How to Clean a Microwave Naturally, Inside and Out

When the microwave gets messy, it's easy to contain the mess behind closed doors. As a result, spills and splatters can quickly compound and become difficult to remove. We always favor a natural technique that cleans without harsh chemicals, especially in a space that circulates air into and around our food. Here are some simple cleaning routines that'll make it easier to keep your microwave sparkling — inside and out.

A few notes before you start:

• Remove the turntable and wash it separately in the sink. Easy!
• Avoid spraying liquid into air vents and fans.
• If your microwave also has convection oven elements, clean around them carefully.
• Say, "No thanks!" to scented cleaners. If it needs a refresh, microwaving half of a lemon for one minute helps dissolve lingering odors.

How to Clean a Microwave With Vinegar

White vinegar is a notoriously good cleaner. It's our go-to for cleaning the microwave because the appliance can steam the vinegar. (It's also great to use in the dishwasher.)

“Acetic acid helps break down the hardened fatty-acid matrix in baked-on grease, softening the residue and improving removal," explains Gabriel Odame, R&D Chemist at Harris. "For microwaves, heating a properly diluted vinegar solution in a microwave-safe cup for a few minutes generates steam that penetrates stuck-on grime and loosens it with minimal scrubbing."

Simply put: Vinegar steam works like magic. It attaches to grease and loosens dried-on food, making cleaning easier than you'd ever expect.

What You’ll Need:

• distilled white vinegar
• microwave-safe bowl
• paper towels

The How-To:

1. Pour one cup of vinegar into a microwave-safe bowl.
2. Place it inside the microwave.
3. Heat for about two minutes. During this time, the inside of the microwave will fill with steam.
4. Remove the bowl carefully. (It's hot!)
5. Wipe down all interior surfaces with paper towels.

If it's really dirty, you'll find that you smear lots of the grease but don't pick it all up on the first pass. The bowl of vinegar will still be mostly full, so run it for another two-minute cycle to re-steam the appliance. Then, wipe it down again. Much better!

How to Clean the Glass Inside Your Microwave

The inside of the microwave window has just as many splatters and drips as the interior walls. The difference is, this mess is more noticeable every time you use the appliance and peer into the light.

You might find that vinegar steam is enough to loosen some of the buildup on the window, but if you need an extra boost of scrubbing power, baking soda comes to the rescue.

What You’ll Need:

• white vinegar
• baking soda
• warm water
• small bowl
• sponge or cloth

The How-To:

1. Mix two tablespoons of baking soda with two tablespoons of warm water to make a thin paste. You want good coverage, but it shouldn't be drippy when you wipe it on the door.
2. Wipe the paste across the glass where grease builds up.
3. Let it sit for five minutes. (It will start to dry.)
4. Dampen a cloth with white vinegar and wipe in circles to remove the paste. The mix will foam a bit as it cleans.
5. Wipe again with clean water.
6. Dry with a paper towel.

How to Clean the Outside of Your Microwave

The outside of the appliance collects fingerprints and greasy smudges, but vinegar is too acidic for stainless steel surfaces. Instead, cream of tartar is mildly abrasive (like baking soda) so it can effectively remove grime without damaging the finish.

Oils are popular for polishing stainless steel, but we favor classic stainless steel wipes when it comes to preventing fingerprints, so we're sharing both methods.

What You’ll Need:

• cream of tartar
• water
• soft towel or cloth
• white vinegar
• baby oil or olive oil (optional)
• stainless steel wipes (optional)

The How-To:

1. Mix equal parts cream of tartar and water to form a paste.
2. Rub the paste over the outside surface using a cloth. (Go with the grain if you're cleaning stainless steel.)
3. Wipe clean with a damp towel.
4. Shine stainless steal surfaces.
   • If you're using oil: Add a small drop to a towel and polish the surface for a smooth finish, rubbing with the grain.
   • If you're using wipes: Buff the entire stainless exterior with the grain. Pro tip: Use the rest of the wet cloth to polish up other stainless appliances in the kitchen.
5. Spray white vinegar on the outside of the glass window to remove dust and fingerprints.

Other Ways to Tackle Tough Smells, Grease and More

• Clean with soap and water. Sometimes the simplest option works best, but make sure you're using a grease-cutting soap formula. Remove the turntable and wash it separately in the sink.
• Steam hot lemon water. Steaming a bowl of water with juice from one lemon helps cut grease and leaves a fresh scent.
• Use the dishwasher for removable components. Some microwaves have removable vents underneath. The good news? They're often dishwasher safe. Routinely clean those vent covers to reduce odors and grease buildup.
• Baking soda paste. If you're dealing with stuck-on food inside the microwave, apply a baking soda and water paste. Let it sit. Then, wipe it off in a circular motion to lift grime.

How Often Should You Clean a Microwave?

Create a Cleaning Routine That Works

It takes consistency to prevent buildup, and more frequent cleanings will make every part of your routine faster and easier. Commit to doing things differently now that your microwave is clean:

• Wipe up spills right away.
• Use a silicone microwave cover to reduce splatters.
• Wash the turntable and ring regularly. This is especially important if you ever put items into your microwave for heating without putting them on a plate. (We know you're guilty ... because we are, too!)
• Do a “mini steam clean” once a week. Heat a small bowl of vinegar every week and wipe down the walls and inside the door. It'll keep grime to a minimum and help your microwave stay fresh.