How to Clean a Microwave Naturally
Lean how to clean that dirty microwave with all-natural methods using everyday pantry items, including tips on how to clean a microwave with vinegar.
Midcentury Modern Kitchen With Blue Backsplash
Unusual pulls for drawers and cabinets can instantly give any room a new, fresh look. This kitchen goes in a midcentury modern direction.
Photo by: Wynne H Earle Photography
Wynne H Earle Photography
If stubborn splatters, spills and fingerprints cover the inside and outside of your microwave, use this quick all-natural cleaning hack to make it look like new. All you need is a few simple items from the pantry.
Clean the Inside of Your Microwave
Materials + Supplies
- distilled white vinegar
- cream of tartar
- olive oil
- microwaveable bowl
- towel
Pour 2 inches of vinegar into a microwaveable bowl and place inside the microwave (Image 1). Heat for 2 minutes, or until the microwave is steamy inside (Image 2). Remove the hot bowl with a towel (Image 3) and wipe down the inside (Image 4).
Clean the Outside of Your Microwave
Combine equal parts cream of tartar and water to make a quick paste (Image 1). Then apply to the outside of the microwave (Image 2). Polish off with a dab of olive oil (Image 3).
More Ways to Clean Your Microwave
How to Clean a Microwave with Vinegar and Baking Soda
- Add 4 tablespoons of baking soda to a quart of warm water. Mix thoroughly.
- Dip a sponge into the mixture and apply to the inside of the microwave.
- Next, pour equal parts water and distilled vinegar into a microwaveable bowl. Place the bowl inside the microwave and heat for about three minutes or until the liquid is boiling.
- Keep the door closed for about 5 minutes to allow steam to build up.
- Remove the bowl and wipe down the inside with a cloth or paper towel.
Clean Your Microwave With Soap and Water
It’s the obvious solution, but nothing beats a sudsy sponge and some hot water. Remove the turntable and scrub down the inside of your microwave, then rinse the sponge and wipe down the top and sides until there is no more soap residue. Dry with paper towels or a microfiber cloth.
Clean Your Microwave With Hot Lemon Water
Slice a lemon in half and squeeze the juice into a microwaveable bowl filled with 1/2 cup of water. Drop the lemon halves into the bowl. Heat in the microwave for about 3 minutes, or until the liquid comes to a boil. Wipe down the inside with a cloth or paper towel.
Clean Your Microwave With Baking Soda
Make a quick paste by combining two parts baking soda to one part warm water. Apply the paste to the dirty spills and spots inside the microwave and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. Then wipe off the baking soda mixture with a damp cloth or paper towel.
More Cleaning Tips + Tricks
Tips for Cleaning Major Appliances
Dishwashers, refrigerators and washing machines come clean pronto with these quick tips.
How to Clean Your Washing Machine
Keeping your washing machine clean and well maintained will help keep it working for years to come.
Coffeemaker Cleaning: Do Rinse Pods Really Work?
On a mission to get the freshest cup of joe, we tested single-use cleaning pods to see how they worked.
