Microwaves get a lot of use, and it’s natural for them to get dirty over time. But who wants to spend hours scrubbing away at stubborn stains? I’m here to show you how to clean a microwave with vinegar. Not only is vinegar a natural cleaning solution, but it’s incredibly effective and inexpensive — my kind of cleaning plan.
As kitchen appliances go, cleaning a microwave can be a hassle, but with the right method, it can be effortless. In about 15 minutes, say goodbye to food residue, grease, and grime. This method is simple, fast, and will leave your microwave looking and smelling fresh.
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Heat vinegar in the microwave for five minutes to clean it.
To clean your microwave using vinegar, mix equal parts of water and white vinegar in a microwave-safe bowl. Place the bowl in the microwave and heat it on high for five minutes.
Then leave the bowl inside the microwave for an additional five minutes to allow the steam to loosen any dried-on food or stains. Remove the bowl and use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe down the interior of the microwave, removing any dirt and grime. The process should take approximately 10 – 15 minutes from start to finish.
Lemon or baking soda are ingredients that can also easily clean a microwave.
I’ve already explained the vinegar and water method, but there are a couple of other easy and common methods to clean a dirty microwave:
Lemon and water solution
Cut a lemon in half and squeeze the juice into a bowl of water. Microwave on high for five minutes. Leave the bowl inside for an additional fivw minutes to allow the steam to loosen any dried-on food or stains. Finally, remove the bowl and use a damp cloth to wipe down the interior of the microwave.
Baking soda and water solution
Mix one tablespoon of baking soda with one cup of water in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for five minutes, and leave for an additional five minutes. Remove the bowl and wipe down the insides.
Whichever method you choose, make sure to use a microwave-safe bowl. And always let the solution cool before attempting to clean the interior of the microwave to avoid burns.
The best way to clean the inside of a microwave depends on its grime factor.
When choosing the best way to clean the inside of a microwave, it really depends on the level of grime and food residue. You can use a vinegar, lemon, or baking soda and water solution (like explained above). For tough, burnt-on food stains, you can also try scrubbing the interior of the microwave with a mixture of baking soda and water using a scrub brush or sponge.
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The difference between using vinegar or lemon to clean a microwave.
Both lemon and vinegar are effective for cleaning the microwave, and the choice depends on your personal preference. Lemon has a natural cleaning power and a pleasant smell. Plus, the acid in lemon helps to break down and remove food stains, leaving your microwave smelling fresh. The acidic properties of vinegar help to also break down grease, food residue, and other grime, making it easy to wipe away.