How to Clean a Microwave in 5 Minutes or Less

A microwave is a kitchen essential, but it can quickly become one of the messiest appliances in your home. That quick-reheated soup, the over-boiled pasta, or a splattering sauce can all leave behind a stubborn, baked-on mess that seems impossible to clean. You try scrubbing with a sponge and spray, but the grime just won't budge.

The good news? You don't need to spend an hour scrubbing with harsh chemicals. In fact, a sparkling-clean microwave is just five minutes away, thanks to a simple cleaning trick that uses the power of steam. It’s an easy, hands-off method that works like magic, making even the toughest messes effortless to wipe away.

The Best 5-Minute Trick: Steam Cleaning with Vinegar

This simple hack is the most effective and efficient way to handle a dirty microwave. It uses the power of steam to loosen every bit of caked-on food, so all you have to do is wipe it clean.

What You'll Need:

• A microwave-safe bowl or glass measuring cup
• 1 cup of water
• 2 tablespoons of white vinegar
• A clean sponge, paper towel, or microfiber cloth

The Method:

1. Mix the Solution: Pour one cup of water and two tablespoons of white vinegar into the microwave-safe bowl. The vinegar is the key to dissolving the gunk, and the water helps create the steam.
2. Microwave It: Place the bowl inside your microwave. Set the microwave to high power and run it for 4-5 minutes, or until the liquid comes to a rolling boil. You’ll see the steam fill the inside of the microwave, and that’s a good sign!
3. Let the Steam Work: This is the most important step. Once the microwave timer goes off, do not open the door. Let the bowl and the steam sit inside the microwave for another 5 minutes. This allows the steam to fully penetrate and soften all the baked-on food, loosening its grip on the interior surfaces.
4. Wipe It Clean: After the five minutes are up, carefully remove the hot bowl. You’ll be amazed at how easily the mess now comes off. Take your damp sponge or cloth and simply wipe down the inside of the microwave. The food and grease should slide right off without any heavy scrubbing.

And just like that, you've learned how to clean a microwave in minutes, with no more back-breaking effort.

The Lemon Alternative (For a Fresh Scent)

If you don't like the smell of vinegar, you can get the same powerful cleaning effect and a fresh, citrusy scent by using a lemon instead.

• Simply replace the vinegar with the juice of half a lemon, or drop a few slices of lemon directly into the water. The citric acid works just as well to break down grime, and it leaves your microwave smelling fantastic.

Follow the exact same steps for the vinegar method. The result will be a sparkling clean and fresh-smelling microwave, every time.

What About Stubborn, Burnt-On Food?

While the steam method is incredibly powerful, some messes may be a bit too tough for a single wipe-down. If you have particularly stubborn, burnt-on food, a simple baking soda paste can work wonders.

• Mix a small amount of baking soda with water until you have a thick paste.
• Apply the paste directly to the hardened spots and let it sit for a few minutes.
• Then, use your sponge to scrub the spot. The mild abrasive quality of the baking soda will help you break down the food without scratching the interior of the microwave.

This extra step, when needed, still keeps your cleaning time to a minimum.

Quick Tips for Keeping Your Microwave Clean

Prevention is the best way to avoid having to use these methods too often. Here are a few simple tips to keep your microwave clean on a daily basis:

• Cover Your Food: Always use a microwave-safe lid or a paper towel to cover food before you heat it. This simple act will prevent most splatters and messes.
• Wipe Up Spills Immediately: If you do have a small spill, wipe it up with a damp paper towel right away, before it has a chance to harden.
• Use the Steam Method Weekly: Even if your microwave doesn’t look particularly dirty, using the steam method once a week will prevent grime from building up in the first place, ensuring you never have to deal with a big mess again.

What NOT to Do When Cleaning Your Microwave

Finally, avoid these common cleaning mistakes that can damage your appliance:

• Don't Use Harsh Chemicals: Stay away from abrasive cleaners, steel wool, or scouring powders. These can scratch and damage the interior finish of your microwave, which can lead to problems down the line.
• Don't Use Metal Scrapers: Never use a razor blade or metal spatula, even on the turntable. These can cause permanent scratches.
• Don't Mix Chemicals: Never mix different cleaning agents like bleach and ammonia. This can create toxic fumes that are extremely dangerous.

Following these simple tips and using the powerful steam method will help you conquer a dirty microwave once and for all, with minimal time and effort. Now you know the best way to get a sparkling clean microwave in five minutes or less!