How to clean your microwave with vinegar or lemon
The microwave is one of those appliances that is easy to forget to clean. Since the door is almost always closed the nastiness that lurks inside can go unnoticed for quite some time.
Luckily the microwave can be cleaned in about 5 minutes with only plain water and very minimal effort. Even if your microwave is like mine with gross caked on food seemingly baked into the walls, I promise you this will only take 5 minutes.
Microwaving cleaning hack
An easy way to prevent a big mess in the microwave is to get a microwave plate cover. You place it over your food before you turn the microwave on and it will catch any splatter so that it doesn’t get on the walls or ceiling of the microwave.
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Cleaning instructions
- Take a microwave safe bowl and fill it with water. Add a dash of vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice. Set it in inside and turn the microwave on for 2 minutes. The water will turn to steam and the steam will soften up all the gunk. The vinegar helps to absorb the smells.
- While it’s cooking give the outside a quick wipe down and then go do something else for 4 more minutes until it’s done. You can let the microwave sit for a few more minutes to let the steam penetrate even more if you like.
- Be really careful when opening the microwave and taking the bowl out. The water will be extremely hot. Wipe down the walls with a damp cloth and remove the plate from the inside. Rinse it in the sink with hot soapy water. Put the plate back in and voila, a nice squeaky clean microwave ready for the next person to cook something and forget to cover it!
You may also like: How to Dry Herbs in the Microwave
How to Clean Your Microwave
How to clean your microwave with two ingredients in two minutes
Materials
- Microwave
- Bowl
- Water
- Vinegar- 1 tbsp
Instructions
- Fill a bowl with water and vinegar.
- Place in microwave uncovered.
- Turn on microwave on high power for 2 minutes.
- Let hot steam form in microwave for 2 minutes before you open the door.
- Remove bowl carefully.
- Wipe down interior of microwave with wash cloth.
Yep! That's exactly what I do too! Although, I never put in vinegar, but maybe I'll try that next time to see if it helps. 🙂
I do that too, but never thought of using vinegar. Hmmm, might have to go see what's hiding in the microwave.
I've read that you can achieve the same effect with lemon, if you don't have vinegar. It is a nice and eco-friendly way to clean your not-so-eco-friendly appliance 🙂
awesome tip!
I'll have to try lemon. It will probably smell better than the vinegar!
Thank you so much for the tip! I just did it and it works SO GOOD!
Wonderful idea, I'll try it today.
I have done this FOREVER…well it seems like forever., funny thing is I thought I invented it.. 🙁 Ah well… I guess great minds think alike!!
HOLY HANNAH!!! DO NOT I REPEAT DO NOT Let that water touch you!!!!!! Lol Now does anyone have a remedy for if it does? *Blushes* 😛 Side Note: It really does work like a charm!!!!!
I tried this, and after about 3 minutes, I heard a POP and the door of my microwave flew open, spraying vinegar all over! My guess is that the steam pressure was too much. Also, I didn't find that the gunk wiped off any better than it does with 409 or any other kitchen cleaning solution. Disappointing!
This is also a good way to get this morning's stuck on oatmeal or cereal off the bowl quickly – fill the yucky bowl with water and nuke for more like 2 minutes to soften it up and pour down the drain.
Yes it worked but, couldn't get the vinegar smell out off the house for 24 hrs… it was awful!
How much vinegar did you use?? You only need a tablespoon or so. If you don't like the smell of vinegar try lemon or just plain water.
I always use lemon juice and it works just as well and smells lovely! Really, I think plain water would work too, It's the steam that loosens everything.
Any ideas on how to get rid of burned pop corn smell in microwave?
Thanks for sharing. This is great. I am gonna try it. Now how do you clean the oven when it looks like this microwave??? LOL
Holy microwave – what a great idea!
Will this also work in an oven?
