How to Clean a Microwave (Fast + Easy!)
This guide will teach you exactly how to clean a microwave from start to finish. If you’ve got a dirty microwave driving you crazy, these simple methods will help.
Cleaning the microwave is one of those tasks that’s very easy to ignore…until you open the door when guests are over and immediately regret it.
Splatters, stuck-on food, and weird smells. The mess builds up fast! But the good news is, this is one of the easiest things to clean in your kitchen once you know the trick. You don’t need harsh chemicals, and you definitely don’t need to stand there scrubbing. A simple method does most of the work for you, and you’ll spend a lot less time scrubbing than you might expect!
The Easiest Way to Clean a Microwave
The fastest and most effective way to clean a microwave is to heat a bowl of water (with lemon or vinegar) until it creates steam, then wipe everything down.
That steam loosens dried-on food and grease so it comes off easily. There’s no real scrubbing required!
What You’ll Need
You probably already have everything on hand:
- A microwave-safe bowl
- Water
- Lemon (or vinegar)
- A soft cloth or sponge
- Optional: baking soda for tougher messes
How to Clean the Inside of a Microwave
Cleaning the inside of your microwave is the hardest (and obviously most important) part. Just a few simple steps will make a huge difference here.
- Create steam. First, fill a microwave-safe bowl with about 1 cup of water. Add a few tablespoons of lemon juice or white vinegar. Microwave the mixture for 3-5 minutes, until the water is boiling and the inside of the microwave is steamy. Leave the door closed for another 2-3 minutes after the time ends. This gives the steam plenty of time to loosen the debris!
- Wipe it down. Carefully remove the bowl (it’ll be hot), then use a cloth or sponge to wipe down the interior. At this point, most of the mess should come off easily. If something is still stuck, it should be soft enough to remove without much effort.
- Tackle stubborn spots. For anything that didn’t come off the first time, go back over it with a damp cloth or repeat the steaming process. You can also use a small amount of baking soda (more on that below) for extra help.
How to Clean a Microwave With Baking Soda
If your microwave has stubborn, stuck-on messes, baking soda can help! All you need to do is make a simple paste with baking soda and a small amount of water, then apply it to problem areas. Let it sit for a few minutes, then gently wipe it away with a damp cloth.
It’s a simple way to get a little extra cleaning power without using anything harsh.
How to Clean the Microwave’s Turntable
The microwave turntable is often the dirtiest part! Luckily, it’s also really easy to clean since you can remove it. Simply:
- Remove the glass tray
- Wash it in the sink with warm water and dish soap
- Dry it and place it back inside
If it’s really dirty, let it soak for a few minutes before washing. You can also use the steam method above and then pull it out to wipe it down once everything has been loosened up.
How to Clean the Exterior of a Microwave
Once the inside is clean, it’s worth taking a minute to wipe down the outside too. The buttons often have tons of smudges and fingerprints from regular use, so when you’re cleaning it’s worth taking the time to wipe it down.
- If you have a “Control Lock” button, use it to help prevent you from pressing a bunch of buttons while you clean!
- Use a damp cloth to wipe the door, handle, and buttons
- Pay extra attention to the handle (it gets touched constantly!)
If you have glass controls or buttons on your microwave, you can use a glass cleaner to help get a streak-free finish. And if you have a stainless steel microwave, a microfiber cloth works well to avoid streaks here as well!
How to Keep Your Microwave Clean
This is the part that makes your life easier long-term. A few small habits can keep your microwave from getting out of control:
- Cover your food when heating. This is the biggest one. A simple microwave cover (or even a paper towel) prevents splatters.
- Wipe spills right away. If something bubbles over, wipe it while it’s still fresh. It’s much easier than dealing with dried mess later!
- Do a quick weekly wipe. Even a 30-second wipe-down helps prevent buildup!
FAQs About Cleaning a Microwave
Have a question that didn’t get answered above, or want a skimmable answer instead? Here are some FAQs that should help.
What is the best way to clean a microwave?
The steam method (heating water with lemon or vinegar) is the easiest and most effective way to loosen messes and wipe them away quickly.
How do you clean a microwave without scrubbing?
Using steam is the key. It softens dried-on food so it wipes away easily without scrubbing.
How do you clean a microwave naturally?
The simple steam method with lemon or vinegar is already one of the most natural ways to clean a microwave!
- Lemon helps cut grease and leaves a fresh smell
- Vinegar helps break down buildup and eliminate odors
- Baking soda works for tougher spots
You don’t need chemical cleaners for this. Simple, everyday ingredients work just as well (if not better!).
How often should you clean your microwave?
There’s no hard and fast rule, but a good guideline is to do a quick wipe down once a week and a deep clean every month or so, or as needed. If you use your microwave daily, you might want to clean it more often to keep things from building up.
Do you have to clean a microwave before first use?
Technically, no – but it’s still a good idea. Even new microwaves can have dust, packaging residue, or a slight manufacturing smell. A quick wipe-down or short steam clean before using it for the first time helps freshen it up.
What should I do if my microwave smells bad?
Lingering smells are usually caused by built-up food residue. Running the steam method with lemon or vinegar helps a lot. You can also leave the door open for a bit afterward to air it out. If needed, repeat the process until the smell is gone.
Cleaning your microwave feels like it should be a whole thing, but it really isn’t!
A few minutes of steam, a quick wipe, and you’re done. It’s one of those small tasks that makes your kitchen feel noticeably cleaner with very little effort.