The Ultimate Microwave Cleaning Hack: What To Microwave And Why
What To Know
- Fill a microwave-safe bowl with 1 cup of water and squeeze in the juice of half a lemon.
- Microwave on high for 5-7 minutes, or until the water boils and fills the microwave with steam.
- Yes, you can use a few drops of dish soap in a bowl of hot water and microwave it for 2-3 minutes.
Tired of spending hours scrubbing and cleaning your microwave? It’s time to discover the secret weapon for effortless cleaning: your microwave! By using specific items, you can harness the power of microwaves to dissolve grime, remove odors, and keep your appliance sparkling clean.
1. Lemon Water for Deodorizing and Disinfecting
Fill a microwave-safe bowl with 1 cup of water and squeeze in the juice of half a lemon. Microwave on high for 5-7 minutes, or until the water boils and steams up the microwave. The steam will carry the lemon’s disinfecting and deodorizing properties, leaving your microwave smelling fresh and clean.
2. Baking Soda for Grease and Odor Removal
Sprinkle baking soda liberally over the bottom of your microwave. Microwave on high for 2 minutes, or until the baking soda is hot. Let it sit for 15 minutes before wiping it down with a damp cloth. The baking soda will absorb grease and neutralize odors, leaving your microwave spotless.
3. Vinegar for Tough Stains and Disinfection
Combine 1 cup of white vinegar with 1 cup of water in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 5-7 minutes, or until the vinegar solution boils and steams up the microwave. The vinegar will dissolve tough stains and disinfect the microwave, leaving it sparkling clean.
4. Dish Soap for Light Grease and Grime
Fill a microwave-safe bowl with hot water and add a few drops of dish soap. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, or until the water is boiling and steamy. The steam will carry the dish soap particles, which will dissolve grease and grime. Wipe down the microwave with a damp cloth to remove any residue.
5. Salt for Deodorizing and Absorbing Moisture
Sprinkle a generous amount of salt over the bottom of your microwave. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, or until the salt is hot. Let it sit for 15 minutes before wiping it down with a damp cloth. The salt will absorb moisture and neutralize odors, leaving your microwave fresh and clean.
6. Steam Cleaning for General Cleaning
Fill a microwave-safe bowl with 1 cup of water. Microwave on high for 5-7 minutes, or until the water boils and fills the microwave with steam. The steam will loosen dirt and grime, making it easier to wipe down the microwave with a damp cloth.
7. Commercial Microwave Cleaner for Deep Cleaning
For a more thorough cleaning, use a commercial microwave cleaner specifically designed for this purpose. Follow the instructions on the cleaner label carefully. Commercial microwave cleaners typically contain powerful cleaning agents that can dissolve tough stains and grease.
Summary: Say Goodbye to a Dirty Microwave
By using the items listed above, you can effectively clean your microwave and keep it sparkling clean without any harsh chemicals or scrubbing. Embrace the power of microwaves and make cleaning your microwave a breeze!
Information You Need to Know
Q: How often should I clean my microwave?
A: It depends on how often you use it. If you use it daily, aim to clean it at least once a week. If you use it less frequently, you can clean it every two to three weeks.
Q: Can I use regular dish soap to clean my microwave?
A: Yes, you can use a few drops of dish soap in a bowl of hot water and microwave it for 2-3 minutes. However, do not use too much dish soap, as it can create excessive foam.
Q: Is it safe to use vinegar in my microwave?
A: Yes, vinegar is a natural and effective cleaning agent. However, always dilute it with water before microwaving it to avoid damaging the microwave interior.
Q: Can I use a sponge to wipe down my microwave after microwaving cleaning solutions?
A: Yes, you can use a damp sponge or cloth to wipe down the microwave after microwaving cleaning solutions. However, avoid using abrasive sponges or cloths, as they can scratch the microwave surface.
Q: How do I prevent my microwave from getting dirty in the first place?
A: To prevent your microwave from getting dirty, cover food when microwaving it to prevent splatters. Also, clean up any spills immediately to avoid them caking on.