Hi Lisa,
I haven't tried this on an oven. I don't think it would work. Best to use special oven cleaner or the self cleaning option on your oven's settings
To the person who burned them self with the water – you just boiled water in the microwave. Wear an oven mitt. 😉 For the person whose microwave door blew open with steam billowing out, try using a smaller bowl and less water. Sounds like the amount you used was way to much for the microwave. (That could have been very dangerous, but I had a really funny dramatization playing in my head for that one, lol)
thats awesome im definitely trying that
Works great… I usually use lemon though. It works just as well, but smells sooooo much better!
Doesn't seem smart to pump excessive steam into an electrical device
It worked very well except for the stuck on circle that nothing seems to take off. But I liked this much better than the store bought cleaners. The cook top was sparkling clean other than the stuck on ring.
i do this also but i use a large coffee cup that way i have a handle to get a hold of,, i let it set in there about 5 minutes to losen it all up////
I do this with baking soda (maybe 1/4c.)and water in a coffee cup. I heat it for about 3to 4 minutes. I wipe it out with a damp cloth and if needed I do it again but usually once is all it takes.
I have done something similar to this for years….a coffee mug half full of water with just a drop or two of Dawn. Microwave for 5 minutes to boil and steam, and then I just let it sit until it's cool. Works like a dream! I am finding that vinegar is my new best friend though, check out “Blue Magic” on Pinterest.
Your super heating this and it's dangerous, people have been blinded by this bad burns ect. If it hasn't happened to you yet count yourself lucky.
To prevent super heating and explosions, put a wooden spoon in the water while in there to allow it to vent (or something)
I just did this for the first time and it worked wonders. My microwave looks brand new!
Usually I just put in a wet dish cloth and use that to wipe out everything after it cools enough to touch it. No spilling hot water inside (or on your foot!). Could also use a very wet sponge and that would also disinfect it.
tired it worked vinegar dint remove smells an now the kitchen smells terrible! bad move lemon next time we grow as we learn ^_^
I have used this method for years. First I ran some vinegar water through my coffee maker to clean it. While the water is still hot I transfer it to a glass bowl then set it in the microwave, shut the door and let the steam do it's work while I turn my coffee maker off and rinse the carafe. After a few minutes go back to the microwave and heat the vinegar water for another minute or two then carefully remove using oven mitt(just as you would with anything hot). Everything wipes out easily.
This worked wonders in my microwave!!!! it was such an easy clean up. Thanks for the advice! I love cleaning with vinegar versus other chemicals and so you just added to my list of jobs vinegars conquers!
I always use lemons and wipe it out every time I use it
Be careful using only water. It can become extremely hot and super heat. This can cause the water to pop and spray water that can cause 3rd degree burns.
This also works with your HE washer. Add 1 capful of vinegar to your detergent compartment and start wash just like a normal load (empty washer of course)! I do this at least once a month and it is better and cheaper than the actual cleaners for the HE washers they sell.
I have always done the same thing, but used lemon juice instead of vinegar.
Thanks, Michelle…gonna run some vinegar thru my HE washer now.
Definitely, better with lemmon: smells better and you can recycle the old pieces of it! 😉
I never tried vinegar but i also use a coffee cup filled with water till it boils.
I use baking soda instead of vinegar. It works wonderfully.
– Pour about 1/2 cup of baking soda into a dish and slowly add water to it until it becomes a thin paste. You don't want it to be too thick because you want the mixture to be easy to spread.
– Spread the baking soda mixture all over the oven glass. I ran out of baking soda so I didn't have enough to do the entire glass surface so I just spread it over the dirtiest areas.
– Set the timer for 15 minutes. If your oven is REALLY dirty you can set it for 20 minutes to give the baking soda a little extra time to work.
– When 15 minutes has expired use a clean rag (I used a damp wash cloth) and wipe up the baking soda mixture. You will be amazed at how easily the grime just wipes right off!
– Pour about 1/2 cup of baking soda into a dish and slowly add water to it until it becomes a thin paste. You don't want it to be too thick because you want the mixture to be easy to spread.
