Have you ever popped a bowl of spaghetti sauce in the microwave, only to discover it looks like a crime scene by the time you pull it out? It’s not your cooking skills—it’s physics!
Microwaves heat food unevenly, causing some spots to boil before others. When steam builds up under a thick sauce layer of buttery goodness, boom! You’ve got a splatter situation. If you clean it up quick, it's no big deal. But if you put it off, something like tomato sauce will leave stubborn stains. Other stuck-on foods can cause unpleasant smells. But don’t worry—here’s how to clean it up and reclaim your microwave's former glory.
How to Clean a Saucy Explosion in Your Microwave
You'll Need
- A microwave-safe bowl
- Water
- White vinegar or lemon juice
- A soft sponge or microfiber cloth
- A soft-bristled brush or an old toothbrush
- Dish soap
- Paper towels
1. Wipe Out Food Debris
- Use a sponge dampened with clean water to brush out loose food particles.
- If the mess is still liquid, this regular cleaning might be enough.
2. Steam Away the Mess
- Fill a microwave-safe bowl with a cup of water and add 1-2 tablespoons of vinegar or a few lemon slices to get rid of bad smells.
- Microwave the bowl for 3-5 minutes until the water boils and fills the microwave with steam.
- Leave the microwave door closed for another 2-3 minutes to let the water-vinegar steam loosen the dried sauce.
3. Wipe It All Down
- Use pot holders to carefully remove the bowl (it will be hot!) and set it aside.
- Use a damp sponge or microfiber cloth to wipe the walls, ceiling, and door of the dirty microwave.
- For stubborn spots, dampen the sponge with the steamed vinegar mixture and scrub gently.
4. Clean the Turntable
- Remove the turntable and wash it with dish soap in the sink.
- Thoroughly rinse the glass plate, dry it with a soft cloth, and replace it once the inside is clean.
5. Tackle the Vents
- Mix a small amount of dish soap with warm water.
- Dip a soft-bristled brush or toothbrush into the soapy water solution and scrub the microwave vents.
- Wipe away any residue with a damp cloth.
6. Shine It Up
- For a streak-free finish, dampen a clean cloth with plain water and wipe down all surfaces.
- Use a dry microfiber cloth to buff the entire microwave in a circular motion until it’s sparkling.
What Not to Do
- Don’t use abrasive scrubbers: They can scratch the interior.
- Avoid harsh chemicals: They can leave behind odors or damage the finish.
- Don’t ignore the mess: Letting food residue sit will make it harder to clean later.
- Never submerge electronic components: Keep water away from vents and controls.
FAQ
How do I prevent sauce from splattering next time?
Loosely cover your food with a microwave-safe lid, wax paper, or even a damp paper towel. A silicone lid is our personal fave (and it's shaped like a pig, which I'm sure encourages us all to use it more often). This traps the splatter while letting steam escape, keeping the mess of saucy or greasy foods at bay.
What if the sauce left a burnt smell in the microwave?
Combine water and baking soda into a paste and spread it over the affected areas. Let it sit for 10 minutes before wiping it clean. Follow up by wiping it with fresh water. You can also microwave a bowl of water with lemon slices or leftover lemon peels for 5 minutes to refresh the interior.
Can I use bleach to clean my microwave?
It’s not recommended. Cleaning products with bleach can leave behind harmful residues and strong fumes, which are unsafe in a food-prep area. Clean your microwave with vinegar, lemon juice, baking soda paste, or a milder, food-safe cleaning agents.
