Do you want to know how to clean a microwave oven? Every contemporary household should include at least one microwave oven. In addition to making excellent and fast meals, it also makes it simple to reheat leftovers. However, cleaning out a dirty microwave oven is the one task only some homeowners genuinely want to perform. Unlike a traditional oven, a microwave oven can be cleaned in a few easy steps. The following advice will help you solve this difficulty and lengthen the life of your microwave oven.
What is Microwave Oven
The microwave oven is equipment for the kitchen that can cook, thaw, and defrost food. Microwave radiation in electromagnetic waves is used to produce heat within the meal. The food is cooked by the microwaves released by the oven, which force the water, fat, and sugar molecules to vibrate and release heat energy.
A magnetron, a kind of microwave generator, is housed in a metal enclosure that serves as the basis of a microwave oven. A revolving fan or stirrer disperses and reflects the microwaves produced by the magnetron across the inside of the oven. The food absorbs the microwaves, converting the energy into heat.
In a microwave oven, food is prepared quickly and effectively. In contrast to typical techniques like stovetop cooking or baking in a conventional oven, the oven can quickly and evenly heat food. Most microwave ovens include a variety of power levels, enabling users to alter the microwave’s intensity for particular cooking requirements.
Microwave ovens are often used for cooking, warming leftovers, defrosting frozen goods, and rapidly making simple meals or snacks. From little countertop units to bigger built-in ovens intended for placement in kitchen cabinets, they come in various sizes.
It’s vital to remember that microwave ovens are only intended to be used with microwave-safe containers and shouldn’t be used with metal or other kinds of plastic since they might endanger user safety or harm the oven. When using a microwave oven, it is always advised to abide by the manufacturer’s instructions and safety precautions.
How to Clean Microwave Oven
It may be time to find out how to clean a microwave oven if you’ve ever gone to reheat a late-night snack, only to discover splatters and filth within your microwave. A filthy microwave oven is not only unsightly and sometimes stinky but also serves as a breeding ground for germs that may make you ill and even provide a fire risk. Here are the quick and easy ways to clean your microwave oven.
What You’ll Need
These are just a few fundamental tools to clean a microwave. Luckily, your bathroom and kitchen pantry should include most of these supplies. Make sure you have them available so you are prepared to cope with a filthy microwave at any moment.
➢Water
➢Sponge
➢Lemon
➢Vinegar
➢Baking soda
➢Hand soap
➢Cleaner
➢Microfiber towels
➢Microwave bowl
Using a Wet Paper Towel
Use many moist paper towels to wipe your microwave oven if it doesn’t seem like a nuclear explosion occurred inside it. Put the wet paper towels inside the microwave oven and run them on high for around 5 minutes. By producing steam, this method enables you to remove unwanted particles and impurities from your microwave. It also acts as a precursor for more difficult problems, such as sticky food.
Utilizing Dish Soap
This approach works very similarly to the wet paper towel method. Dish soap and water mixed in equal amounts should be placed in a non-metallic basin that may be microwaved. Just let it run on high for a minute or until it steams. Take out the bowl, then clean the microwave with a sponge. While you’re cleaning, remember to clean the microwave oven door.
Utilizing Baking Soda
Among other things, baking soda is the cleaner removing stuck food in your microwave. Mix water and baking soda to produce a paste, then spread it over any hardened food trapped in your microwave. Simply wipe it off with a damp sponge or towel after resting for at least five minutes. Repeat the procedure as necessary until the charred food is fully removed.
Water and Vinegar Solution
Using this solution follows the same steps as using dish soap. Pour 1 cup of water & one cup of vinegar into a dish that can go in the microwave oven. Put it in the microwave oven and let it steam for some time. Before using your microwave oven again, wipe and dry it to ensure no vinegar traces are within.
Vinegar water is a natural cleaning solution that has stood the test of time and is very adaptable. A microwave with additional dirt in it is a marriage made in heaven.
Use Lemon to Freshen The Microwave Oven
Lemon is another excellent natural sanitizer for a microwave, similar to vinegar. The simplest method is to halve a lemon and set the cut side on a microwave-safe tray. Put the dish in the microwave with a few tablespoons of water until steam is produced. It’s that easy; remove the dish and wipe away any residual liquid inside the microwave. Once again, be sure to clean both the inside and the outside of your microwave oven door.
Microwave Door Cleaning Solution
Your microwave door requires delicate loving care, even if you may not notice it enough. Fortunately, diluted window cleaners can effectively clean the microwave inside and outside. Start cleaning the inside and outside of your unit by dipping a cloth or sponge in the solution. To ensure that the microwave is completely clean, repeat the procedure. Use a clean towel soaked in water to scrub the windows again if the scent of the window cleaners bothers you.
