Stuck-on food, stubborn stains, or strong smells; a dirty microwave can come on fast. Good news is, it doesn't have to be a daunting task. In fact, a clean microwave doesn't need harsh chemicals — you probably have the cleaning products you need right in your kitchen.

When should you clean your microwave?

Ideally, you should give your microwave a quick wipe-down after each use to prevent food splatters from hardening and becoming more difficult to clean. All you need for that is a damp sponge and warm water. However, at least once a month, it's recommended to tackle a deep clean.

Deep Clean Baked-On Grime With White Vinegar

  1. Wipe out the microwave with a damp cloth to remove loose food debris.
  2. Fill a microwave-safe bowl with equal parts white vinegar and water. Roughly 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup vinegar will suffice.
  3. Place the bowl in the microwave and heat it on high for 5 minutes.
  4. Let the water solution sit for a few minutes to allow the steam to loosen any caked-on food particles and tough stains.
  5. Carefully remove the bowl with oven mitts (it will be hot!)
  6. Remove the microwave turntable and clean it with dish soap in the sink. Dry it with a clean microfiber cloth.
  7. Wipe down the interior of the microwave oven with a clean dish towel or damp sponge and replace the microwave turntable.
  8. Wipe the microwave exterior with a soft cloth to clean off dust and use warm water to clean off cooking grease.

Note: If you are out of white vinegar, 2 Tablespoons of lemon juice in one cup of water is a good substitution.

Cleaning Greasy Microwave Vents and Filters

An important cleaning step is to scrub your microwave filter and vents. Tough grease or dried-on food can accumulate and cause poor ventilation which causes food to splatter.

  1. Remove the vent cover and filter from the microwave (consult your microwave's manual for instructions on how to do this).
  2. Soak the vent cover and filter in hot water and dish soap for 10-15 minutes to help loosen the grease.
  3. Use a brush or sponge to agitate the cleaning solution and scrub away any caked-on grime.
  4. Rinse the microwave filter and vent cover thoroughly and allow them to air dry before reattaching them to the microwave.

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Best Practices For Cleaning Splatters

  • For everyday spills and splatters, wipe down the interior of the microwave with a clean cloth or damp paper towel after each use.
  • Use microwave-safe covers or lids to prevent messy food from splattering inside the microwave.
  • Avoid cleaning methods that use abrasive cleaners or scrubbers, as they can damage the interior of the microwave.
  • If you have very stubborn food splatters, you can apply a paste of baking soda and water. Wipe it inside with a damp cloth and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Wipe it out with a damp sponge and then wipe it with clean water again or you'll have white marks.