Your microwave oven needs cleaning from time to time not just for aesthetic reasons but also for hygiene. If there is tons of food on the floor, roof and inner walls of the microwave, remember that it is going to get cooked further each time you use it. Cleaning dried food is always harder than cleaning it while it is still fresh and moist. So the best way to clean a microwave is to do so as soon as the spills occur. Here are some easy and efficient ways to clean the microwave.
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1. With a damp cloth and dish soap
As soon as you are done using the oven for the day, run a moist cloth all over, outside and inside. This will keep your microwave clean and with regular wiping, you will not require too much effort to clean it again. You can also add a generous dollop of dish soap on a damp cloth and place it on the oven’s turntable. Run the device on HIGH for 10-15 seconds. The cloth will be nice and warm making it much easier to clean dried, greasy spills. This is an easy way to clean a microwave without vinegar.
2. Lemon juice
In order to clean microwave with lemon, mix 2 cups of water with half a cup of lemon juice. Cook on HIGH for 2 minutes. Leave the steaming lemon solution inside the oven with door closed for 5 minutes to remove odors completely. Also toss in a few lemon peels in the oven (with some water) and cook on HIGH for a minute, for a fresh lemony scent. You can also dip a dishcloth in the hot lemon solution and use it to wipe down the oven door, turntable and roof of the oven.
3. With lemon essential oil
One of the best microwave cleaning products is lemon essential oil. Mix 10-15 drops of the oil with water in a microwave safe cup or bowl. Heat the solution on HIGH for 1-2 minutes. Let it sit in the oven for 5 minutes with door closed. Open the door and wipe down the entire oven with a wet cloth. Repeat as needed.
4. With vinegar
This is a fantastic way to clean the microwave though it may not smell as great as the lemon technique above. Add 1 and ½ cups of vinegar to 2 cups of water in a microwave safe glass and place it in the oven. Heat the solution on HIGH for 2-3 minutes and then leave the steaming vinegar inside the oven with the door closed. The vinegar steam will remove stuck foods bits, grime, and odors. Wipe down the oven thoroughly using a cloth.
5. With a mixture of lemon juice and vinegar
Mix 2 parts vinegar and 2 parts of lemon juice. Microwave the mixture on high for 1-2 minutes. Let the solution sit for a minute or two. Then wipe down the oven with paper towels. Repeat as needed.
6. Baking soda
This is an effective microwave cleaning hack. Mix ½ a cup of baking soda with 1 cup water. Dip a sponge in the solution and then use it to wipe down the inside and outside of the oven. This cleaning hack also eliminates stale odors.
7. How to clean microwave outside
Mix half a cup of baking soda, a few drops of lemon or orange essential oil and a bit of water to make a paste. Use a sponge to scrub the outside of the oven with this paste. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Come back and clean the microwave exterior with a cloth.
8. Salt and cinnamon to cut burnt odors
Sprinkle some salt and cinnamon powder on burnt and dried food in the oven. Allow it to sit for a few minutes. Then scrub away the mess. Your oven will be easier to clean and the burnt odor will be greatly minimized.
9. Microwave cleaning products
There are many efficient and fun microwave cleaning products available these days. The ANGRY MAMA cleaner, for example, is a novel way of cleaning it. You simply fill up the gadget with vinegar/water and/or lemon juice/water and place the product in the oven. Run the oven on high for a few minutes. Steam will come out of the gadget which helps loosen the grime. You can also use other microwave cleaning products like Micro-Steam Bags which are easy to use and effective as well.
We hope these 9 easy ways help you keep your microwave squeaky clean!
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