Easiest Way to Clean a Microwave

Microwave Lemon Hack: Easiest Way to Clean a Microwave

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After burning a bag of popcorn or spilling leftovers, the inside of your microwave can look (and smell) less than fresh. What’s the easiest way to clean a microwave to remove spills and splashes? The steam from lemon juice is not only an effective cleaner and deodorizer, it’s safe and all-natural. Learn how to clean a microwave with lemon and vinegar to easily banish food stains from this kitchen convenience.

What’s the Easiest Way to Clean a Microwave? Look To the Lemon!

What makes lemon juice the easiest way to clean a microwave? The acid and fresh odor can break down stains, grease, and spills with just a little water and heat. We’ve broken down this microwave lemon cleaning hack into simple steps that leave your appliance sparkling in minutes.

Step 1: Combine Water and Lemon Juice

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup of water with 5-6 Tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. Free freel to add the squeezed lemon halves to the water as well. Can you use vinegar to clean microwave stains? Yes, as our easy oven cleaning tips explain, the acid in white or apple cider vinegar can also be an effective stain remover. If using vinegar instead of lemon juice, add 3 Tablespoons to the water and stir to combine.

how to clean a microwave with lemon and vinegar
Image from Woman’s Day

Step 2: Heat the Lemon Juice

Place the bowl in the microwave and heat it on high for 5 minutes. What makes this method the easiest way to clean a microwave? The steam from the heated lemon or vinegar water will start to break down food stains with almost no hands-on labor.

Step 3: Allow the Lemon Juice to Sit

To most effectively clean a microwave with vinegar and lemon, leave the bowl in the microwave once the heating period has elapsed. Allowing it to sit for 4-5 minutes enables the steam to cool while continuing to break down stains.

clean a microwave with vinegar and lemon
Image from Woman’s Day

Step 4: Remove the Bowl

Put on an oven mitt to carefully remove the bowl from the microwave. Even after cooling, the water will still be hot. Set the bowl aside without emptying it.

Step 5: Wipe Down the Microwave

How do you clean a microwave with lemon once the steam has loosened the grime? Wipe down the interior with a clean, dry cloth or paper towel. Most stains should be wiped away with ease. However, if stubborn marks remain, dip the paper towel or cloth in the lemon or vinegar water and scrub the stain. The lemon or vinegar water can also be used to clean the microwave turntable.

how do you clean a microwave with lemon
Image from Woman’s Day

Step 6: Clean the Microwave Door

The easiest way to clean a microwave door uses another household staple: baking soda. Simply dampen a sponge with water and dip it in a small amount of baking soda. Use the sponge to wipe down the door’s interior, including its edges and seals. Dampen a paper towel or separate sponge and wipe the door down again to remove the baking soda residue. 

Can you clean a microwave with lemon juice if the door is greasy? To best cut through grease, spray the door with a 50:50 mixture of vinegar and water. Alternatively, hot water and soap or a commercial degreaser can be used. However, to prevent cleaners from dripping in the vent holes, spray them onto a sponge or cloth and not directly on the door. Avoid getting any cleaning solutions on the digital controls as well.

From microwave cleaning hacks to how to clean a garbage disposal, our experts have the answers. For a microwave repair or any appliance concern, contact Sharper Service Solutions!

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