How to Clean a Microwave Oven: Your Step-by-Step Guide

Microwave ovens are convenient and essential appliances in modern kitchens, but they can get quite dirty over time. It’s important to clean your microwave regularly to prevent the build-up of grime, grease and food particles. This will help to keep your microwave spotless, sanitary and ensure it works efficiently and even lasts longer. Here’s how to clean a microwave oven inside and out. Note: Always unplug your microwave before cleaning it, and be careful not to damage any parts.

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Wipe With a Damp Cloth

Sometimes the best solutions are the simplest. In most cases you don’t need a microwave oven cleaner other than what you already have at home. And, once you have a clean microwave oven, keeping that way is a breeze. After every use (or couple of uses), dampen a cloth with warm water and wipe down the interior. Make sure you get into the corners and crevices. If the kids explode their dinner in the microwave, wipe it out right away. If the mess has hardened, well, read on.

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Use Vinegar and Water

Mix two tablespoons of vinegar and two cups of water in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in the microwave for a couple of minutes. The steam from the mixture will help loosen any stuck-on food or grease, making it easier to wipe away. After you’re done, wipe everything down with a clean dish towel. This mixture works well on the window in the door too.

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Use Baking Soda and Water

Another simple method is to mix two tablespoons of baking soda with two cups of water in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for a 2-3 minutes. The baking soda will help absorb any odours and loosen any grime, making it easier to wipe away. Dry with a clean dish towel. You can also use the mixture to deep clean the gasket around the door.

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Use Lemon and Water

Lemon is a great, natural cleaner. For your microwave’s interior, simply squeeze the juice of a lemon into a microwave-safe bowl of water. Heat for 2-3 minutes. The lemon’s acidity and steam will help loosen any food stains, and the lemon scent will leave your microwave (and kitchen!) smelling fresh.

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Dish Soap, Water and an Old Toothbrush

The old standby: dish soap and water. But we’ll throw in a twist. Instead of struggling to get into the corners for a deep cleaning, grab an old toothbrush, squeeze some dish soap onto the bristles and use that to get into those tight spots. Goodbye grease and grime! The bristles are tough enough to do the job without damaging the surface.

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Use a Magic Eraser

Use a Magic Eraser to remove tough stains and food residue from the interior of the microwave. You can simply wet it and scrub away. Or, place the Magic Eraser in a bowl of water, warm it in the microwave (just 15-30 seconds—not too hot!), squeeze out the water and scrub. Need even more power? Sprinkle some baking soda on the Magic Eraser.

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Use Dish Soap and Baking Soda

Mixing dish soap and baking soda will give you a one-two punch when it comes to grime. Like with some of our other cleaning options, put a bowl with the mixture in the oven and heat until it begins to steam. Then, use a soft sponge to wipe any food residue away. The baking soda will help with odours too. For tough spots, use some of the mixture on the sponge and scrub until clean. Give the interior a final wipe with a damp cloth.

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Hand-Wash the Turntable

If you want to clea the turntable, simply remove it and clean by hand using a damp cloth and dish soap. In the case of stubborn stains, a combo of vinegar and baking soda can help. Pressed for time? Just stick the glass plate in the dishwasher.

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Vacuum the Vents

If you can, pull your microwave oven out from the wall. Clean underneath and if you find the vents in the back are clogged, use a vacuum to remove any dust and debris. Once this is done, slide the microwave back into its spot. It’s a good idea to do this once a month.

person cleaning the exterior of a microwave

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Cleaning the Exterior

In most cases wiping down the exterior with a damp cloth with do the trick. But, if you want to add a little oomph to your cleaning, use a lemon. Just cut it in half and rub over the outside of your microwave. Be sure that no juice gets into the vents. When you’re done, wipe down with a damp cloth. And, done!