Here’s How to Make and Use Natural Microwave Cleaner In Your Home
Cleaning your microwave with harsh chemicals can prove dangerous to your health. Here are my personal favorite natural microwave cleaner recipes!
Is your microwave in need of a little attention? From food splatters inside to germs on the outside, microwaves are just begging for regular cleaning, but they often get ignored during regular kitchen cleaning.
You don’t need to pull out harsh cleaners to get all of the stuck-on gunk off of the microwave. Vinegar and water are two secret weapons for a natural microwave cleaner that keeps this popular kitchen appliance clean. Other household items can also help.
Keep reading to learn microwave cleaning hacks to make your life easier.
Vinegar Method
Vinegar is one of the most versatile natural cleaning ingredients. It’s nontoxic and contains acetic acid, which makes vinegar good at cleaning and disinfecting.
To clean your microwave with vinegar, mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a microwave-safe bowl. Adding sliced lemons to the water helps with the smell and can give you more cleaning power. Place it in the microwave and run it for 5 minutes on high to create steam that loosens the gunk.
Carefully remove the bowl of the vinegar mixture from the microwave. Use a clean cloth or sponge to wipe down the inside of the microwave. You can also carefully dip the cloth or sponge into the hot vinegar mixture, being careful not to burn yourself, for extra cleaning power.
Dish Soap Cleaner
The dish soap you already use to wash your dishes can also help you clean the inside of your microwave. Add a few drops of dish soap to a cup of water in a microwave-safe container. Run the microwave on high for about 2 minutes, then leave the microwave closed for another 3 minutes to let the steam loosen the cooked-on food.
Just like the vinegar method, you’ll then carefully remove the water and wipe down the inside of the microwave. Wipe it again with a clean cloth to remove any soap bubbles.
Baking Soda Paste
Using an abrasive sponge or cleaner can scratch the inside of your microwave. Baking soda is a gentle abrasive option that can help scrub away microwave gunk without scratching the appliance.
Make a paste by slowly adding water to baking soda until it’s a thick, paste-like consistency. Coat the interior of the microwave with the paste and let it sit overnight.
In the morning, grab a damp cloth and wipe off the paste. Wipe it again with a clean, damp cloth to remove any leftover baking soda.
Don’t Forget the Handle
When you clean your microwave, you probably focus on the food splatters inside. The handle is another important spot to clean.
One study showed that 48% of microwave handles in offices have high levels of contamination. Your kitchen is less busy than the average office breakroom, but it’s still a popular spot for germs to gather. Use vinegar or your favorite sanitizing cleaner to wipe down the handle on a regular basis.
Use Natural Microwave Cleaner
With a natural microwave cleaner, you can get the appliance clean without harsh chemicals. You don’t have to worry about cleaners contaminating your food the next time you heat something in your microwave.
