How to Clean a Microwave – Ever wondered how to clean these appliances? Or have you experienced a catastrophic disaster when cleaning this one?
Well, as you all know, the microwave is a most well known kitchen appliance that is present in many households around the world.
It’s without a surprise because microwaves are renowned for its versatility and ability to serves us warm and comforting food
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But, as with any other appliances, the microwave also needs to be cleaned to maintain its performance and keep your food away from any contamination from bacterias.
So, for those of you who don’t know how to clean a microwave, you’re in the right place and the right time as we will unveil the secrets of it. Dire to know more? Get the explanation down below!
Table of Contents
How to Clean a Microwave?

From splattered particles to annoying smudges, dirty microwaves really put a strain on anyone’s kitchen, right?
But worry not! Cleaning it is not rocket science and only needed a few steps to do that!
Also Read: “History of Microwave and Who Invented the Microwave“
1. Prepare the Needed Tools
As with all cleaning processes. The first thing to do is to prepare the tools and or equipments necessary to clean the microwave. Here are some of them!
- Spray bottle
- Microwave safe bowl
- White distilled vinegar
- Essential oil
- Wooden spoon
- Oven gloves
- Cleaning solution
- Scrubber / sponge
- Microfiber cloth
2. Spray the Cleaning Mixture
The first thing is to spray the cleaning mixture that can consist of a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar with a little bit cleaning solution/light dish soap.
Vinegar is a natural disinfectant that effectively breaks down grime and helps eliminate odors, while the dish soap provides additional cleaning power to tackle any stubborn stains.
To create the cleaning solution, simply combine the ingredients in a spray bottle, shaking gently to mix them thoroughly.
Once your cleaning mixture is ready, spray it generously onto the surfaces that need attention, ensuring you cover areas with visible dirt, stains, or buildup.
3. Fill the Bowl With Water and Vinegar Mixture
Fill a microwave-safe bowl with two cups of water and two tablespoons of vinegar.
You can also add a drop or two of essential oil to give it a refreshing scent, creating a relaxing aromatherapy atmosphere.
If you don’t have vinegar, don’t worry! You can replace it with fresh lemon juice, which is also effective in cleansing and providing a fresh scent.
Once all the ingredients are mixed, place the bowl in the microwave and heat it for about 5-10 minutes.
4. Close the Lid and Wait for 10-15 Minutes
Close the microwave door on high for three minutes, then leave everything set for another 15 minutes without opening the door.
Remember the wooden spoon that we’ve mentioned earlier? You can put it inside the bowl to prevent the water from rapidly boiling and splattered all around your microwave.
The steam generated from the mixture will help loosen the dirt and stains inside the microwave, making it easier to clean.
After the wait time is over, you can remove the bowl and turntable and use the potholder or oven mitts to protect your hands, carefully remove the bowl from the microwave and set aside for some time. Also remove the turntable tray so you can wash it in the sink.
Also Read: “How to Clean Microwave Filter? Follow This Guide!“
5. Clean the Interior of Your Microwave
Dampen a clean microfiber cloth with the vinegar mixture you have prepared, then use it to clean the inside of the microwave.
Most of the dirt will come off easily, giving you a clean and fresh result. However, if you find stubborn stains or hard-to-reach crevices, you can use a scratch-resistant scrubbing tool.
This will help remove the dirt without damaging the surface of the microwave. Make sure to scrub gently to avoid leaving scratches.
Once done, wipe it again with a clean cloth to remove the remaining vinegar and dirt, so that your microwave is ready to use with maximum results.
6. Clean the Turntable
Cleaning the turntable of your microwave is quite straightforward. Just use dish soap, hot water, and a sponge.
Mix a small amount of soap into the hot water, then use the sponge to gently clean the turntable. Make sure to scrub the bottom and edges to remove any food residue or stains.
When you’re done cleaning, rinse the sponge with clean water and wipe the turntable to remove any soap residue. Dry the turntable with a clean towel so that no water remains.
7. Don’t Forget the Exterior
After the interior of your microwave is thoroughly cleaned, it’s time to clean the exterior.
Simply spray an all-purpose cleaner onto a clean cloth and clean the outer part of your microwave, but be careful! Never spray directly onto the control panel!
Just gently wipe the control panel, sides, top, and bottom with a dry soft microfiber cloth.
So there you have it! The 7 steps of how to clean a microwave!













