just for impressing the in-laws; it can affect your appliance’s utility. “A clean microwave prevents cross-contamination of flavors and avoids buildup of bacteria from food splatters,” says Galia Ivanova, CEO of Cleaning Estimate, a UK-based cleaning service. “I’ve seen microwaves where old residues not only cause unpleasant odors, but also affect the appliance’s efficiency. Regular cleaning ensures your food tastes as it should and your microwave lasts longer.”
Bacterial buildup from splatter can be a serious hygiene issue, too. “Considering the microwave is one of the most used kitchen appliances, if it’s dirty it can be a haven for bacteria and food-borne illnesses,” says Delah Gomasi, CEO of Australia-based MaidForYou, who adds that microwave cleaning is one of the first training modules that cleaners at MaidForYou must undergo, as it correlates directly to overall client satisfaction.
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Try to keep your microwave clean in the first place
Regular — and quick — attention to your microwave can help it stay in such a condition that you don’t have to fear it or clean it very often.
“The best way to keep your microwave clean is to use a microwave safe food cover,” says Gomasi. “This means any spillage will not penetrate the microwave in its entirety and only dirty the food cover itself, which can be easily washed.” A damp paper towel can also act as a barrier for splatters if you’re heating something in a standard bowl or plate.
If splatter occurs, “I recommend wiping down the microwave after any spills immediately,” says Ivanova. This is much more easily done with spillage that is still fresh before it has an opportunity to dry and adhere to the walls of your appliance.
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The easiest 2-minute hack for cleaning a microwave
Cleaning your microwave is as simple as using your microwave, no speciality products or supplies needed. You’re basically giving it a steam bath. “I’ve found the easiest way to clean a microwave without the use of harmful chemicals or cleaning products is to microwave vinegar and water in a microwave safe bowl for 2 minutes,” says Gomasi. A tablespoon or two of white or distilled vinegar with a cup of water is enough. You’ll just need to nuke it long enough to boil and steam.
“Once that’s done, allow another two minutes before using a damp cloth to wipe down the interior of the microwave,” he says. “It may take multiple passes but this is the most effective way to clean your microwave.” The acid in the vinegar steam can break down and soften particles, making them easy to wipe away. “It’s eco-friendly, simple and effective at removing … food spills,” says Gomasi.
Lemon juice or lemon rinds can also be used in this way for a fresher scent or for another take, “One of my favorite methods is using herbal steam,” says Ivanova, who recommends fresh mint, rosemary, thyme or other aromatic herbs in place of vinegar in the steam bath. The steam will still help to break down bits without the acid, and the essential oils will leave your kitchen with a pleasant smell.
The glass turntable plate in your microwave can be put in the dishwasher or hand washed.
How often should you clean your microwave?
If you’re doing the above after each use of the microwave or when spills occur, you shouldn’t have to give it the steam bath treatment more than once a month.
If you’re more haphazard about covering your items, though, “we typically recommend that our clients clean their microwave at least twice a week, especially if they’re not using a microwavable food cover to prevent spills,” says Gomasi. “You’d be surprised at just how many people don’t do this.”
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For lingering microwave odor, try this
If you’ve given your microwave the vinegar steam bath a few times and you still have stuck-on stains or lingering odor, you might need some more metaphorical muscle but major scrubbing still isn’t necessary.
“For a deep clean, I make a natural paste using equal parts baking soda and coconut oil,” says Ivanova. “Apply this paste to the interior surfaces, especially on stubborn stains, and let it sit for 15 minutes. The baking soda acts as a gentle abrasive, while the coconut oil breaks down grease,” she says. “Afterward, wipe it off with a warm, damp cloth,” which should leave your microwave clean and subtly scented.
Ivanova also has a hack for keeping odors down continually. “Place a small bowl filled with dry coffee grounds at the back of your microwave when it’s not in use,” she says. “The coffee grounds absorb lingering odors and moisture, keeping the interior fresh. Just remember to remove the bowl before you use the microwave.”
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Don’t forget to disinfect
While vinegar is a useful cleaning agent, it doesn’t meet the standard to be considered a disinfectant by the Environmental Protection Agency, so for a final reassurance you’ll want to give your microwave a wipe down with an actual disinfectant.
“Be sure to use a toxin-free disinfectant to keep germs at bay,” says Lana Tkachenko, eco-friendly cleaning expert and marketing director at Force of Nature. “Your microwave comes in contact with the foods you eat so you don’t want to use anything to clean it that you don’t want to also put in your mouth.”
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