How to Clean a Microwave: DID'S Tips & Tricks

Microwaves are one of the most useful kitchen accessories to have, and they are the perfect addition to the modern home. The issue is that they can be a bit of a pain to clean. This short and sweet article will look at some of the most frequently-asked microwave cleaning questions and offer practical and easy solutions. So buckle up and get your cleaning gloves ready.

This is the most glaring question of all. What’s the point? Well, believe it or not, cleaning your microwave is very important. As you continue to use your microwave, food splatters will remain and build up on the inside of the machine itself and inside the door. Over time, this can become an issue for many reasons.

1. A build-up of bacteria can occur, and as a result, you may inadvertently contaminate your food.
2. Food particles and build-up are a fire hazard; every time you use your microwave, these particles could catch fire. Cleaning your microwave regularly will ensure that this does not happen.
3. Finally, the smell, if your microwave has not been cleaned in a while you will be able to smell it and believe us, after a while, it’s not pretty.
   

This is probably the most tried and tested way to clean a microwave and has been the go-to for many years for mothers and grandmothers. The use of lemon, vinegar, and baking soda has been a staple of microwave cleaning for years for a reason because it is effective. So let’s take a look at how one would go about doing it:

1. Fill a microwave-safe container with lemon, water, baking soda, and vinegar. 
2. Place the container into the microwave and put it on high heat for 3-4 mins.
3. Let the container sit in the microwave for 5-8 mins afterwards with the door closed (this will let the steam from the solution work its magic).
4. Remove the container and wipe off the dirt from your microwave. It’s that simple.

Look, we have all been there, and it is not much fun, but burning some food in the microwave can happen from time to time, and the worst part is cleaning it (or trying to get rid of the burning popcorn smell from your house!). So let’s take a look at how we can clean up a microwave that has had something burned inside it:

• 
  Get your cleaning equipment ready, so dry towels, warm soapy water, and possibly a sponge. 
• Unplug your microwave.

From here, there are a couple of routes that you can take; here are two of our favourites:

• 
  Soak a sponge with a green brillo-like top, soak it in vinegar, place baking soda on top, and microwave it for 30-40 seconds. This should help to remove the burn a little easier. You can add more vinegar or soda to the sponge as you desire. Try not to use an abrasive sponge when you do this, as it could damage the inside of the microwave.
• Fill a microwave-safe bowl with vinegar and leave it on mid-high heat for 8-10 minutes. Let it cool for a further 15 minutes in the microwave with the door closed. After this, remove the bowl, and scrub away.

Many people (and rightfully so) are not too fond of the thought of using chemicals in their microwaves. If you are one of those people, this is the section that we think you will enjoy. Here is how we would clean a microwave without the use of harsh chemicals:

• 
  Fill a bowl with water and vinegar.
• 
  Microwave it for a few minutes (3-5 mins).
•  Leave it to sit. 
• 
  Wipe the microwave and the turntable down with a sponge
  

Finally, we have one of the more commonly asked questions regarding the microwave: how do I clean my microwave door? Well, the secret is that the microwave door consists of two panels, and it may be possible to remove one or both to rid yourself and clean that dirty space where food particles seem to just stick no matter what.

Believe it or not, the lemon, vinegar, and baking soda trick works really well inside the door, so as long as you don’t forget about it, you should be able to get the door to look clean too.

Always consult your manufacturer's guide before attempting to remove the door as this may not be possible with your model type.

Remember: you should always consult your manufacturer's manual before removing parts of your appliances for cleaning or using chemicals on the appliance surfaces. Any misuse of chemicals can void your warranty. 

If you don’t have a microwave to clean just yet, then perhaps you can browse our collection of microwaves in-store or online. If you are unsure what to do, you can contact your local store, where one of our store assistants would be happy to help you out. Alternatively, call our online sales team, who will gladly assist over the phone!