How to Clean a Microwave

Splatters inside a microwave get baked on a little more every time you heat something, so they only get harder to remove the longer you wait. Steam does most of the hard work for you, and you can get the inside clean in about 10 minutes with things already in your kitchen. No harsh sprays or heavy scrubbing required.

What You’ll Need

• A microwave-safe bowl
• Water
• White vinegar or a lemon
• A sponge or microfiber cloth
• Mild dish soap
• Baking soda for stubborn spots

Steam the Interior

1. Fill the bowl with about a cup of water and add a tablespoon or two of vinegar, or the juice of half a lemon plus the squeezed halves.
2. Place a wooden spoon or toothpick in the bowl. This helps prevent the water from superheating and suddenly boiling over.
3. Microwave on high for about 3 to 5 minutes, until the water boils and the window steams up.
4. Leave the door closed for another 5 minutes so the steam can soften the grime.
5. Carefully remove the bowl with oven mitts. It will be very hot.

Wipe Everything Down

1. Take out the turntable and its roller ring. Wash them in warm, soapy water, or in the dishwasher if your manual says they’re dishwasher-safe.
2. Wipe the ceiling first, then the walls, and the floor last, so drips land on areas you haven’t cleaned yet.
3. Dip the sponge into the warm vinegar water for any spots that resist.
4. For dried-on food, make a paste of baking soda and a little water, apply it, wait a few minutes, and scrub gently with a non-scratch sponge.
5. Wipe the inside of the door and the edges where the door seals against the frame.
6. Dry the interior with a clean cloth and put the turntable back.

Clean the Outside

Unplug the microwave first if you can reach the plug easily. Wipe the exterior and handle with a damp, soapy cloth. For the keypad, spray cleaner onto the cloth rather than directly on the controls so liquid doesn’t seep inside. Stainless steel fronts look best when you wipe in the direction of the grain, then buff dry.

What to Avoid

• Never run the microwave empty. Always have water in the bowl when steaming.
• Skip steel wool and abrasive powders, which can scratch the interior coating.
• Don’t use bleach or oven cleaner inside the microwave.
• Don’t pry at or remove the waveguide cover, the small panel on an inside wall. Just wipe it gently.

Keep It Clean Longer

• Cover food with a microwave-safe lid or a paper towel while heating.
• Wipe up spills while they’re still fresh and soft, before the next use bakes them on.
• Do a quick steam clean every week or two if you use the microwave daily.
• Leave the door open for a few minutes after cooking strong-smelling foods to let odors escape.