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Microwaves are a blessing in kitchen appliance form. Whether you’re heating up last night’s dinner, popping popcorn for movie night, or whipping up some EasyMac for a picky toddler, we use microwaves every single day. All that use can create some pretty nasty, cooked-on messes. But cleaning your microwave and getting rid of spills, stains, and stinks doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. We’re going to walk you through how to clean a microwave with lemon! Yes, you can clean and refresh your microwave for under $1 without using any harsh chemical cleaners or sprays. And all it takes is a single lemon.
Cleaning your microwave with lemon is an effective way to remove stubborn stains, grime, and odors. Lemon contains natural acids that help break down food particles and grease, making cleaning easier. Additionally, the fresh scent of lemon can help eliminate any unpleasant odors in your microwave, leaving it smelling clean and fresh. Using lemon is also an eco-friendly alternative to harsh chemicals and cleaners, making it a safe and affordable option for cleaning your microwave.
Tip: For more cleaning guides and money-saving tips, download the Krazy Coupon Lady app.
Here are all the steps for how to clean a microwave with lemon.
Ready to give this a shot? We’ve got all the instructions for how to deep clean your microwave using lemon and water. Prepare to kick stuck-on food and stains, to curb, both affordably and effectively.
Related: Don’t have any lemons on hand? You can also clean your microwave with vinegar in five easy steps!
1. Slice the lemon and squeeze some juice into a bowl.
Cut a lemon into slices and place them in a microwave-safe bowl filled with water. Give each slice a little squeeze to express some of the juice. Carefully place the bowl in the center of your dirty microwave. Make sure the microwave’s heat setting is on high.
2. Create a lemon sauna in your microwave.
Heat the bowl in your microwave for 3 to 5 minutes until the water comes to a boil and produces steam. If you warm the water instead of boiling it, there won’t be enough steam and the stains and stuck-on food will require more scrubbing.
3. Let your microwave enjoy some spa time.
4. Carefully remove the bowl.
Using oven mitts or a kitchen towel, remove the bowl from the microwave, being careful not to spill the hot liquid. Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down the inside of the microwave. Pour the hot lemon water down your drain for a nice sink refresh!
5. Give stains an extra scrub.
Pay special attention to any stubborn spots or stains. You can take a lemon wedge and rub the stain. This allows the lemon’s acid to break down the grime and makes scrubbing the cooked-on food easier. Once the stains have loosened, you can use a soft cloth or sponge to wipe away the debris.
6. Rinse away any residual lemon juice.
Finally, rinse the cloth or sponge and wipe down the interior again to remove any remaining residue. Your microwave should be clean and smelling fresh!
