Cleaning is rarely a fun activity, and cleaning the stuck-on gunk in your microwave is the worst. You scrub at the old pieces of food, but it seems like it takes forever to thoroughly clean the inside of your microwave. There must be a more effective cleaning solution than soap and water, right? In fact, there are at least 7 ways to give your microwave a truly deep clean.
1. Vinegar
Is there anything vinegar can't do? Probably, but we know it always comes in handy as a cleaning supply. A mixture of water and white vinegar can help loosen the dried-on food particles in your microwave, making it much easier to wipe down the inside and actually get everything clean.
Is there anything vinegar can't do? Probably, but we know it always comes in handy as a cleaning supply. A mixture of water and white vinegar can help loosen the dried-on food particles in your microwave, making it much easier to wipe down the inside and actually get everything clean.
Advertisement
Today
2. Baking soda
Pour a little bit of baking soda into a cup, add water, and microwave for approximately 6 minutes. After that, you should be able to wipe out the microwave with a damp cloth. Though this takes a little longer than the vinegar/water mixture, it's just as effective and doesn't leave you with the smell of vinegar.
Pour a little bit of baking soda into a cup, add water, and microwave for approximately 6 minutes. After that, you should be able to wipe out the microwave with a damp cloth. Though this takes a little longer than the vinegar/water mixture, it's just as effective and doesn't leave you with the smell of vinegar.
The Thrifty Couple
3. Lemons
If you want a clean microwave and a kitchen that smells lovely, try lemons. Cut a lemon in half and place it in a bowl of water. 10 minutes in the microwave will steam clean the inside, making it easy to clean out any lingering food particles. Though this takes longer than both vinegar and baking soda, it's definitely the best-smelling option of the three.
If you want a clean microwave and a kitchen that smells lovely, try lemons. Cut a lemon in half and place it in a bowl of water. 10 minutes in the microwave will steam clean the inside, making it easy to clean out any lingering food particles. Though this takes longer than both vinegar and baking soda, it's definitely the best-smelling option of the three.
Daily Squeeze
4. Lemon juice
If you don't have whole lemons, you can use 3 tablespoons of lemon juice mixed with water. This combination only needs to heat for 5 minutes in the microwave, but make sure you leave it in there for a few extra minutes to allow the steam to do its job.
If you don't have whole lemons, you can use 3 tablespoons of lemon juice mixed with water. This combination only needs to heat for 5 minutes in the microwave, but make sure you leave it in there for a few extra minutes to allow the steam to do its job.
The Creek Line House
5. Vinegar sponge
Sometimes no amount of cleaning can get rid of the smell of burnt food. Instead of spraying the microwave with something, soak a sponge with vinegar and top it with baking soda. Microwave the sponge for 30 seconds, and then use it to wipe down the inside of the microwave. This will give it a good clean and help get rid of the smell.
Sometimes no amount of cleaning can get rid of the smell of burnt food. Instead of spraying the microwave with something, soak a sponge with vinegar and top it with baking soda. Microwave the sponge for 30 seconds, and then use it to wipe down the inside of the microwave. This will give it a good clean and help get rid of the smell.
Moms Against Cooties
6. Vanilla
One of the best ways to get rid of gross smells in your microwave is the use of vanilla. Pour 4 tablespoons of vanilla extract into a bowl and microwave it until it boils. Leave this in the microwave for at least 30 minutes before wiping out the inside of the microwave. This will clean the microwave and your house will probably smell like freshly baked cookies.
One of the best ways to get rid of gross smells in your microwave is the use of vanilla. Pour 4 tablespoons of vanilla extract into a bowl and microwave it until it boils. Leave this in the microwave for at least 30 minutes before wiping out the inside of the microwave. This will clean the microwave and your house will probably smell like freshly baked cookies.
Natasha's Kitchen
7. Berries
If the smell is worse than the mess, use berries. Microwaving berries will cause them to melt, which will overpower any other smell. Make sure you cover the berries with cling-wrap, though, as they'll make a mess as they melt. If you choose to go with this option, it would probably work best to microwave the berries and get rid of the smell before you clean the rest of the microwave.
If the smell is worse than the mess, use berries. Microwaving berries will cause them to melt, which will overpower any other smell. Make sure you cover the berries with cling-wrap, though, as they'll make a mess as they melt. If you choose to go with this option, it would probably work best to microwave the berries and get rid of the smell before you clean the rest of the microwave.
WikiHow
Advertisement
Cleaning your microwave is never going to be a fun task, but hopefully this list will at least make it a little easier. You now know a handful of ways to not only clean your microwave, but make it smell better as well. Now, share this list with your friends on Facebook as a subtle reminder that they should probably clean out their microwaves.