Homemade Cleaners for Your Microwave Oven

Your microwave oven can get dirty fast. All it takes is for one person in your household to heat up a bowl of spaghetti sauce, and you can be left with a mess. And not everyone remembers to wipe down the microwave oven before food spatter has the chance to dry.

Keeping your microwave oven clean can be a chore. But, by using homemade cleaners, you can do it without harsh or costly commercial cleaners. In fact, homemade cleaners that use ingredients found in your kitchen can be just as effective as the cleaners you buy at the store.

Here are two effective homemade cleaners for your microwave oven.

Homemade Cleaner #1: Microwave Oven Scouring Cleaner

When dry food and sauce build up on the walls of a microwave oven, not only does it look unpleasant, it is also unsanitary. But, no matter how tough the job seems, getting your microwave oven clean is easier than you think, especially when you use this homemade cleaner.

In a bowl, combine four tablespoons of baking soda with one tablespoon of vinegar. Mix together until the baking soda and vinegar form a paste.

Before you apply the homemade cleaner, put a cup of water in a microwave-safe bowl or cup. Place it in the microwave oven and heat until the water bowls. Turn off the microwave, and let the water sit for one or two minutes. The steam from the water will help to loosen the dried, caked-on food.

After removing the water, use a moist sponge or cloth to spread the paste around the inside of your microwave oven. Scrub until all the food and debris has been loosened up, then use plain water to rinse off the paste.

Homemade Cleaner #2: Microwave Oven Deodorizer and Degreaser

This homemade cleaner will eliminate unpleasant odors, and help cut the grease that may have built up on the inside of your microwave oven. Do this at least once a week to keep your microwave oven clean and fresh-smelling.

Place half a cup of vinegar in a microwave-save bowl. Place in the microwave oven and heat until the vinegar starts to boil. As soon as it starts to boil, press stop. Let the vinegar sit in the microwave oven for five or ten minutes. Then, remove the bowl of vinegar, and wipe down the inside of the microwave oven with a wet sponge or cloth.

These two simple, homemade cleaners will keep your microwave oven in tip top shape, and without the expense of commercial cleaners.