Stubborn dirt and grime inside a microwave can be both tough and awkward to clean. Whether it’s a miscalculation of power or time, you’ve likely suffered an in-microwave explosion or a mishap when moving food in and out. Thus, microwave stains and residue are a problem that almost every homeowner has overcome.
How to Clean a Microwave Naturally
While store-bought gadgets and gizmos certainly get the job done, there are plenty of all-natural solutions that not only clean and sanitize your microwave, but also leave it smelling fresh for days.
One of the most effective methods is to take a bowl (microwave-safe, of course) and fill it with equal parts water and vinegar. Add a few slices of fresh lemon and then microwave on high for five minutes. The steam from the water will help to break down any grease or discoloration and you can easily wipe the surface down with a sponge or washcloth once the bowl is safely removed. The lemons will also provide a wonderful lingering scent.
If you’d still like to opt for something a bit stronger, take a look at these tried-and-true products for getting your microwave squeaky clean. Forget the stress and strain of scrubbing away for hours and enjoy the ease of letting these effective dirt-removers make cleaning your appliance easier.
1. Heinz Cleaning Vinegar
A trusted cleaning agent almost as old as time itself, vinegar is one of those handy items you can always find a new use for. Heinz cleaning vinegar is safe for cooking, but it’s diluted to a slightly lower acidity point at 6% which makes it the perfect strength for tackling household messes.
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2. Goo Gone Kitchen Degreaser
Wave goodbye to the food splatter inside your microwave as you spray them with the Goo Gone Kitchen Degreaser. Capable of breaking down even the toughest and most unrecognizable of food remnants, you’ll love this fast-acting formula that leaves the inside of the microwave sparkling. This degreaser can also be used on kitchen surfaces with baked-on grease and any other stuck-on food.
3. Angry Mama Microwave Steam Cleaner
Why do the hard work when you can just let Angry Mama do it for you? This chemical-free, angry lady uses nothing more than a mix of vinegar, water and the power of your microwave to loosen the unpleasant build-up of crud inside your microwave. Simply fill Angry Mama’s head with liquid (and a splash of lemon for a pleasant smell) and watch as she cuts your microwave cleaning time in half. And that’s certainly something to smile about.
4. Vented Microwave Splatter Guard
One way to prevent your microwave from ever becoming dirty is to travel back in time. Another is to use the Vented Microwave Splatter Guard. This simple plastic cover is 10.5 inches in diameter and ideal for covering most standard dinner plates. It’s also dishwasher-safe and easily cleaned in water. So, instead of having to struggle to reach every spot in the microwave, you can simply clean this guard instead.
5. Erupting Volcano Microwave Cleaner
It’s usually bowls of soup that provide mess-ensuing eruptions inside the microwave, but with the Erupting Volcano Microwave Cleaner, it doesn’t need to be that way. This volcano-shaped cleaning device uses its very own eruption to clean the grime away. All it needs is a mix of water and vinegar (and a touch of lemon for a fresh smell) along with seven minutes in the microwave. Then, you’ll find the insides can be easily wiped clean, saving you time and hassle.
6. Bissell SteamShot Hard Surface Cleaner
This professional-quality steamer is the ideal answer to tough stains and grime that refuses to leave your microwave interiors. With its attractive gunmetal exterior, the multi-use cleaner is ideal for microwaves, countertops, windows, stovetops and more. Once filled and turned on, the effective cleaner produces high heat to remove even the toughest stains and 99.9 percent of germs and bacteria.
7. Miracle Wipes
If you’re a fan of wiping things down yourself, these Miracle Wipes truly live up to their name. Boasting a streak-free shine formula, one sheet can easily lift dirt, splattered food, fingerprints, and spills with a single swipe. They also work on other kitchen surfaces, since you’re more-likely-than-not going to make an entire day out of cleaning.
8. Rubbermaid Reveal Power Scrubber
Its primary purpose may be to scrub the mold out of bathroom grout, but Rubbermaid’s Reveal Power Scrubber has proven to be quite effective and efficient at breaking down hard-to-dissolve food stains in your microwave. The oscillating head, which scrubs 60 times per second, takes all of the time and effort out of back-and-forth hand movements so you can have a clean appliance in literally minutes. Just don’t mistake this for your toothbrush!