– Spread the baking soda mixture all over the oven glass. I ran out of baking soda so I didn't have enough to do the entire glass surface so I just spread it over the dirtiest areas.
– Set the timer for 15 minutes. If your oven is REALLY dirty you can set it for 20 minutes to give the baking soda a little extra time to work.
– When 15 minutes has expired use a clean rag (I used a damp wash cloth) and wipe up the baking soda mixture. You will be amazed at how easily the grime just wipes right off!
Put wet tea bags on the burn. Will feel better right away.
Thanks for sharing….
Also the essential oil of lavender works. Put one drop of the oil into two cups distilled water and apply.
Doing this right now with Lemon Juice & Water (instead of the vinegar!) Thankyou so much for this idea, found it on Pinterest! 🙂
This is brillant. Thanks for sharing!!!
Going to clean my microwave tonight! Thanks for the tip!!
-caroline @ c.w.frosting
Worked great on a very dirty microwave. No scrubbing needed. Thanks for the tip!
Vinegar is an excellent degreaser as well, so it helps melt the crud.
A wet rag soaked with lemon nuked works also. I love this!
I use vinegar in the fabric softener dispenser with every wash, instead of FS. Vinegar cuts any soap residue and helps keep the washer clean. I've never noticed a vinegar smell, either. Clothes are soft, but if you still feel the need for FS, use the dryer sheets.
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I love this! I just tried it on my microwave which was gross! Pasta sauce that had 'popped' and exploded everywhere and hubby didn't tell me until AFTER it had dried! It all wiped right off without any scrubbing and no harsh chemicals! Woohoo!
Great post. Thanks for the tip I did this in my microwave and did a pos ton it. I mentioned your blog in my post. Thanks so much.
http://www.nzecochick.com/2012/06/clean-your-microwave-naturally-in-5.html
I just did it – works great !!! thank you sooo much 🙂
Idk what I did wrong, but it didn't work for me:(
love using lemon juice or vinegar…..will be trying this in the microwave in the morning…..thanks for sharing!!
I cut up lemons into small wedges, place them in a microwave safe bowl with water and let it go for about two minutes. The results are impressive. I've never tried vinegar but have no doubt the results are the same. Lemon just smells better. 🙂
Perhaps there was too much vinegar? You only want to put in a splash. Maybe different models deal with steam differently. Sorry to hear, this has always worked well for us.
USE A FLAT RAZOR BLADE. wORKS LIKE A CHARM
You dont need to use anything but water it causes the steam, and then just wipe it out..you dont need the vinegar or the smell. And i use dawnon asponge to wipe it out…the steam just loosens it for you.
Amazing tried it tonight with lemon. My microwave was pretty nasty and it literally wiped right off no scrubbing. Try this. Trying the oven cleaning right now with the baking soda we will see how that works. Thank you for posting this you saved me a lot of time.
Yellow mustard!! Poured boiling spiced cider on me just a couple days ago, and I've never had that instant of a relief from pain that bad.
Oh, great idea, Adrienne Audrey! Let us know how it works…
Hand Care
I read this tip somewhere and I agree that it works! Instead of vinegar, I use lemon or orange to take care of the smell.
cleaning tips
Ruth
I just got rid of A thrd degree burn from steam! Not A fun thing to do. I was making chicken soup in an electic kettle and it realy
gets hot!
I tried this a long time ago and when I opened the door to the microwave, the water exploded in my face. Just be careful when doing this. I also heard you can use a wet sponge and it will work also. Again just be careful not to burn yourself.
that is correct.great pointers
what a great idea. it makes a lot of sense
This is awesome, thanks for sharing with us…
Hand Care
you must have been using an narrow mouth container. Use a WIDE mouth container because otherwise you will get superheated water that is beyond boiling and doesn't boil because of the container used. Quite dangerous. I believe myth busters did an episode about this. Or at least about heating water in a microwave.
