The Easy Way to Clean a Microwave

Need to clear stuck-on gunk off your microwave with out scrubbing? Simply steam it away, the web says.

Simply don’t ask the web what liquid to make use of to create that steam.

Some websites say it’s best to microwave vinegar to create steam. Others say a mixture of vinegar and water. Bloggers in search of a pure different insist on lemon juice. One well-liked website says to combine hand-squeezed lemon juice with water — after which toss within the lemon itself, too.

Right here’s the factor: It’s not in regards to the liquid. It’s the steam that loosens up caked-on crud, making it simple to wipe the dirtiest of microwaves clear.

So, the one liquid you want to clear a unclean microwave in seconds — no elbow grease vital — is the water that runs out of your kitchen faucet.

I’ve tried all of the above-mentioned liquids and extra, and the consequence was the identical with every. I figured this might be as a result of I clear my microwave usually sufficient that it by no means will get that soiled. However then my husband managed to cake the within with who is aware of what, permitting me to actually put plain ol’ water to the take a look at.

Lo and behold, the microwave was good as new lower than 30 seconds after I eliminated the steaming bowl of water and picked up a rag. Right here’s how I did it.

1. The turntable

My microwave turntable is glass, so I simply toss it within the dishwasher, as we advise in “17 Uncommon Issues You Can Clear in a Dishwasher.”

The turntable was caked with meals residue this time, however I nonetheless didn’t trouble to clean it beforehand. The dishwasher at all times does the job by itself.

2. The within of the microwave

Steam doesn’t do the trick when you don’t create sufficient of it for lengthy sufficient, I’ve discovered.

Begin with a big microwave-safe bowl, ideally a transparent one. I exploit a 4-cup Pyrex dish. You need one thing that may permit for an excellent quantity of water floor space.

Fill it with water — however not too full. You don’t need steaming-hot water sloshing onto you once you take away the bowl from the microwave.

Subsequent, microwave it lengthy sufficient that the water involves a boil. For me, that is 5 to 6 minutes — throughout which I am going discover one thing else to wash.

In the event you use a transparent bowl, it’s best to see the water effervescent once you open the microwave afterward. Make sure to use oven mitts when eradicating the bowl from the microwave and setting it apart.

Now it’s time to wipe down the microwave. I exploit microfiber cleansing cloths after spritzing the within partitions with a do-it-yourself multipurpose cleaner, a 50/50 mixture of vinegar and water.

It takes me a couple of passes with the material to wipe out all of the gunk if the microwave is de facto soiled, however that’s about on a regular basis or effort it takes.

3. The surface of the microwave

Right here, I additionally use microfiber cloths and do-it-yourself cleaner. I give the skin one spritz and wipe it clear in seconds.

Whereas I’ve discovered rags and sponges clear the within of a microwave equally nicely, microfiber is essential on the skin. Microfiber cloths effortlessly erase greasy fingerprints and different smudges from shiny surfaces like plastic, glass and stainless-steel.

As soon as I found this, I invested in a couple of dozen cleansing cloths. I retailer some underneath each sink and use them to wash each floor of my residence.

For extra time-saving suggestions like this, take a look at our newest cleansing and organizing tales.

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