How To Clean A Microwave Oven: 7 Easy Ways To Remove Grease, Oil, Smell And Stains

Microwaves are a staple in every modern home, providing the convenience of hot meals amidst busy lives. The downside of this convenience and frequent use is that these appliances tend to get dirty easily, leading to bacteria growth and odours that worsen with subsequent uses. 

This article shows you how to clean a microwave oven in an easy and hassle-free manner. Most of them involve items that are likely to be found in your home or readily available at supermarkets. Read on to learn how to keep your microwave clean and free of bacteria!

How To Clean The Inside Of A Microwave Oven

Microwave ovens are prone to food splatters and these can stain the surfaces and get trapped in crevices. 

Over time, these can be frustrating to remove, often requiring effortful scrubbing. Here, we share some methods to make cleaning the microwave a more painless one for you.  

Method 1: Wet paper towel 

This method utilises steam to loosen food debris and stains, making them easy to wipe away – no chemicals needed! It’s best for removing light stains and priming before tackling tough stains.

What you need:

• Paper towels
• Water

Directions:

1. Wet some paper towels.
2. Place them inside your microwave and set the power level to “high” for 5 minutes. This will help to loosen any dirt or stains.
3. Once the time is up, wipe the stains away with dry paper towels.

Method 2: Dish soap and water

This cleaning method is similar to the wet towel method but can be used for tougher stains as the dish soap will help to dislodge them. A small amount of soap is sufficient, making this a cost-effective method that can be used regularly. 

What you need:

• Bowl (non-metallic, microwave-safe)
• Dish soap
• Water
• Sponge

Directions:

1. Fill a non-metallic microwave-safe bowl with water and add half a teaspoon of dish soap.
2. Place the bowl in the microwave and set the power level to “high” for 1 minute.
3. Once the time is up, carefully remove the bowl as it may be hot.
4. Use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe down the inside of your microwave.

Method 3: Lemon and water 

One of the most popular ways to clean a microwave is using lemon! Lemon is a natural disinfectant and can help eliminate odours, leaving your microwave oven smelling fresh. If you’re worried about pets or young children in your household and prefer using more organic methods, this may be one of the best methods for you. 

What you need:

• Bowl (non-metallic, microwave-safe)
• Lemon
• Water
• Paper towel or microfiber cloth

Directions:

1. Fill the microwave-safe bowl with water to about the halfway mark.
2. Cut the lemon in half.
3. Squeeze the lemon juice into the water and place the rest of the lemon facing up in the bowl.
4. Put the bowl inside the microwave and set the power level to “high” for 5 minutes.
5. After 5 minutes, keep the microwave door closed for about 3 minutes to let the steam loosen the grime.
6. Carefully remove the bowl from the microwave using oven mittens as it may be hot.
7. Wipe the inner surfaces of the microwave with a dry paper towel or microfiber cloth.

Method 4: Vinegar and water 

The best part of cleaning a microwave using method is that it doesn’t emit any harsh chemical fumes and is safe for households with pets or children. It’s also widely available and inexpensive.

What you need:

• Bowl (non-metallic, microwave-safe)
• White vinegar
• Sponge
• Microfiber cloth

Directions:

1. Add 2 tablespoons of white vinegar to 500ml of water in a microwave-safe bowl.
2. Place the bowl in your microwave and set the power level to “high” for 5 minutes.
3. After 5 minutes, keep the microwave door closed for about 3 minutes to let the steam loosen the grime.
4. Carefully remove the bowl from your microwave using oven mittens as it may be hot.
5. Use a damp sponge to wipe the insides of the microwave and turntable.

Method 5: Baking soda and water 

Baking soda mixed with water is a naturally abrasive paste that can be used with any of the above methods or on its own to tackle stubborn grime found in or on the microwave.

What you need:

• Bowl (non-metallic, microwave-safe)
• Baking soda
• Water
• Sponge
• Microfiber cloth

Directions:

1. Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda into one cup (235 ml) of water. 
2. Place the mixture into the microwave and set the power level to “high” for 5 minutes.
3. Keep the microwave door closed for about 3 minutes to let the steam loosen the grime.
4. Carefully remove the bowl from your microwave using oven mittens as it may be hot.
5. Use a damp cloth to wipe the insides of the microwave and turntable.
6. If stubborn bits are still present, dip a sponge into the baking soda and water mixture and scour them away.

