8 Microwave Cleaning Hacks – How to Clean a Microwave

Emily KingJun 9, 2021

Let’s be honest–cleaning the microwave resides at the bottom of everyone’s to-do list. We understand how busy life can be; that’s why we decided to do the work of finding out the quickest, easiest microwave cleaning hacks.

Read for more on how to get this essential appliance clean in almost no time at all!

Microwave Cleaning Hacks

Vinegar & Water

This tried & true method is absolutely the easiest way to get even the dirtiest of microwaves clean.

To do this method, you will need:

½ cup of water
½ cup of white vinegar
a microwave safe bowl
a sponge or microfiber cloth

To clean your microwave using this method, you will want to place the water and the vinegar into the microwave-safe bowl and turn your microwave on high until the mixture comes to a rolling boil (about 5 minutes).

Note: You will want to allow the microwave to completely cool for 10-15 minutes before removing the bowl. The bowl will be hot, so use caution when removing from the microwave.

After the microwave cools completely, take the bowl out and use the sponge or cloth to clean the microwave’s interior. For an additional clean, you may remove the turntable and scrub it in the sink, as well as clean down the numbers with the cloth or sponge.

Wet Paper Towels

Similar to the vinegar and water method, this way of cleaning your microwave involves placing a handful of wet paper towels (about 5 towels) into the microwave and turning it on high for 5 minutes.

Once the microwave has had a chance to cool (note that the paper towels will be hot), you can use the paper towels to wipe down any grime as well as to clean the turntable.

Note: This method is not as effective for caked on dirt and grime. This method is recommended for lighter cleaning.

Microwave cleaning tools like Angry Mama use a similar type of steam cleaning.

Baking Soda

This microwave cleaning hack is excellent in cleaning the floor and turntable of your microwave. You will want to make a paste using two parts baking soda to one part warm water.

Allow the paste to sit on the floor and turntable for at least 5 minutes; wipe off the floor and turntable using a sponge or microfiber cloth.

Mr. Eraser

This all-star kitchen tool works amazing when tasked with cleaning up messy microwaves. Mr. Eraser will help you to scrub off cooked on grime and leave your microwave looking brand new.

Note: Aside from the regular sponges, they also have sheets that can help you get into harder-to-reach nooks and crannies.

Diluted Window Cleaner

This method works great when you want to clean both the inside and outside of your microwave.

In a bowl, mix two parts window cleaner with one part warm water. Use the mixture to wipe down the inside of the microwave, working from top to bottom.

Remove the turntable to soak in your sink, for about 5 minutes, before scrubbing. Once the inside is clean, use a separate wet cloth to wipe down the inside to ensure that none of the window cleaner solution is left, as the solution does have chemicals. Wipe down the outside using the same solution.

Lemon Method

We already knew that lemons are amazing, and so it is no surprise that they are powerhouse cleaners for your microwave, too!

To clean your microwave using this method, you are going to grab a lemon and squeeze the outside, just until you feel it starting to get mushy. Cut the lemon in half and squeeze both sides into a microwave-safe bowl of warm water.

Place each half into the bowl and place in the microwave. Run the microwave on high for 5 minutes (10 for an extradirty microwave) and let the bowl sit for 10 minutes.

Note: Bowl will be hot. Remove bowl and wipe down the interior of the microwave using a sponge or microfiber cloth.

Vinegar & Baking Soda

For those microwaves that are cringe-worthy in their dirt, this method is what is needed to make it clean once again.

To use this method, you will add four tablespoons of warm water to a quart of vinegar. Once the mixture is completely dissolved, dip your microfiber cloth or sponge into the mixture and wipe extensively inside the microwave.

Next, pour equal parts of water and white vinegar into a microwave-safe bowl. Place the bowl into the microwave and cook on high for 5 minutes. Allow the microwave to cool completely, about 10 minutes.

Note: Again, the bowl will be hot. Remove the bowl and wipe off the remaining dirt and grime.

Dish Soap

This is the standard way that most of us clean our microwave, as it entails using dish soap and a microfiber cloth or sponge and scrubbing the interior and exterior of the microwave.

I have found that Dawn dish soap is the best when using this method, as it is designed specifically to get rid of grease and grime. For the extra dirty microwaves, I would also recommend using steel wool or SOS pads to assist in scrubbing off grease and grime.