Ridiculously Easy Way To Clean Your Microwave
The microwave is a hardworking appliance that tends to get overlooked when kitchen cleaning rolls around. Unlike visible areas like the sink and counters, you can just close the microwave door and pretend it doesn't exist!
That is, until you go to warm up last night's leftovers and find a grease-splattered mess inside of your microwave. Good news, a dirty microwave can (almost) clean itself. Use three natural ingredients for a DIY stain-fighting steam clean that doesn't require a lot of elbow grease and won't leave harsh chemicals to mess up your foods' flavors.
Susan Hudson
Things Needed
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1 lemon, cut in half
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1/2 cup water
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1/2 cup distilled white vinegar
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Microwave-safe bowl or measuring cup
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Dry rag
1. Combine Liquids
Combine 1/2 cup of water and 1/2 a cup of distilled white vinegar in a microwave-safe bowl. Vinegar is the ultimate natural cleaning multi-tasker. Its natural acetic acid kills germs, neutralizes odors, and helps lift stuck on food.
Susan Hudson
2. Squeeze in Lemon
Squeeze in the juice from two lemon halves and then drop them into the bowl. The lemon juice acts as a natural de-greaser to attack greasy build up even hard to reach areas. And the fresh, clean scent is an added bonus.
Susan Hudson
3. Microwave for Three Minutes
Put the bowl in the microwave and run on high heat for at least three minutes. The water needs time to boil and fill the interior with steam so add additional time if needed.
If your microwave has a turntable, take it out before the cleaning so the steam can work on stains underneath.
After the microwave finishes, leave the bowl inside for another three to five minutes to let the steam continue to loosen stuck on food and lift grease.
Susan Hudson
4. Wipe It Out
Take out the bowl and use a clean, wet soft cloth to wipe down the interior walls, the inside of the door, and the ceiling and floor.
To remove any stubborn stains or splatters, add a few drops of dish soap to the lemon water then dip the rag and scrub until clean. Clean and dry the turntable then put it back into the microwave.
Susan Hudson
5. Clean the Exterior
Close the microwave door and wipe down the exterior with a stainless steel cleaner or a countertop spray.
Repeat cleaning as often as necessary, but aim for at least every two weeks if your microwave is used used daily and you want to keep grime and gunk at bay.
Susan Hudson