Cooktop Cove: Clean your microwave with these 5 tips
By Lillian Teague
Most people use their microwaves every single day. Eventually food splatters happen and they always seem to be dried on by the time you get to cleaning the microwave. Scrubbing is no fun and seems to take forever.
These six microwave cleaning hacks will help you clean your microwave with no scrubbing. No harmful chemicals or special trips to the store - most of these items are already in your pantry.
1. Combine two ingredients to steam your microwave clean
This microwave cleaning hack combines the power of acidic cleaners with steam power for an amazingly easy clean. Slice a lemon and place in the bottom of a glass baking dish. Add 1/4 cup of vinegar and fill the rest of the way with water. Microwave on high until steaming. Don't open the door, just let the steam do it's magic for ten minutes. Wipe the microwave out with a clean sponge.
2. Let vinegar do the work for you
Steam works wonders. If you don't have a lemon, just use 1 1/2 cup of water and 1/2 cup white vinegar to clean your microwave. Set for 5 minutes and go do something else. When you come back, carefully remove the water and vinegar mixture. Use a cleaning cloth to wipe out the microwave. You'll be amazed at how the toughest messes simply wipe clean.
3. Use baking soda to scrub through tough messes
Baking soda is an amazing natural cleaner for your kitchen. For dried-on microwave messes, combine 1 cup of baking soda and 2 cups of water in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for six minutes. Simply wipe down the microwave with a clean cloth for a fresh and clean microwave. Don't forget to remove the microwave plate and wipe under it too!
4. Clean the outside of your microwave once a month
In addition to cleaning the inside of your microwave, the outside needs a good cleaning at least once a month. This keeps it working in top condition. If your microwave is freestanding, start by unplugging it. Wipe down with warm soapy water and then dry with a clean dish towel. Pay attention to the handle area. Once dry, slide back into place and plug back in.
5. Erase stubborn stains magically
If stubborn stains have your microwave's white interior looking dingy, giving it a gentle scrub with a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser can leave it looking as good as new. Use a steam method to clean off food particles, then use a damp Magic Eraser to remove any stains from burnt popcorn or tomato-based sauces.
6. Get rid of that burnt popcorn smell
You made a critical timing era and now your microwave reeks of burnt popcorn. Even after wiping it clean, it still has a lingering smell. This is because the odor has penetrated throughout the inside of the microwave. One way to remove a burnt popcorn smell from a microwave is to 2 tablespoons of coffee with 1/2 cup of water for 2 minutes and repeat as many times as necessary. The coffee will help absorb the odor.
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