Commercial Cleaners
If using lemon, baking soda, or vinegar to clean your microwave oven won’t work, and you don’t want to use additional disinfectants, it’s time to purchase easily accessible professional microwave cleansers. One thing to remember is to choose a professional cleaner that won’t emit fumes or odors into your kitchen that can interfere with the flavor and aroma of the food you’re preparing.
Although other products are available, Easy Off Microwave oven Cleaner is a fantastic option for a fume-free cleaner. Ask for goods designed specifically for microwaves at your neighborhood hardware or supermarket shop. Before cooking again, read the directions and let your microwave at least thirty minutes to air out.
Tips and Safety Reminders
◾️If you don’t need heat to clean your microwave oven, switch it off and unplug it properly before cleaning to prevent any unfortunate mishaps.
◾️Never use your microwave oven to heat anything metallic. Avoid using brushes made of metal and similar materials when cleaning your microwave.
◾️When using water, use caution. If you are not extremely cautious while utilizing water to clean your device—an electric machine—you can wind up ruining it.
◾️Takeout and sometimes clean the turntable of your microwave oven. Putting it in the dishwasher or hand washing it like any other plate is completely fine. Just be sure to wait until it is totally dry before use. And remember to replace it before another person uses the microwave.
◾️When warming up food or beverages in the microwave, always use covers. It minimizes splatter accidents and lengthens the interval until your next unit cleaning.
◾️Use your microwave on a low setting to lessen the likelihood of burning or splattering food. Keep in mind to use your microwave correctly to facilitate cleaning and prevent mishaps in the kitchen.
◾️Don’t clean your microwave oven with harsh chemicals. Remember that you don’t want to unintentionally swallow any chemicals when using your device to cook food or drinks.
◾️No quantity of cleaning will be able to solve a microwave’s internal problem. If your system fails unexpectedly, you should contact a professional. However, cleaning your equipment regularly does assist in keeping it operating at peak efficiency.
Why Is It Important to Clean a Microwave Oven?
A microwave oven has to be cleaned for several reasons.
☑️Hygiene
Over time, food scraps and spills may gather inside the microwave, producing a haven for germs and mildew. Keeping your kitchen clean and sanitary requires regular cleaning.
☑️Food Safety
The microwave is often used to cook and reheat meals. When you heat or prepare food in an unclean interior, it may get contaminated and cause foodborne diseases. There is less chance of cross-contamination when the microwave is kept clean.
☑️Efficiency and Performance
An organized microwave works more effectively. Grease and food particles may prevent the microwave from operating as it should, reducing the effectiveness of its heating and causing uneven or inadequate heating. Cleaning the microwave makes ensuring it runs as efficiently and effectively as possible.
☑️Odor Prevention
Food spills and leftovers might cause unpleasant smells in the microwave. Removing these scents via routine cleaning will make your microwave more enjoyable and won’t transmit aromas to your food.
☑️Longevity
The lifespan of a microwave may be increased by keeping it clean. Food crumbs or spills may corrode or harm the internal surfaces of the microwave if they are not cleaned up very away. Regular cleaning will help preserve its components and extend its lifetime.
It is advised to use the approved cleaning products and techniques and to adhere to the manufacturer’s recommendations while cleaning a microwave oven. Some common cleaning techniques include a solution of water and mild dish soap, vinegar, and water, or specialist microwave cleansers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to clean my microwave?
Combine vinegar & water, lemon juice & water, or water and baking soda in a heatproof basin to thoroughly clean a microwave. The mixture should then be heated for 3 to 5 minutes. Before wiping it out, give it some time to sit. You may skip cleaning by doing this since your microwave will remove the difficult stains and grease.
What should you avoid cleaning a microwave?
As they might damage the inside and leave dangerous residues, powerful chemical cleaners like bleach or ammonia should also be avoided. Finally, avoid using Lysol or Clorox wipes to clean the microwave since they contain chemicals that might harm it.
After cleaning it, can you utilize the microwave straight away?
The cleaning will remove any accumulated filth, oil, grime, and any food that has burned on, leaving your microwave oven looking clean & smelling good. Furthermore, you may immediately use the microwave because of the non-toxic, food-safe cleanser.
What happens when a microwave gets dirty?
Furthermore, allowing dirt and bacteria to accumulate in your microwave is unhealthy for your digestive system. Microwaves that are filthy may harbor germs that can lead to illnesses and diseases. Every so often, wipe it down with a moist cloth to keep it sparkling.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, a quick and easy guide to cleaning a microwave oven. Regular cleaning not only gets rid of food spills and stains but also gets rid of bad smells and stops the growth of dangerous germs. Simple cleaning methods, such as steam cleaning, mild chemicals, and natural solutions, may remove tough filth and oil without harming the equipment. So now, clean a microwave with vinegar, water, and dish soap!
