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Today, we are sharing a great guide on how to deep clean your microwave fast!
A clean microwave not only looks better but also ensures safe and efficient cooking.
Microwaves can be annoying to clean because food can be stuck on pretty hard or it might be stuck in the corners of the microwave making it nearly impossible to get out.
With this fast and simple guide, you be able to clean it better and faster. Also, make sure you scroll down below the recipe to learn more science on why this works, and why a clean microwave is important.
How To Deep Clean Your Microwave Fast
There are two things you need to do to deep clean your microwave fast. First, you need to be able to clean the inside and remove all residue. Next, you need to have a way to disinfect it. Even after your microwave is clean, routine disinfecting is an important task.
This science-based guide is going to help you!
First, let’s share how this easy DIY cleaner to use. I have been testing out homemade microwave cleaners since 2007. After I got married and moved into an apartment with my husband, I never realized how DIRTY the microwave got. It was very gross, and I tried several cleaners for it without success.
My mom’s microwave was always so clean, so I never knew how dirty a microwave actually got.
The best homemade cleaner to use on. your microwave is this one I am about to share. It not only steams the inside of your microwave and easily remove all types of stuck on food, but it also deodorizes the inside.
It is so cheap to make too!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of distilled white vinegar
- 1 cup of water (tap water is fine)
- 1 full lemon, cut in half
- Microwave safe bowl (I use my glass measuring container)
- Microfiber cloth
Directions:
- In the microwave safe bowl, add the vinegar and water. Next, squeeze out the lemon to add the juice to the vinegar. I also just toss the squeezed lemon inside the bowl.
- Add the bowl to the microwave, and microwave the dish on high for about 5- 6 minutes. You will want this mixture to boil for a few seconds, so times will vary.
- Once the solution is boiling, carefully remove it with an oven mitt or pot holder. I recommend allowing it to sit for a few seconds to allow the steam to slow down, then gently set this hot container on the stove.
- Grab the microfiber cloth and simply wipe out the entire microwave. It is amazing how easily it wipes off any residue or stuck on food.
For Hard To Reach Spots Like Corners
After using your microfiber, you can grab a small brush like a toothbrush or small cleaning brush to clean into the cracks and corners of the microwave.
After cleaning it, disinfect once a month or as needed
This tip will vary depending on how much you use your microwave or what you have cooked in there. Doing this once a month or as needed can keep your microwave sanitized and eliminate lingering odors.
Whenever I talk about disinfecting, I always get some confusion. Many people don’t realize that cleaning and disinfecting are two separate steps. They cannot be done at the same time! Cleaners are not disinfectants (especially homemade versions). If you use a store-bought cleaner, they might double as a cleaner and disinfectant, but read the label! These are always TWO separate steps.
To disinfect any surface, you must always clean it first and make sure all debris is removed. Once you finish this, you can disinfect.
How To Disinfect Your Microwave:
You can use a few products. I don’t recommend using rubbing alcohol for any food surfaces, so it is best to stick with something like food grade hydrogen peroxide or Force of Nature which are both safe for food surfaces.
I personally love to use Force of Nature because it is powerful, stable, and I use it for so many surfaces around my home. Don’t forget, while the initial cost of FON is higher, you are also purchasing the equipment that makes the hypochlorous acid. After you purchase this, all you buy in the future is the refill packs. This package of 25 is basically a year’s worth.
To disinfect, spray the entire surface of your microwave. Let it sit 10 minutes, then wipe off. That is it!
Why Is Cleaning Your Microwave So Important?
Food splatters and spills can harbor bacteria, which can lead to food borne illness. Regular cleaning helps prevent the spread of bacteria and keeps your microwave hygienic.
Along with preventing bacteria, clean microwaves actually work better. Buildup of food residue can interfere with the microwave’s heating efficiency. A clean microwave ensures even and faster heating.
The Science Behind Lemon and Vinegar For Microwave Cleaning
While these ingredients are well-known and common, the science on how they work is why this method is so quick and powerful for deep cleaning a microwave.
VINEGAR
Vinegar (acetic acid) is a great acid for breaking apart particles. It is the steam effect that makes this work like magic! When the acid heats up, it helps release everything on the surface of the microwave. Steamed vinegar is known for cleaning grease and food stains quickly. Be sure to read our full guide on using vinegar for cleaning.
WATER
Boiling water steams quickly. It creates moisture in the microwave which helps the vinegar work better too. Water is a great tool for cleaning. Don’t under estimate the power of water for cleaning. It is known as universal solvent because it can remove all types of debris from hard surfaces. It does this even better when it is boiling!
LEMON
The lemon not only adds to the acidity, but also makes a really nice scent! For those who aren’t fans of vinegar scents, lemon will help mask that strong odor.
And that’s it! This is your handy guide on how to deep clean a microwave fast which you can use all year to finally have a sparkling clean microwave in no time!
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Thank you.
Hopefully we will be moving sometime soon and I wrote this recipe down to clean and deodorizine the microwave (If it has one) If not I have my own and my adult son sometimes puts in stinky stuff. Lol
Yes! This will really help deodorize and clean any microwave. Hope it comes in handy!
Yes, It’s very good to keep!
This article is very timely. My husband (the grub) forgets to wipe the microwave after he defrosts bakery foods, and the crumbs get stuck on the glass plate. I clean the whole microwave as I am conscious of food hygiene but I didn’t realise that it also needs to be disinfected, so thank you.
These tips have definitely help d us keep the microwave clean! And it can be done so quickly too 🙂
It worked great. One suggestion (I may have overlooked this in the post): when removing the solution from the microwave divert your face away from the steam so it will not get in your eyes. My microwave is underneath counter type and some of the vinegar/lemon steam rose toward my face. It stung a little but no damage👍
Yes, definitely use caution removing it. I like to let it sit a few seconds after boiling just to let the steam slow down a bit. I am glad it worked for you!