Microwave ovens typically cause food molecules to heat so quickly that the dishes tend to splatter and boil over.

Too much food build-up inside the appliance can interfere with how efficiently the microwave oven performs.

With this cleaning method, you let the appliance do most of the work.

White microwave with door open and sliced lemons inside glass bowl in front

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Just get alemonandbaking sodaand learn how to clean your microwave oven so it smells and looks fresh and spotless.

For most households,cleaning a microwaveweekly is appropriate.

Every few months, slide out andclean the microwave’s filterwhich accumulates grease and grime.

common household cleaning ingredients

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Slice one lemon and add it to the cup.

If you don’t have a fresh lemon, use three tablespoons of bottled lemon juice.

Don’t have either?

Materials and tools to clean microwave with lemons

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Use acitric acid powder, which is typically used for food preservation and seasoning.

Another substitute that doesn’t smell quite so nice isdistilled white vinegar.

Add 1/2 cup of vinegar to the water.

Glass microwaveable bowl with sliced lemons and water for solution

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Create Steam

Place the water and lemon mixture in the microwave.

The steam is working to soften and loosen all the splattered bits of food.

It should still be warm but not hot.

Water and lemon solution placed inside microwave for heating

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This will make cleaning the interior simpler.

Use the damp sponge to wipe down the sides, top, and bottom of the microwave interior.

Rinse out the sponge often.

Microwave running with lemon solution steaming the inside

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The baking soda will act as a gentle abrasive to loosen the food.

For food that just will not budge, dampen a melamine sponge (such asMr.

Clean Magic Eraser) and scrub gently.

Microwave door open with turntable removed for cleaning

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Always finish by wiping down the area with a clean damp sponge.

Clean the Door

Use the same lemon water to clean the interior of the microwave door.

Don’t forget to clean the rubber gasket around the door to maintain a tight seal.

clean sponge soaking inside of microwave with lemon cleaning solution

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Dip a sponge in the solution and wipe down the door.

Rinse the sponge well and wipe again to remove any soapy residue.

The outside of the door can also be cleaned with the lemon and water solution.

Damp sponge with lemon cleaning solution rubbing microwave door

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Use a sponge to loosen food particles and then rinse well.

Dry with a clean, lint-freemicrofiber clothand reassemble in the microwave.

Tip

Most microwave turntables can be safely washed in thedishwasher.

Microwave turntable cleaned in sink with soapy water and sponge

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Check your manufacturer’s guidelines.

The microwave will fill with steam that will soften the gunk.

Let the microwave cool down a bit before sponging it out.

Wear protective gloves in case the steam is still too hot.

Lemon and vinegar are great ingredients to use to clean a microwave.

Mixing them is even better as the lemon will reduce the smell of vinegar.

Steam cleanyour microwave with lemon and vinegar to get any smell out of the appliance.

Also, avoid using abrasive sponges or steel wool which will scratch the interior of the microwave.

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