How to clean microwave

It is difficult to imagine a modern kitchen without a microwave oven these days. In it you can not only quickly warm up lunch and defrost food, but also prepare delicious foods without much hassle. But the need to wash the miracle helper of many housewives drives into stress, because getting rid of stains of dried fats is not so simple.

So have you noticed fat stains inside or outside the microwave? Have a bad smell that doesn’t go away on its own? It’s time to clean the microwave! To do that it’s not necessary to bring it to service or call a cleaning company. Here we will look at several simple, yet very effective ways that will make your microwave like new within 10 - 20 minutes.

Types of coating used inside of a microwave oven

Everything seems to be clear about the outer coating of the microwave oven – you can pretty much wash it with any cleaning and even abrasive agents, while the inside of it requires a different, more delicate approach. A microwave’s reflective surface can be of three types:

• ENAMELED. A smooth pore-free coating does not absorb fat, which makes it easier to wash. Nevertheless, enamel is afraid of mechanical impact – scratches on the surface on the surface quickly can develop rusty areas. The main rule when cleaning an enameled coated microwave is not to use abrasives and wipe the walls dry.
• STAINLESS. The surface perfectly withstands constant temperature changes, but has a high, “appeal” to grease and soot. Drips and spots literally stick to the walls and are very difficult to remove. Large particles of cleaning powders leave scratches, and acids cause darkening of the surface.
• CERAMIC. Combines in itself the smoothness of enamel and the strength of stainless steel. How to clean a ceramic coated microwave? Grease stains can be removed with a damp sponge or a soft cloth.

How to clean an oven using basic household chemicals

Almost at any store, there are can be found several options for cleaning products for microwave ovens. Most often they are released in the form of aerosols, sprays or liquids. How to clean microwave from fat and carbon deposits at home using professional tools? Follow these simple instructions:

• Laundry soap is the most inexpensive way to get rid of stains. Create a thick foam with a sponge, apply it evenly on the walls, wait about half an hour and carefully remove the composition. Pros of this recipe is the low cost of soap that can give a pretty good result. A con of it is that it leaves a certain smell.
• Dish washing soap can be equally effective. The liquid must be mixed with a warm water, then wash the walls with a sponge. Remember to carefully remove the remaining foam and wipe the surface dry with a towel. Otherwise, the warmed-up food will get a distinct smack also. Unlike laundry soap, after rinsing dish soap there won’t be any smell left.
• Specialized creams and sprays are present in the lines of many manufacturers. They allow you to clean the microwave in as little as 5 minutes – just apply the product on contaminated areas and wipe all the bad with a rug. Household chemicals have a significant drawback though – it is quite difficult to rinse it off, so a small amount can get into food. This method is contraindicated if there are people with allergies or small children.

You should wash the inside of the miracle oven regularly. Even if you use a special plastic cover while cooking, the fumes from the heated products exit through tiny openings and settle on walls still.

IMPORTANT! While carrying out cleaning procedures of your oven, make sure that excess moisture does not flow under the grates. Water that has fallen on electrical parts can damage your microwave as well as cause fire.

It’s a good practice just wipe the walls inside the oven once in every 2- 3 uses with a slightly soaked rug.

How to clean a microwave using home remedies

To clean the microwave from fats and carbon deposits at home, using household means that are generally available in any home.

WATER – the easiest and most importantly free way to clean. To get rid of adhered pieces of food and oil, place a bowl of warm water in the oven, turn it on at maximum power, wait 10-15 minutes and wipe off any dirt with a soft sponge or rug. The larger the diameter of the container, the better – the liquid will evaporate more actively, improving the effect. A glass or cup will not work; the ideal option is a wide plate of medium depth. To enhance the action, you can add a little of dishwashing soap to the water. Note that this method is only suitable for fresh impurities. Repeat this procedure after every few uses and your oven will remain clean for a long time.

Using citrus fruits

You can achieve good results by using lemons and other citrus fruits:

• Peel an orange, put the crusts in a plate filled with water and place it in the microwave. Turn on maximum power and let it run for about 5 minutes. When heated, the zest releases essential oils, which, in combination with water vapor, soften dried foods and oxidized fat particles.
• Slices of a fresh lemon enhance the effect and, in addition, help to get rid of unpleasant odors. Follow the previous method, but let the oven run for 20 minutes.
• It’s important that you watch the water level in the plate – it must not completely evaporate.

Vinegar

Here we will use vinegar method:

• Dissolve two tablespoons of apple or wine vinegar in a glass of warm water (citric acid can also be used).
• Pour the mixture into a wide plate, place it in the oven and set the timer for 10-15 minutes on a maximum power.
• After completion do not open the door for another 20-25 minutes to let the steam work its way into dirt.
• Remove any dirt with a sponge or rug and wipe it the walls dry.

A mixture of acetic or citric acid with water create steam when heated, which dissolves fats deposits and softens dried foods. In addition, intense aromas interrupt the smell like for fish for example. When using this method be sure to open a window.

Baking soda

You should avoid cleaning using abrasive materials inside of a microwave oven. Nevertheless, we can use baking soda technique in another similar way we did previously:

• Fill a wide bowl with warm water, about two-thirds.
• Add 3 tablespoons of baking soda in it and stir.
• Set the timer for 15 minutes and turn on the microwave.
• After wipe away any dissolved dirt.

Note if after one run there are still traces of fat stuck on the walls, repeat the procedure.

How to get rid of bad smell

The aroma of some products (garlic, fish sour-milk) is literally absorbed into the surface and spreads onto other dishes. Getting rid of the annoying smell is difficult, but not impossible. In addition to baking soda and lemon methods, there is one more technique:

• Natural or instant coffee! Using water, make it paste-like substance. Spread it all over the inside chamber and let it sit for two hours, then rinse with clean water. It is not recommended to boil coffee. It might be problematic to rinse.
• Salt is an excellent absorber for any third-party aromas. The recipe is simple – pour 100 grams of salt into any container and leave it in a closed microwave for several hours.
• Activated charcoal! The absorbent acts on the same principle as salt. You need to crush 7-10 tables and leave them overnight in the closed microwave.

Important nuances

When wondering how to quickly clean your microwave oven on the inside, do not forget about the measures of “prevention”. Follow simple rules:

• Do not use bristle brushes or metal washcloths.
• When washing the surface, try not to touch the ventilation grilles and electrical contact points.
• Be sure to unplug the appliance from power source before cleaning.
• Develop a habit of wiping the oven after one or two uses.
• Use special lids to heat foods.
• If during cooking process there was an “explosion” and food particles are all over the oven, remove them immediately.

IMPORTANT! Do not neglect microwave care. A thick layer of fat can lead to a short circuit!

Now you know exactly how to clean the microwave in just 15 minutes at home, get rid of the unpleasant odor and thereby improve the taste of cooked foods. Follow these simple rules, and your microwave assistant will serve faithfully for a long time.

© Clearwater Cleaning Service 2021