Sep
A microwave is one of the most used appliances in the kitchen, yet it is often one of the most neglected when it comes to cleaning. From reheating leftovers to making quick snacks, daily use means spills, splatters and stubborn odours build up quickly, leaving it looking (and smelling) unpleasant.
The good news? With just a few supplies and simple cleaning methods, you can keep your microwave fresh and spotless in minutes.
In this guide, we will cover why it is important to clean your microwave, the supplies you need, simple DIY cleaning solutions, and step-by-step instructions for tackling every part of the appliance.
Why You Should Clean Your Microwave (and How Often)
Keeping your microwave clean is about more than looks. Spills and splatters left behind can turn into stubborn stains, create unpleasant smells and even affect the taste of your food.
Regular cleaning also improves hygiene and helps your microwave run more efficiently. Over time, grease and dirt can force your microwave to work harder, which can shorten its lifespan.
So, how often should you clean your microwave?
To keep your microwave fresh and working well, follow this simple routine:
- Daily (or after use): Wipe up any spills and splashes right away to stop food from sticking.
- Weekly: Do a quick steam clean with lemon, vinegar or baking soda to loosen dried food and remove smells.
- Monthly: Give your microwave a full deep clean, including the inside, outside, filters and turntable.
By sticking to this schedule, you will keep your microwave clean, fresh and free from lingering odours.
Cleaning Supplies You’ll Need
You don’t need fancy products to keep your microwave sparkling clean. Most of the supplies are things you already have at home. We recommend gathering the following supplies:
- A soft sponge or non-abrasive scouring pad
- Mild dish soap
- Microfibre cloth or paper towels (for wiping and drying)
- Rubber gloves (to protect your hands)
- Multi-purpose spray (for exterior surfaces)
- Stainless steel cleaner (only if your microwave has a stainless steel finish)
Best Way to Clean a Microwave
There is no single best method for every microwave; it depends on whether you are dealing with light mess, baked-on grime or unpleasant smells.
The easiest way to stay on top of it is to break the job down into different parts of your microwave so nothing gets missed.
How to Clean the Inside of Your Microwave
- Put on rubber gloves.
- Mix warm water with a little dish soap.
- Dip a sponge into the soapy water and wipe the walls, ceiling, and door seals.
- For dried-on spots, let the soapy water sit for a minute before gently scrubbing
- Wipe everything down with a damp microfiber cloth to remove any soap residue.
- Dry with a clean cloth or paper towel.
How to Clean the Outside of Your Microwave
- Spray multipurpose cleaner onto a microfiber cloth (never directly onto the microwave).
- Wipe the sides, top, and door.
- For stainless steel finishes, use a stainless steel cleaner and wipe in the direction of the grain.
- Carefully wipe around the control panel with a damp cloth to avoid excess moisture.
How to Clean Microwave Filters
- Remove the filter (refer to your microwave manual if necessary).
- Place it in warm, soapy water and let it soak for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Gently scrub with a sponge to remove grease.
- Rinse thoroughly under clean water.
- Leave it to air dry completely before putting it back.
How to Clean a Microwave Turntable
- Take out the glass turntable and support ring
- Wash them in warm, soapy water with a sponge
- If dishwasher-safe, place the glass turntable in the dishwasher
- Dry thoroughly with a microfiber cloth
- Return both pieces once completely dry
DIY Microwave Cleaning Solutions
When it comes to cleaning your microwave, natural methods work just as well as chemical sprays, and they smell much better too. Here are three tried and tested options.
1. Steam with lemon
Fill a microwave-safe bowl with water and a few slices of lemon. Heat inside the microwave for a few minutes until the steam builds up. The steam will loosen dried-on food, and the lemon will leave a fresh, citrus scent.
2. Vinegar method
Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat until the mixture steams. This is especially effective for cutting through grease and loosening stuck-on residue.
3.Baking soda
For stubborn smells, place an open container of baking soda in the microwave overnight. You can also make a paste with water to gently scrub away stains.
These natural microwave cleaner solutions are safe, effective, and chemical-free, making them a great choice for cleaning your microwave without the use of chemicals.
Keep Your Microwave Fresh
Cleaning your microwave does not have to be a big job. With a quick daily wipe down, a weekly refresh and a monthly deep clean, you can keep it looking new and running efficiently.
Whether you prefer simple soapy water or natural solutions like lemon, vinegar and baking soda, these easy methods make the task simple and chemical-free.
Make regular microwave cleaning a part of your kitchen routine, and you will never have to face stubborn stains or lingering odours again.
Want to keep the rest of your kitchen sparkling too? Read our guides below:
FAQs
Heat a bowl of water with lemon slices until it steams, then wipe the inside clean. For strong smells, leave an open container of baking soda inside it overnight.
Soften burnt spots by heating a bowl of water with vinegar. Then gently scrub with warm, soapy water.
The glass turntable is usually dishwasher-safe. Always check your microwave’s manual before placing other parts, such as filters or support rings, in the dishwasher.
Avoid harsh materials, bleach and abrasive pads as these can damage the interior surface and leave behind strong smells.
The easiest way to clean a microwave is to heat a bowl of water with lemon or vinegar for a few minutes, let the steam loosen the mess, then wipe it clean with a cloth.