I've done this before using a VERY GENEROUS amount of vinegar. About a half cup to 1 cup vinegar to 1-2 cups of water in a bowl that is wider at the top than at the bottom. Usually a plastic glad (disposable/reusable) type bowl. I've also sprayed straight vinegar on entire surface of the microwave on the inside before starting it. I heat the water for 10-15 minutes though myself to create more steam and make it easier to wipe down. Works like a charm until one of the kiddo's uses the microwave and gets it dirty again…. *grumbles* but that's life as a mum with growing kids……
It's an awesome article in support of all the internet users; they will get advantage from it I am sure.
my weblog: onurbridals.com
I agree with the wet sponge or wash cloth idea…. you get to do more than one thing at once and it's safer than having to move the boiling water. In only 1-3 minutes the sponge/cloth gets sanitized and the microwave gets steamed. Plus they are nice and hot to use them for wiping the softened gunk off the inside of the microwave. Let them cool a bit or use gloves. This is also a great way to clean your counters, etc. with or without vinegar or lemon juice (both acids, BTW). Scrub with a little baking soda (an alkaline), if necessary. Definitely don't use 409 or other toxic household cleaners inside your microwave (or fridge).
I was having an off day and microwaved a tablespoon of honey by itself – forgetting to put the other ingredients into the cup. My microwave is now brown inside and I have tried the cleaning methods with baking soda, vinegar, lemon, plain water, and dish soap. Nothing makes it look even the slightest bit better.
Does anyone have any ideas?
Thanks, this was super helpful and so much easier than spending an hour scrubbing it like i usually do!!
I used apple cider vinegar to make for a better smell. Microwave is clean and the kitchen smells good as well. ~~v Dee
In my humble opinion Manda – if you weren't aware that someone else had invented it , I say claim it (to yourself at least) as your own personal invention and take pride in it. After all – who's to say that someone else didn't come up with it BEFORE the first one that we know of. They just may have thought to keep their handy tip to themselves.
Perhaps wipe it down with Baking soda sprinkled on a damp cloth.
I have and it worked quite well. Also no smell like the commercial cleaners you buy.
I just tried this and it didn't work. The door was the only thing that got steamed up and wiped off easily. But the inside didn't come clean at all. I will stick to spraying the inside with vinegar and water (like I have been doing for years) from now on.
Doing something like that, for years. 1 lemon + 1 orange (each cut in 4), in a bowl of water. Works great and smells, even better!!!
Or you could just never clean it like us. Haha
😛
I use lemon instead of vinegar, smells much better, and works great!
I have a winter cold and flu cleaning one, when everyone is sniffling and got the flu in the house i put a 1litre micro safe container half full of water and 1 table spoon of vicks in for 8mins , the vicks clears their noses, smells fresh and also makes regular cleaning a breeze. When not in use can be stored in cupboard or left in microwave for later cleaning , i often think when i go into make a cuppa i flick it on for 3mins to freshen the kitchen and air 🙂
I used this method once a month for about a year. The last time I did it, my microwave literally exploded. The vinegar stripped the covering off the wires and boom. Use at your own risk.
Ammonia will work better for this cleaning task. Use in the same way as described. Also, it can be used in the same way for oven cleaning too.
Try it guys.
You can also try just using a spray bottle to spray water onto the walls of the microwave and then nuke. No burning or exploding bowl of water and works just fine!
It looks a bit expensive, dont you think?
if only i saw this yesterday i just cleaned my microwave last night with soupy water and i had to scrub the dam thing ..but i might do this now coz it still smells
This is pretty cool, def have to try it out!
I tried this and after a few minutes I heard a loud bang. The vinegar bottle exploded. I guess I should have removed the cap?
I Put Soap liquid and a brash inside the microwave, I turn it ON for 0.3 min and its clean ! Try it
Fantastic tip! I use vanilla extract and water instead of vinegar to clean the inside of my microwave.Vanilla makes the kitchen smells like I was cooking. It is fabulous.Best regards!
Is it expensive ?