How to clean a microwave?

The microwave oven is a modern household appliance which is used in the kitchen by many family members. This appliance allows you to prepare the desired food in a fast and easy way, to warm up or defrost the meals. You must remember that the frequent use of the microwave oven lets the dirt and grease build up. In order to ensure the proper operation of this appliance you shall pay great attention to its regular and proper cleaning. How to clean a microwave in order to guarantee faultless operation and preparation of delicious meals? There are some proven methods which will help you.

The appliance must be cleaned regularly

The cleaning of the microwave oven at regular intervals is of great importance. The older the dirt and grease become, the more difficult they are to remove. But, if we properly clean the inside of the appliance after every use the dirt will not get stubborn anymore. After the operation of the microwave oven you only need to wipe dry the inside of the appliance with damp cloth. The new dirt or grease can be removed then quite quickly and easily. But if we let the dirtand grease bake practically into the wall with every use, the cleaning will be much harder then.

Proven home remedies

If you want to remove the dirt that has been sitting in for a while or to refresh the inside of the microwave oven you can use various products which you will find for sure in your kitchen. Here are some of the methods that really work:

 

• Vinegar. It is the product which has excellent cleaning and disinfecting properties. To remedy the mess without much effort you will need a vinegar solution. Pour equal parts vinegar and water into the bowl and place it in the microwave oven. Heat up the bowl for about 5 minutes. The steaming solution will dissolve the grease which has built up inside the microwave. You can wipe the dirt off with a cloth soaked in a cleaning agent.
• Lemon. This fruit has properties similar to those of the vinegar. The solution made of water and lemon perfectly dissolves dirt and grease. We use it in similar way to cleaning with vinegar. Lemon used for removing gunge leaves fresh and nice smell inside the microwave.
• Baking soda. This product can work wonders for removing the stubborn food residues and grease that have built up inside the microwave. We use the baking soda in a way similar to this of cleaning with vinegar and lemon. We put three tablespoons in a microwave safe bowl. Then we place this bowl in the microwave and we let it heat up. The water solution will start to steam clean the spots and stains. Give it a good wipe downward afterward and your microwave is as good as new.
• Washing-up liquid. This liquid shall be used for cleaning the turntable of the microwave. The turntable must be cleaned thoroughly and at regular intervals. If the manufacturer of the microwave allows for washing of the turntable in the dishwasher you should take advantage of it. If this is not possible you should wash it by hand.
• Vacuum cleaner or brush. The microwave oven is not the cavity alone. As every electronic appliance it needs appropriate maintenance and care. Very important part of the microwave oven are the fans which you shall not forget while cleaning. The dust and other dirt can be removed from the fans using a brush or a vacuum cleaner.
• Automatic functions of the microwave oven. Some of the microwave ovens which are available on the market are equipped with the comfortable function of automatic self-cleaning. We recommend you to use this feature because it makes the everyday operation of the appliance easier. The regular automatic self-cleaning will result in faultless operation of the appliance for many years.

• What not to do?

  While cleaning the microwave oven you should pay great attention to doing the proper cleaning. Otherwise, you may damage your appliance. First of all, do not use abrasive cloth or pads for cleaning of the microwave oven cavity as these can scratch the smooth surface of the appliance. There are also some cleaners which you shouldn’t use. Many of these cleaners have extremely abrasive properties which can negatively influence the surface of the microwave oven. Besides, the microwave oven is an appliance designed for the preparation of  food that is why you should choose proper cleaners because some ot them may be toxic. That is why we recommend you to use the mild and gentle washing-up liquid.

How to prevent dirt from building up?

In order not to fight against stubborn stains and dirt you should try to prevent them. When we place a bowl or a plate with food in the microwave oven you should put a lid over the food. This prevents the steam from escaping and spattering grease particles.What is more, if the food is rather liquid, then you should cover the bowl or the plate with a lid. This will help prevent food splashing in your microwave oven. Before you put a container in the microwave you should always check whether it is microwave safe. Not all plastic containers can be used for food preparationin the microwave oven. The container which is not suitable for use in the microwave can melt when exposed to high temperatures.