How To Clean A Microwave (TOP 3 METHODS)

Stop what you're doing and go take a look inside your microwave.

Pretty gross, huh?

Similarly to ovens, microwaves often don't get as much attention as they should. The inside may be 'out of sight' most of the time, but that's not to say it should be out of mind.

Today we're showing you how to clean a microwave with three different methods, all of which are extremely easy and require very little effort on your part.

Even if your microwave is really dirty, these grime-busting techniques will get it sparkling clean in no time.

How to clean the inside of your microwave

1. Give vinegar a go

Distilled white vinegar. There are so many uses for it when it comes to natural cleaning, so it's always worth having a few bottles in your cupboard - you never know when you might need it.

Today's a fine example - we're going to show you how to use vinegar to clean your microwave.

This method is extremely easy and will not only make hard food soft so it's easy to wipe clean, but it will also deodorise your microwave. Don't worry about it smelling - the odour will evaporate in just a few minutes.

What you need:

• Microwave-proof glass bowl/plastic container
• 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar
• 1 cup water

Method:

1. Add the water and vinegar to the bowl.
2. Place in the centre of your microwave.
3. Heat on high for 2.5 minutes (or into the solution boils and gives off steam).
4. Leave the microwave to cool for around 15 minutes before opening the door. This will give the steam time to break down burnt-on food and tackle stains.
5. Open the door, remove the bowl and glass plate, then wipe the microwave with a clean, damp cloth. You should be able to get it spotless without scrubbing. Wipe over the glass plate and return to the microwave.

2. Cleaning with lemon

Perhaps the best way to clean a microwave is using lemon. After all, most of us have a lemon hanging around in the kitchen. Plus, unlike vinegar, lemon will make your microwave and entire kitchen smell fresh and clean.

What you need:

• 1 lemon
• 1 cup of water
• Microwaveable bowl/container

Method:

1. Pour the water into your bowl/container. Cut the lemon in half, and squeeze each half into the water. Throw in what's left of the lemon.
2. Microwave on high for 2.5 minutes (or until the solution boils and gives off steam).
3. Leave the microwave to cool for around 15 minutes before opening the door.
4. Open the door, remove the bowl and glass plate, then wipe the microwave with a clean, damp cloth.
5. Wipe the glass plate before replacing.

3. Try bicarbonate of soda

There aren't many things you can't use bicarbonate of soda for. Tackling a crusty, stained microwave is another great use for this baking staple.

What you need:

• 1 cup water
• 2 tbsp bicarbonate of soda
• Microwave safe bowl/container

Method:

1. Add water to your container, then the bicarbonate of soda.
2. Microwave on high for 2.5 minutes (or into the solution boils).
3. Once done, leave the microwave closed for around 15 minutes to give the steam time to work its magic.
4. Remove the bowl and glass plate, and wipe the microwave with a clean damp cloth.
5. Wipe the glass cloth, then replace.

Cleaning the outside of your microwave

The outside of your microwave can get pretty grubby too. Although there may be some food spillages, this is more likely to be covered in general dust and grease from cooking.

Thankfully, getting it clean is easy. Whilst a store-bought kitchen cleaner will usually do the trick, these are expensive and contain loads of chemicals.

Instead, we recommend using a natural all-purpose cleaner made with vinegar and water. Although it sounds simple, this mixture will cut through grease like nothing you've ever seen before.

Spray it onto your cloth and wipe over your microwave, including the door and control panel.

How often should you clean a microwave?

How often you use your microwave will very much determine how frequently you need to clean it.

We recommend families that use the microwave regularly to give it a once-over every week and use one of the following, deep-cleaning methods every few weeks.

Regular cleaning will prevent a serious build-up of food and stains which will be tougher to get rid of overtime.

Now there's no excuse to ever have a dirty microwave! What method do you usually use to get yours clean?