The trick to maintaining a clean microwave is routine maintenance — at least every few days. Unlike many other kitchen appliances, you can start cleaning a microwave with standard materials, including baking soda, detergent, as well as vinegar (white/apple cider).
That’s right, stay away from chlorine as it potentially weakens the plastic inner surfaces and destroys the whole product in the long term. Plus, microwaves don’t stain like worktops and sinks, so starting with the whitening cleaner is unnecessary.
Tips For Cleaning A Microwave
Follow this guide on cleaning tips from the experts at All Area Appliance Service to get a super clean microwave: How to clean your Microwave from within. The mixture of splashes and odors will leave your microwave looking very rough.
Cleaning your microwave and proper maintenance is the key to a long-lasting efficient appliance.
To target the interior of your microwave, including the turntable, follow this step-by-step:
- Mix a cup of water and lemon/orange slices (just squeeze the juice into the water) in a microwave-safe bowl.
- If you have apple cider vinegar or white vinegar on hand, mix a few tablespoons and 1 cup of water in a microwave-safe mug.
- Place it inside your microwave and turn it on high frequency for a few minutes until the liquid is boiling, and the window is steaming.
- Leave it to cool for 5 minutes before attempting to open the door, then remove the container and scrub the inside with a sponge.
- Steam cleaning also works wonders.
Cleaning Grease From Microwave Doors
It’s not just the inner surfaces that count: remove blotches and residue from the outside of your microwave by following these microwave maintenance tips:
- Wash the entire rubber gasket fitted around the door with a cloth dampened with water and coated in some baking soda.
- Wipe with a moist cloth or with a sponge.
- Wash with a 50/50 combination of water & vinegar if you have a greasy frame.
- Rise it and wipe it dry.
- For extreme grease build-up, spray your microwave door with an effective all-purpose, grease-cutting cleaner or a gritty combination of dish soap & water.
- Apply a cleaner with a towel or a cloth to keep the solvent from reaching the vent holes.
Getting Burnt Smell and other Odors Out of Your Microwave
When popcorn burns in the microwave, the smell comes back every time you switch it back on. Which means it’s best to get the stench out right away. These are useful microwave maintenance tips to use:
- For light smells (think: spicy food with a heavy aroma), air the microwave out by leaving its door open or put a bowlful of baking soda inside and close the door to absorb smells.
- For intense odors like burnt popcorn, clean any lingering residues and put a scent-absorbing product inside, before you rerun it.
Removing Foods Stuck on the Insides of the Microwave
To get rid of dry food build-up, use a powerful cleaning agent. If it’s stuck throughout the turntable, only place it in the dishwasher or simply use some sudsy water and wash it manually. Only make sure you read the manufacturer’s manual beforehand and don’t use these cleaning tips blindly.
For any information on our appliance repair services, call All Area Appliance Service at 770-707-1600, or fill in this Contact Us form, and we will get back to you in no time.