In a busy household, the microwave can get messy quickly. Here are my tips for a natural and budget-friendly way to clean the microwave.
Ever opened the microwave after someone has heated up soup? What a mess, right?! Even when you’re careful to cover your food, the microwave can get messy and smelly throughout the day.
Here’s how I clean the microwave using DIY cleaners and also sharing general household cleaning product alternatives.
CLEANING KIT
- White vinegar
- Cleaning sponge
- Dishwashing liquid
- Cleaning cloths
- Mini brush
- Kat’s Cleaning Spray, multi-purpose cleaner or Kat’s Reusable Wipes
Kat’s tip
Alternatively, replace the white vinegar with a lemon cut into quarters.
steps to clean the microwave
- Fill a microwave-safe jug with 1 cup water and 2 tablespoons vinegar.
- Place the jug in the microwave and turn microwave on high for 5 minutes.
- Let sit for 5 minutes to allow the steam to loosen any food residue stuck on the walls of the microwave.
- Open the door and remove the jug (pour down the kitchen sink to freshen the drains).
- Wipe the inside walls and turntable with a sponge.
- Wipe along the keypad and front of the door to finish.
Deep clean
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Clean the inside of the microwave, following the quick clean steps above.
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Fill the kitchen sink with warm soapy water.
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Remove the glass turntable and place it in the sink to soak.
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Unplug and remove the microwave from the shelf.
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Wipe the electrical cord with a dry cloth, removing all dust particles.
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Dip the cloth in water, rinse and wring out. Use the cloth to clean the exterior of the microwave.
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Use a mini brush to remove any crumbs or build-up in cracks or crevices.
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Clean the shelf with spray or wipes to remove dust and crumbs. Return the microwave to shelf.
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Clean the turntable, dry and place it back into the microwave.
how often
- Weekly – quick clean
- Monthly – deep clean
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HOW TO CLEAN YOUR KETTLE
Cleaning the kettle?! I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again – we don’t want cleaning to be complicated, we want it to be easy. The kettle has to be one of the most used appliances in the kitchen. Continue Reading
17 comments
If you add lemon juice instead of vinegar, it has the same effect of loosening the food and attacking the germs, but it also smells really nice 🙂
Great tip Kerrie!
I was afforded a small sleep in this morning. I sat up in bed reading and having a coffee, switched on my ipod and hopped on fb. Organised Housewife suggested cleaning the microwave.
I finished my coffee, hopped out of bed and stuck a glass jug of water & vinegar in the microwave. Fifteen minutes later my dear old (nearly 20 years) microwave was sparkling inside and out. Job done, tick! That is inspiration for ya!
Joolz
Lol, a sleep in, so nice! Wow, 20 years old, you must of be treating it so well to last so long. So glad it is shining for you!!
My sister-in-law had her baby a bit early..so we all went to visit
Little James Paul 6lb 2oz and gorgeous!!
and since they live nearly 2hr drive away I have kind of got my routine a day out – but when I looked at the date this morning i really had to check (I saw the “tuesday” heading and thought my plans for today had been shafted (miss goes to preschool wednesdays) but if anyone is day-challenged like me: Today IS Wednesday ..
I am so out of wack at the moment Julie, yes it’s Wednesday, not Tuesday, I would so love an extra day this week though!!
I get my sad looking lemons at the end of the week and slice one or two into a Pyrex jug and top with water and pop on for 5 mins. Leave for 5 mins, remove jug, and wipe out. Works a treat!
Once a week I just put in a glass of water for 2 mins and let stand for a couple of minutes while I finish dishes etc – it also works a treat!!
I love your website and all the hints and tips. I cleaned my kitchen from top to bottom yesterday, and the only thing not completed was cleaning the microwave. Before I had a chance to google ‘how to’ I came across this post by accident. Just cleaned the microwave and it is fabulous and easy.
Thanks again.
Just wondering is there a printable version of how to clean your microwave?
Hi Kristin, there sure is! Here is the link for you: https://theorganisedhousewife.com.au/?s=clean+microwave
Thankyou you make my life so much easier ????
You’re very welcome Lara 🙂 I’m so glad this could help you out
When cleaning my microwave I add vanilla essence smells nicer than vinegar. The water alone does the job. Vanilla is for smell
Ooo I love the smell of vanilla! Lovely tip Ann. Kat 🙂
Hello folks , what I would like to know what ingredients to make weed killer please .
Thanks Hugo.
Hello Hugo
If you go on the Gardening Australia website they have recipes for most gardening products
made without using harsh chemicals.