The microwave is one of the appliances that we are most thankful for! This wondrous rectangular machine can heat and even cook some of your favourite foods instead of using the stove-top methods, which take time and maybe newly washed pans.
Keeping a microwave well-maintained and clean is one of the top necessities that should not be ignored. The reason is that we are using a microwave to heat food, and if that area is unhygienic and unclean, it can cause your food to spoil and add harmful bacteria or germs that can cause health risks. Therefore, the staple gadget requires thorough cleaning and detailed inspection every few weeks.
The dilemma is that almost every household has a microwave because of its affordable price and convenient heating. Yet, homemakers aren’t thrilled to clean the appliance as, in their opinion, it might be a long and arduous job! However, we have summed up nine foolproof ways your microwave will be clean and free of any nasty build-ups or oil spills.
Many cleaning products can efficiently scoop up the oily build-up that usually happens when you heat food. A microwave warms the food, and there is a high chance that the liquid inside simmers up and splashes when done for a long time. These cleaning solutions are made from complex substances that can do a pretty neat job of removing any odour and leaving your microwave squeaky clean.
Vinegar and water are one of the best cleaning hacks that can be done on any surface, especially when it is made of natural products. There are no known side effects, and erosive chemicals can strip the surface, making this hack 100% genuine. Turn on the microwave and mix 1 part vinegar with equal amounts of water. The built-up steam and the vinegar vapours will stick to the oily patches, instantly working to strip the oils and remove the build-up. Safely remove the bowl and allow the steam to settle, using a clean cloth to wipe the stains and excess vinegar out.
Baking soda is best known for being a natural deodorizer. It removes all the tough stains and build-up caused by the splashes and also removes any unpleasant odour. For cleaning, baking soda and water can be used together to form a paste; this scrub should be evenly applied on the surface and then scrubbed with a sponge or steel wool. After cleaning the microwave with a soft cloth, wipe it down well and leave the door open for a few minutes to let it dry.
Lemon juice also has deodorising properties and acts as a cleaning agent. It freshens the microwave and removes all the dirt and grime caused by heating food. Cut up a lemon and squeeze the juice into a bowl with some water. Keep the cut-up halves in the microwave as well. Turn the microwave on medium for 3–5 minutes and let the steam build-up. Once done, open the door and use a non-abrasive material to clean and wipe the exterior. Once done, you will feel a significant difference in the before and after.
Wet a bunch of paper towels in a bowl of water so that they are damp and can retain moisture.Place them in the microwave and turn the appliance on for 5 minutes. This hack allows the steam from the water to build up and loosen the dirt and grime from the interior, making it an easy wipe-down situation. Using this hack on a regular basis will keep your microwave clean and fresh without the use of harmful chemicals.
Fill a bowl of water and add some dishwashing solution to it. The trick works best when it's steamed, so turn the microwave on for a few minutes. Open the door carefully once, and start scrubbing the surface. Remember that you must use soft motions to get rid of the stains; otherwise, they can damage the interior and exterior of the microwave. The dish soap mixed with steam and water will act as a cleaner and help you soften the scum that otherwise has to be scrubbed and rubbed off.
Another trick that can help you reduce the number of stains and grime in your microwave is covering your food with a plastic or glass plate. A microwavable safe cover is also available in the stores that covers your food and also has a tiny opening that doesn't allow steam or moisture to build up and prevents your food from getting soggy. After using the microwave for more than 5 minutes, keep the microwave door open for the steam to fully evaporate.
Make microwave cleaning a daily habit as a part of your everyday cleaning routine. Use kitchen cleaning wipes for quick and easy spotless jobs and deal with any spills or microwave explosions instantly. Make sure you use medium settings to heat your food up to avoid any stains on the exterior. Cover and warm your food up and leave the door open for a minute to allow the steam to pass. This also eliminates the chance of that warm and foul smell inside the microwave when not cleaned correctly.
If you are cleaning your microwave every week, make sure you use fresh clothes and sponges to clean the interior every time. This removes any pungent smell and cleans the grime quickly. Worn-out methods will only make the situation worse. Pay attention to the outside of the microwave and use your favourite hacks to clean and wipe it down well.
Harry Virk is the director of CleaningPro Auckland. He has years of experience in the cleaning industry and his company is expert at providing exceptional cleaning services in Auckland. He has a passion for helping people and making sure that their homes are clean, tidy, and ready for visitors.
