How to Clean a Microwave Inside: Easy Step-by-Step Guide
Learn how to clean a microwave inside safely using simple household ingredients. Remove grease, food stains, odors, and stuck-on food with these easy steps.
APPLIANCE CARE
9/17/20263 min read
A microwave can quickly become dirty with food splatters, grease, and unpleasant odors. Fortunately, cleaning the inside of a microwave does not require expensive products or much effort.
With a little steam and a few basic household ingredients, you can loosen stubborn food and wipe the microwave clean in just a few minutes.
What You Need to Clean a Microwave
Before you start, gather:
Microwave-safe bowl
Water
Soft microfiber cloth or sponge
Dish soap
White vinegar or lemon
Baking soda, if needed
Clean, dry towel
Avoid using abrasive scrubbers or harsh cleaning products that could damage the microwave's interior.
How to Clean a Microwave Inside
1. Remove the Turntable
Take out the glass turntable and any removable support ring.
Wash these parts separately with warm water and dish soap. If they have dried-on food, let them soak for a few minutes before wiping them clean.
2. Make a Steam-Cleaning Solution
Fill a microwave-safe bowl with about 1 cup of water.
You can add either:
2 tablespoons of white vinegar, or
A few lemon slices
Place the bowl inside the microwave.
3. Heat the Water
Run the microwave for about 3 to 5 minutes, depending on its power.
Allow the bowl to sit inside for another 2 to 3 minutes after the microwave stops. The steam will soften dried food and grease stuck to the walls.
Be careful when removing the bowl because it may be very hot.
4. Wipe the Interior
Carefully remove the bowl.
Using a damp microfiber cloth or soft sponge, wipe the ceiling, walls, floor, and inside of the microwave door.
Most loosened food should come away easily.
For stubborn spots, dampen the area again and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping.
5. Clean the Microwave Door
Pay particular attention to the inside of the door and the edges around it.
Use a damp cloth with a small amount of dish soap to remove grease and food residue. Then wipe with a clean, damp cloth to remove any soap.
Avoid getting excessive water into vents, openings, or electrical components.
6. Clean Stubborn Grease
For particularly greasy areas, make a mild paste using baking soda and a small amount of water.
Apply it gently to the dirty area with a soft cloth or sponge. Let it sit briefly, then wipe it away with a damp cloth.
Do not aggressively scrub the microwave's interior coating.
7. Wash and Replace the Turntable
Dry the glass plate and support ring completely before putting them back into the microwave.
Make sure the turntable is properly positioned on its support.
8. Dry the Microwave
Finish by wiping the entire interior with a clean, dry microfiber cloth.
Leave the microwave door open for a few minutes so any remaining moisture can evaporate.
How to Remove Bad Smells From a Microwave
If your microwave has a lingering smell, lemon or vinegar steam can help.
Place a microwave-safe bowl containing water and several lemon slices inside. Heat it for a few minutes and allow the steam to work before wiping the interior.
For persistent odors, you can also place an open container of baking soda inside the turned-off microwave for several hours or overnight.
How to Clean Burnt Food From a Microwave
Burnt food can be harder to remove because it becomes firmly stuck to the surface.
Start by steaming the microwave with water and vinegar or lemon for several minutes. This softens the residue.
Then wipe the area with a soft sponge.
If the food remains stuck, repeat the steaming process rather than using a sharp object or abrasive scrubber. Scraping the interior can damage the microwave's coating.
How Often Should You Clean a Microwave?
For regular household use, cleaning the microwave once a week is a good habit.
You should clean it sooner if:
Food has splattered on the walls.
Grease has accumulated.
Something has boiled over.
There is a noticeable odor.
Food has dried onto the interior.
Cleaning spills soon after they happen makes the job much easier.
What Not to Use When Cleaning a Microwave
Avoid:
Steel wool
Abrasive scouring pads
Sharp objects
Harsh abrasive cleaners
Excessive amounts of water
Spraying liquid directly into vents or openings
You should also avoid damaging or removing the microwave's interior components or protective surfaces.
Can You Use Vinegar to Clean a Microwave?
Yes. Diluted white vinegar and water can be used to create steam that helps loosen grease and dried food.
The vinegar smell usually disappears after the microwave is wiped and aired out. Lemon can be used instead if you prefer a fresher scent.
Can You Use Dish Soap to Clean a Microwave?
Yes. A small amount of dish soap diluted with water is useful for cleaning greasy areas and the microwave door.
Apply the soapy solution to a cloth or sponge rather than spraying large amounts directly into the microwave.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning the inside of a microwave is simple when you use steam to loosen stubborn food and grease first. Water combined with vinegar or lemon can make dried-on messes much easier to wipe away.
For the best results, clean spills regularly, use soft cleaning materials, and avoid abrasive products that can damage the microwave's interior.