How To Clean The Outside Of A Microwave Oven

When it comes to cleaning microwave ovens, what comes to mind is usually the more obviously dirty interior. However, it’s equally important to clean the exterior of the appliance as it tends to be overlooked.

As a precaution, to maintain food safety, commercial cleaning products that may be suitable for cleaning the exterior shouldn’t be used for cleaning the interior.

Method 6: Window cleaner 

Most microwave oven doors are made of glass and can, therefore, be cleaned using glass or window cleaners.

What you need: 

• Any glass or window cleaner spray (this can include homemade options as well) 
• Microfiber cloth

Directions:

1. Spray a thin layer of window cleaner on the microwave door.
2. Wipe it off with a microfiber cloth.
3. If stubborn stains remain, make a paste with 1 tablespoon of baking soda and water each and apply it to the stain. Then, gently scour the surface with a microfiber cloth.

Homemade window cleaner recipe

If you’re planning to use a homemade window cleaner, here’s a simple formula you can use.

What you need:

• White vinegar or lemon juice
• Liquid dish soap
• Water
• Essential oils (optional)
• Spray bottle

Directions:

1. Combine ¼ cup of white vinegar (or lemon juice) and ½ teaspoon of liquid dish soap in a spray bottle.
2. Add 2 cups (470ml) of water to the mixture and shake vigorously, making sure that the ingredients mix well. 
3. Add a few drops of essential oils into the spray bottle if you wish.

Method 7: Commercial microwave cleaners or degreasers

You can use a commercial microwave cleaner that’s specially formulated for cleaning microwaves. Alternatively, you may use a degreaser that’s designed to cut through grease and grime, so you can achieve a sparkling clean microwave oven with one simple wipe-down.

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An example of a heavy-duty degreaser that’s suitable for your microwave oven is Selleys Liquid Sugar Soap.

What you need:

• Selleys Liquid Sugar Soap
• Water
• Spray bottle
• Microfiber cloth

Directions:

1. Mix 1 part of Selleys Liquid Sugar Soap with 10 parts of water in a spray bottle.
2. For general cleaning, spray the mixture thinly over the microwave’s surface and wipe it off with a microfiber cloth.
3. For tough stains and grime, use Selleys Liquid Sugar Soap directly. Pour a small amount of the solution onto a microfiber cloth and gently rub it on the target area.

How To Remove Burnt Smell From A Microwave 

Sometimes the smell of past reheated food continues to linger in microwaves. This can be unpleasant as the smell may accumulate over time. 

Usually, cleaning the microwave oven with the aforementioned methods should sufficiently remove the burnt smell. However, if they don’t, try the following ways to combat odours!

Method 1: Deodorise microwave

Baking soda and activated charcoal are known to be reliable deodorisers that are widely available and affordable. They’re also environmentally friendly and biodegradable. This makes them convenient and guilt-free options for deodorising your microwave. 

This method doesn’t require you to turn on your microwave. 

What you need:

• Baking soda or activated charcoal
• An open container

Directions:

1. Fill the open container with 1 cup of baking soda or activated charcoal until it’s half full.
2. Be sure not to use your microwave while the container is inside.
3. Let it sit overnight in the microwave to absorb odours.

Note!

DO NOT use this baking soda for cooking! It can, however, be reused to absorb odours in other areas of your home.

Method 2: Replace filters

Microwaves usually come with a filter to vent odours but this may get stained or clogged with food particles over time. In such cases, it’s advisable to get new filters for your microwave. 

What you need:

• Microwave filters (Check if your microwave needs a special filter or is compatible with generic ones)
• Philips-head screwdriver 

Directions:

1. Turn off your microwave.
2. Dismantle the vent panel by removing the screws that hold it in place. Set the screws aside in a safe place.
3. Remove the old microwave filter and dispose of it properly.
4. Replace the old filter with a new one. Make sure it’s properly fitted and secure.
5. Position the vent panel in place and use the original screws to secure it.

Tips For Keeping Your Microwave Oven Clean 

While regular cleaning can help to maintain your microwave, here are some easy ways to reduce the cleaning frequency.

1. Cover food bowls

Cover your food bowls with a plate when heating food. This will prevent splatters on the interior of your microwave. 

2. Wipe down after use

After each use, wipe down the interior of your microwave with a paper towel. This helps to clear away food debris before they have a chance to dry up and stick stubbornly on the walls of the microwave.

3. Air it out

If you’re microwaving food that produces strong odours such as popcorn or bacon, leave the door open after using it to air the interior for a while.

FAQs About Cleaning A Microwave Oven