Cleaning your microwave is one of those dreaded chores that no one enjoys. However, you must do so on a frequent basis to keep the unit in good working order and guarantee that your food tastes as it should.
Here are eight alternative techniques to fully clean your microwave without risking harm, whether you have a countertop or built-in machine.
Begin by cleaning.
Make sure the power line is unplugged before using any of these cleaning approaches. In fact, this is a good opportunity to go over the cable for any dirt or damage that might cause a fire danger. If it's in excellent form, clean off the dust and debris that has accumulated.
Microwaves for the Countertop
After that, look inside your microwave oven to see where the dirty spots are. You should also determine which, if any, pieces are detachable. This will enable you to pre-treat the most difficult things and will aid in the entire cleaning procedure.
1. A few damp paper towels
Place a handful of soaking wet paper towels inside your microwave oven and run it on high power for up to five minutes to clean it quickly. The towels' steam will soften and release caked-on dirt. After the towels have cooled, you may use them to clean the inside.
2. Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda)
Make a mixture with two parts baking soda and one part water to remove cooked-on spills from your microwave's floor or platter. Allow it to settle for five minutes after applying it to the solidified mess. Wipe the baking soda clean with a damp sponge or cloth, then wipe away any remaining residue with a paper towel.
3. Vinegar and Water
Water should be half filled in a microwave-safe glass or dish. Add a spoonful of white vinegar to the mix. Microwave for five minutes on high. This will cause the microwave walls to steam up, loosening the dried-on muck. Remove the glass container with care and use a clean cloth or paper towel to wipe off the interior of the microwave. Remove the turntable and wash it in the same manner as a dish. It can even be washed in the dishwasher.
4. Baking Soda and Vinegar
Both components are affordable and readily available to most individuals. In a quart of warm water, dissolve four teaspoons of baking soda. Make care to crush and mix the powder well to ensure that it dissolves entirely. Wipe the interior of the microwave with a cloth or sponge dipped in the mixture.
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine equal parts of water and white vinegar. Place the bowl in the microwave and cook on high for three minutes, or until the water boils rapidly. Close the microwave door for 10 minutes to let the steam do its thing. Remove the bowl, turntable, and carousel from the microwave by opening the door. While you clean the microwave inside with the vinegar and water solution, soak the detachable components in hot, soapy water.
Repeat until there is no more baking soda residue.
5. Citrus Juice
Slice a lemon in half and lay it cut-side down on a microwave-safe dish. A tablespoon of water should be added. Microwave for 1 minute, or when the lemon is warm and the oven is steaming. Then use clean paper towels to wipe off the interior. In addition, the lemon works well as a natural, organic waste disposal cleaning. Simply cut the pieces into smaller slices and run them through the machine with lots of water.
6. Dishwashing Soap
Warm the water in a microwave-safe basin. Dishwashing soap should be used in large quantities. Microwave the bowl for one minute, or until steam starts to form. Remove the bowl from the equation. Wipe the inside of the microwave with a damp sponge. The steam will release all of the dried-on gunk, allowing you to clean your microwave with ease. Baking soda may also be used as a deodorizer in the bowl.
7. Window Cleaner Solution (Diluted)
Combine two parts window cleaner and one part water in a mixing dish. The diluted solution is adequate to clean the microwave's inside and outside. Wipe the inside of the microwave with a sponge soaked in the mixture. Remove the carousel and scrub the microwave's base until all spots and stains are gone. To remove any dirt, clean the microwave vents from the inside. Before cleaning, soak difficult stains and spots in the window cleaner solution for five minutes. Because food tends to spill over the top of the microwave, be sure to wipe clean the higher shelf and ceiling.
After the inside is gleaming, wash it down again with a new cloth dipped in clean water. Because the fluid contains chemicals, this will guarantee that no residue remains. If a few stubborn spots remain, wipe them with an olive oil-soaked towel. After cleaning out the device with a clean towel, let it dry. Smell the interior to see if you can identify the aroma of a window cleaner. If this happens, wipe it out with a clean towel soaked in fresh water.
8. Commercial Cleansers
Several kinds of professional cleansers can effectively clean just about any filth in your microwave, but they usually leave behind thick, sometimes unpleasant smells. The cleaner's residue might leave an off-putting flavor in your meal.
If you must use a professional cleaner, choose one that is fume-free and keep the door open for a few hours after you've finished. When using industrial cleaning chemicals inside your microwave, use care. Pre-soaked cleaning pads should never be used in the microwave because the loose particles will catch fire and explode.
Wipe down the outside of the microwave as a last touch, starting with the top, then the sides, the back, and finally the front. Replace the rotating element and the turntable after drying them off. Reconnect the microwave and it will be ready to use once again.
The more you use your microwave oven, the more often it has to be cleaned. If you want to maintain it looking and smelling fresh, cleaning it once every few weeks is a good idea.
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