Learn how to clean the microwave with 3 easy methods     

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Leftovers, baby food, porridge – the list goes on and on. You already know what we’re speaking of: the dreaded dirty microwave! It seems that no matter what you’re heating up, a spillage – or more likely an explosion – is an inevitable occurrence in any household. It happens! Read on for our top tips on how to clean the inside of microwaves to keep these little accidents just that – little! 

With the right microwave cleaning trick, you can say goodbye to that icky, crusty mess – and all the grease that comes with it – and hello to a microwave that looks good as new. In this article, we’re going to share three methods on how to clean microwaves: 

1. How to clean a microwave with lemon juice 
2. How to clean the microwave with vinegar 
3. How to get a clean microwave with baking soda 

Never fear another microwave spill or food explosion again! Because with these three easy ways to clean the microwave, you won’t need to wonder how to clean a microwave again. Did we mention that each method takes less than 10 minutes to give you a sparkling clean microwave? And, the only thing you need for each is some water and ingredients that you likely already have lying around the house. Let’s dive into the first approach. 

Method 1: How to clean the microwave with lemon  

The lemon hack is one of the oldest cleaning methods in the books. But even so, many people never think to use lemons to help remove stains and food residue from their microwaves. There are many ways to clean the microwave, but you can never go wrong with a lemon close by. Plus, it’s all-natural and packaging-free, so using lemon as a cleaning aid can help you to reduce waste in your everyday life too. 

Here’s how to clean the microwave with lemon:  

1. First, pour around 150 ml of water into a microwaveable cup or bowl. 
2. Next, slice a lemon in half and squeeze the juice it into the cup or bowl. 
3. Put the lemon halves into the cup or bowl and microwave it on high power for two minutes. 
4. Leave the cup or bowl in the microwave to let the juice-infused steam work its magic for five minutes or so. 
5. Feel free to remove the microwave plate (if you have one) before steaming the microwave and scrub it in the sink with your lemon mix or usual washing up liquid. 
6. Once your bowl of lemon water has steamed up the inside of your microwave, go ahead and wipe the inner walls, the door and the outside of the microwave with a moistened paper towel that stays strong when wet, like Plenty.  
7. If you still find stubborn stains that won’t come off, try dipping your paper towel in the remaining lemon juice and scrub the walls a little harder.  
8. Finally, dry the microwave with a paper towel and place the microwave plate back inside. And voila! You now have a clean microwave that looks – and smells – good as new.   

Method 2: How to clean the microwave with vinegar 

Instead of the lemon method, using vinegar is another great way to clean microwave stains. This ingredient is nothing short of a miracle worker when it comes to ridding your microwave of grease and unwanted residue. So, if you’re out of lemons or want to try something different, try this method by following these simple steps on how to clean the microwave with vinegar:  

1. First, add a tablespoon of white vinegar to about 150 ml of water.  
2. Just like you did with the lemon method, set the microwave on high with the vinegar and water inside for about five minutes.  
3. Once the five minutes is up, go ahead and wipe away the remaining food and stains from inside the microwave with a moistened paper towel. 

Method 3: How to get a clean microwave with baking soda 

Last but not least: how to get a clean microwave with baking soda. If you don’t have vinegar to spare or lemons lying around the house, baking soda can help to clean dirty microwaves. This magic ingredient can not only clean so many things in the house, but it also makes a very satisfying fizzy foaming sound! 

Here’s our simple baking soda microwave cleaning trick: 

1. First, you’re going to make a paste by combining one part water to two parts baking soda. How much you’ll need depends on how dirty your microwave is! You can always start small and add more. 
2. Next, use a spoon to apply the paste to the areas of your microwave that need a little love and care, rub it in with a sponge and leave it for a few minutes to soak up the dirt. Listen to that fizzing! 
3. Lastly, take a paper towel and wipe away the stains with ease. 

Now that you know the best ways to clean the microwave, and how to attack stains and get a clean microwave with baking soda, there’s no mess that’s too much for you! With three different approaches that are all equally as easy to do, your microwave will be looking its best every day of the week, no matter what spills you encounter along the way.  

Looking for more cleaning hacks to keep your kitchen looking spic and span? Find out how to tackle the rest of the kitchen with ease.