You pop the door on your microwave and eek. Some splattered tomato soup, a ring of tomato sauce and an unsavoury aroma.
Sound familiar? You’re not alone. The microwave is one of the most utilized kitchen appliances, and one of the least cleaned.
The good news? It’s not hard to clean the inside of a microwave. You don’t need fancy products. You don’t have to spend an hour scrubbing. You certainly don’t need to let the smell bother you.
Let’s go through all the ways, from steam cleaning to a good old clean with vinegar, so you can choose the best option for you right now.
Quick Summary
| Detail | Info |
| Topic | How to clean a microwave (inside, outside & turntable) |
| Best Method | White vinegar + water steam clean |
| Alternative Methods | Lemon water steam, dish soap steam, baking soda paste |
| Time Needed | 10–20 minutes (active effort: ~5 minutes) |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Cost | Near zero, household items only |
| Cleaning Frequency | Wipe weekly · Deep clean every 2–4 weeks |
| Key Ingredients | White vinegar, water, lemon, dish soap, baking soda |
| Areas to Clean | Interior walls, ceiling, turntable, door seal, exterior |
| Safety Tip | Never use bleach, use natural, food-safe cleaners only |
Why a Clean Microwave Actually Matters
It’s not just for looks. Food debris in your microwave:
- Contain bacteria (particularly in warm, humid environments)
- Create odours that can be absorbed by food
- Produce smoke or fires if food burns
- Cause heating to be less efficient
Regular cleaning, once or twice a week, prevents your microwave from smelling, being unhygienic and reducing its efficiency. Wiping it out after each use will take just 30 seconds and stop 90% of the mess.
Method 1: How to Clean a Microwave with Vinegar (Most Popular)
This is by far the most common method of cleaning the microwave – for good reason. Vinegar is a natural disinfectant, grease cutter and deodoriser.
What you’ll need:
- 1 cup of water
- 1 cup of white vinegar
- A microwave-safe bowl
- A clean cloth or sponge
Step-by-step:
- Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Place the bowl inside and microwave on high for 5 minutes.
- Don’t open the door. Let it sit for 3 more minutes the steam continues to work.
- Carefully remove the bowl (it will be hot use oven mitts).
- Remove the glass turntable and wipe it separately.
- Wipe down the walls, ceiling, and floor of the microwave with a damp cloth.
The vinegar solution will help to soften the dirt. You’ll be surprised it comes clean with little to no scrubbing.
Tip: To get rid of the vinegar smell, put a bowl of baking soda in the microwave overnight. It’s an excellent odour absorber.
Method 2: Lemon Water Steam Clean
If you don’t like the vinegar odour, try lemon. It’s equally effective, and leaves a lovely scent.
- Squeeze a lemon and put the juice in a bowl with some water
- Add the lemon halves
- Microwave for 3-5 minutes until it steams up
- Leave for 5 minutes, wipe
This is a great method for light to medium dirt build up and 100% natural no chemicals.
Method 3: Dish Soap for a Quick Everyday Clean
For day-to-day cleaning but not a deep clean then a dish soap solution will do the trick.
- Add warm water to a microwave safe mug or bowl
- Sprinkle in some dish soap
- Microwave for 1-2 minutes until the water is hot
- Wash out with a wet sponge
This is particularly useful if you’ve reheated something and need to clean up before the food dries or burns onto the inside of the microwave.
How to Clean the Inside of a Microwave Properly
There are a couple of areas in the microwave to clean. Here are the steps for cleaning each:
The Turntable Take out the glass plate and the roller ring. Clean them in warm, soapy water or dishwasher. Replace and allow to dry before use.
The Walls and Ceiling Once steamed, clean in a circular motion. Don’t forget to wipe the top as splattered food can collect there.
The Door and Seal Wipe down the inside of the door and the door seal. Grease can accumulate and have an impact here.
The Exterior Use a damp cloth, with a small amount of household cleaner, on the outside. Dean the control panel spritz the cloth first, never the panel, to avoid damaging buttons.
Dealing with Stubborn, Baked-On Food
Other stains have baked on so long they’re like permanent. Don’t panic. Here’s what works:
- Mix baking soda with some water to form a paste
- Rub it on the spot
- Wait 5 minutes
- Rub with a soft sponge, not abrasive scrubber that will damage the surface
If the stain is very stubborn, do the vinegar steam method and then the baking soda paste on the remaining stain. It will usually do the job.
Why Steam Cleaning Works So Well
There’s some magic in your microwave. The water vapour that forms inside the chamber softens all of the dried-on food, grease and dirt that’s stuck to the walls. You’re not cleaning you’re using science.
If you add vinegar or lemon juice to that water vapour, you’ve got an antibacterial agent helping to disinfect too. It’s safe, natural and really does work. That’s why it’s the preferred method among cleaning experts.
What to Do Right After Reheating Messy Food
Don’t wait. That’s the golden rule. Next time you reheat a saucey, cheesy or soupy food, take 30 seconds to wipe the inside while it’s still warm. It’s easier to wipe food away from warm, wet surfaces.
Consider having a damp cloth or paper towel handy so it’s not too much work. This one simple trick ensures you won’t need to clean your microwave more than occasionally and that it will stay cleaner, longer, for next to nothing.
People Also Ask: Your Questions Answered
How often should you clean your microwave?
Ideally, wipe the inside every week. Do a deeper steam clean every two to four weeks, depending on how frequently you use it. If you cook heavily in the microwave, clean it more often.
Can I use bleach to clean a microwave?
It’s not recommended. Bleach is too harsh for the microwave interior and can leave behind toxic residue. Stick to vinegar, lemon, dish soap, or baking soda they’re effective and safe.
What is the fastest way to clean a microwave?
The vinegar or lemon steam method is the fastest. Five minutes in the microwave, three minutes resting, then a quick wipe-down.
Is it safe to clean a microwave with baking soda?
Absolutely. Baking soda is a gentle abrasive that’s safe for microwave interiors. It’s especially good for odour removal and tackling stubborn stains without scratching surfaces.
Why does my microwave smell even after cleaning?
Odours can hide in the door seal, ventilation vents, and the turntable ring. Make sure you clean all three. A bowl of baking soda or activated charcoal left inside overnight also absorbs lingering smells.
Final Thoughts: A Clean Microwave Is a Happy Kitchen
There’s nothing like opening a clean smelling microwave. It gives the kitchen a more organized feel. The best part? Now you have a variety of options. From the simplicity of vinegar and lemon to a soap steam, it’s quicker than you may expect.
Use the method that works with the ingredients you have. So once you try it, a clean microwave will become a natural part of your kitchen cleaning routine no more stinky microwaves.
FAQs: Microwave Cleaning
Can I put the turntable in the dishwasher?
Yes, most microwave turntables are dishwasher-safe. Check your appliance manual to confirm, but it’s generally fine for standard glass plates.
How do I remove a burnt smell from my microwave?
Steam clean with lemon first. Then place a small bowl of baking soda or a few pieces of activated charcoal inside and leave the door closed overnight. The smell should be gone by morning.
My microwave door is foggy inside the glass how do I clean it?
The fog between the glass panes of a microwave door is typically a manufacturing issue or moisture that got in. This can’t be cleaned at home and may need professional repair or replacement.
Can I use paper towels to clean the microwave?
Yes, paper towels work fine for wiping down the interior after steaming. A microfiber cloth is even better it traps grease and grime more effectively and won’t leave lint behind.
