How To Clean Inside Of Microwave And Remove Stains Naturally
Knowing how to clean inside of the microwave comes very handy for times when foods, like eggs and sauces, explode in the microwave.
If you don’t cover the food, and you should, it will happen many times. You will find food residue spattered in the interior. To cover the food use a microwave-safe cover like this one.
Cleaning the microwave as soon as mishaps like this happen, is the key to maintaining it clean and odor-free. These natural cleaning hacks will help you keep it spotless without the need for harsh chemicals.
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5 Ways To Clean Microwave Stains
When I need to clean the microwave in a hurry, anti-bacterial wipes or even a magic eraser will do the trick. But, for the times when the microwave is in need of a deeper cleaning I use one of the tips below.
1. Baking Soda
This is a simple and easy cleaning hack. Just moisten a sponge and sprinkle baking powder on top. I like to use a magic eraser sponge. Gently rub the sponge inside the microwave and clean it with a damp cloth. Wipe with kitchen paper.
2. Salt
Using salt is a creative and unique approach to cleaning your microwave, yet it still proves to be effective. Salt is a gentle and efficient cleansing agent and it also helps maximize other ingredients like vinegar or baking soda to deodorize and clean, especially liquid spills or stains.
In order to clean your microwave, you must:
- Add and mix the same amounts of salt, vinegar (white or apple cider), and flour in a bowl to create a paste.
- Rub the paste on the interior of the microwave, along with the turntable, using a brush or a paper towel.
- Let the paste sit for about 5 or 10 minutes to thoroughly clean and sanitize the interior. Use a soft cloth to brush off the paste.
- Finally, use a dry cloth to buff the surface of the microwave.
If there are any liquid spills on the turntable, you can just sprinkle some salt on it, warm it for a minute and clean it easily with a paper towel.
3. Lemon and Vinegar
Make a solution with 2 cups of warm water, half a cup of white vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Transfer to a spray bottle using a funnel. Spray the microwave walls with the solution and leave for 5 minutes. Clean with a damp cloth.
Sanitize the exterior: Use a tiny amount of the solution on a kitchen cloth to wipe down the exterior of the microwave, including the handle.
The vinegar and lemon will disinfect and eliminate any grease marks on the appliance and the lemon will tone down the strong odor of the vinegar.
4. Essential Oils
Here is a solution that will get rid of oil and grease. Mix one tablespoon of baking soda with 20 or 30 drops of citrus essential oil such as orange, lemon, or grapefruit. Add one cup of warm water and transfer to a bottle spray. Shake well and spray around the inside of the microwave. Wipe with a dampened kitchen towel or cloth.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar
If your microwave has not been clean for a long time and there are a lot of buildups, apple cider vinegar is your top choice. The acid in this type of vinegar will be able to cut through old food residue inside your microwave.
Note: Be careful when removing the bowl from the microwave. It will be very hot, so don’t forget to use oven mitts. Also, place a toothpick, a wooden spoon, or any other wooden object if you are using a vinegar solution. This is to prevent the vinegar from exploding inside the microwave.
Proceed with the next steps:
- Combine equal amounts of water and apple cider vinegar in a microwaveable bowl. Do not fill it up too much to prevent accidental spills.
- Place the bowl in the microwave with a toothpick or wooden spoon and heat it for 3 or 4 minutes. Heating up the mixture will cause it to release steam. The steam will be able to loosen up the debris splattered within your microwave.
- Carefully take out the bowl from the microwave and use a damp cloth to sanitize the interior of the microwave.
Other cleaning hacks you might like
- how to clean your home from top to bottom
- 7 dishwasher cleaning hacks and tips
- homemade oven cleaner without baking soda
- how to clean a smelly mattress and remove stains
- 10 home spring cleaning tips
How to Deodorize the Microwave (3 Natural Ways)
Sometimes, even if the microwave is clean, it can have a particular stench from a previously cooked meal. What you can do is deodorize it with simple methods and common food items.
1. Vinegar and baking soda
This mixture will also be able to remove stains, grease, and mold that have remained within your microwave.
You must first drench a sponge in white vinegar and then sprinkle a considerable amount of baking soda on top of the sponge. Place it in the microwave, heating it for about 30 seconds.
If the sponge is too hot, wait for it to cool down a bit, or use a safety glove. Finally, you can use the sponge to deodorize the microwave.
The vinegar will counteract the odor and sterilize at the same time, while the baking soda will soak up the smell, eliminating any foul odor in your microwave.
2. Cloves
Cloves have a strong aroma that can diminish strong odors around them. In a microwaveable bowl, add a quarter of a cup of cloves. It is not necessary to heat since they release their scent over a small period of time.
Place the bowl inside and let it linger overnight. The following day, your microwave will have a pleasant smell.
3. Vanilla Extract
Using vanilla is a simple way to deodorize your microwave. The steps are really easy. Simply mix two teaspoons of vanilla extract in two cups of warm water and position it in the microwave.
Heat it up for about two minutes and leave it inside for about 20 minutes. It is a simple and easy way to fix any unpleasant odor inside.
How do you clean inside your microwave? Any tips?