The easiest ways to clean a microwave oven: tips from professional cleaners

“Anything that explodes in the microwave and has time to dry out will be a nightmare to clean. Therefore, I recommend wiping it daily with a damp cloth – this is the best way to maintain cleanliness between deep cleanings. If you can’t stick to this rule, follow a simpler principle: clean up any spills that we tend to encounter less often, says professional cleaner Warren Weiss.

Warren says the microwave should be “widespread” once a week, but her colleague, cleaning service president Marla Mock, says it all depends on how much the oven is used. “If several people live in a house and everyone uses the appliance two or three times a day, then, of course, the microwave will require more attention. If you are the only one using it, a deep cleaning is necessary once a month, or even less often. Focus on stains and odors: if they appear, it’s a sign that it’s time to put the stove away,” says Mock.

Weiss advises wiping the device from top to bottom. “A lot of people forget the top part. “Very often when I’m working, I see microwaves that are shiny on the inside but look terrible on the top,” he says.

“As for exterior walls, I recommend removing dirt and grease with a liquid detergent: add it to water, soak a cloth in it and pass over all surfaces. Another great way is to make a spray of equal parts water and 9% white vinegar in a spray bottle, spritz it in the microwave, wait 10-15 minutes and wipe away any solution remaining house with a damp cloth, says Jessica Eck of the American Cleaning Institute.

And finally, don’t forget the turntable: you can wash it with dish soap under the tap or put it in the dishwasher.

Yes, your microwave oven is equipped with a filter and it should be washed from time to time. It is usually located at the bottom and is easy to reach, and the rules for cleaning the room are indicated in the instructions.

“In most cases, this can be done with warm water and washing-up liquid: soak the filter in it to remove any grease that has built up on it, then rinse and dry thoroughly before replacing it. Cleaning this removable part of the microwave in the dishwasher will also work. This should be done every three to six months,” says Jessica.

Proceed as in the previous case – the only difference is that you need to pour a glass of water into a bowl, squeeze the juice from one lemon into it and throw the zest into it. In this case, you do not need to add essential oil: citrus juice itself is an excellent flavoring agent, the smell of which is associated with purity and freshness. The effect of lemon can be enhanced by squeezing the juice into a mixture of half a glass of vinegar and half a glass of water.

The algorithm will be the same: you need to mix two tablespoons (30 grams) of baking soda and a glass of water in a bowl. Once the powder is dissolved, place the solution in the microwave and turn it on for three minutes.

If traces of food remain, remove them with a soda paste: dilute the powder with water to the consistency of liquid sour cream, apply the mixture to a sponge and rub the stain. You can also combine soda and vinegar: first wipe the inside of the microwave with a baking solution, then heat a 1:1 mixture of vinegar and water in it for three minutes.

Also read: What to add to water to quickly clean the stove: advice from professional cleaners

If you suddenly run out of lemons, vinegar and soda at the same time, you can do without them: even clean steam can loosen contaminants. Place a cup of water in the microwave on high for three to five minutes, then take it out and wash the sides with a mixture of hot water and dish soap.

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