Keeping Your Microwave Clean Without Using Chemicals

If you live with roommates, teenagers or anyone else not inclined toward cleanliness, chances are your microwave oven becomes a disaster area at least once a week. You’ve probably spent far too much time and effort scrubbing at caked-on food, washing the tray, and trying to rid your microwave of an unidentifiable, persistent and highly unpleasant smell. You might have used several different spray bottles containing unpronounceable ingredients ending in “-sol” and “-ine”, just to get rid of those horrible crusty particles.

There is an easier, more environmentally friendly way. All you’ll need is a container, some water, some lemon juice and (maybe) some baking soda.

If your microwave has been neglected for some time (hey, you can admit it – we aren’t here to judge), the first cleaning may take a little extra time than subsequent cleanings. Once you realize how easy it is, though, you might never neglect it again!

The first time, go ahead and remove and thoroughly wash the tray. If there is any loose food on the walls or underneath the tray (again, no judgment), go ahead and wipe out the excess with some paper towels. Don’t try to scrub, just get the loose bits. If there is dried food caked on the bottom, don’t replace the tray just yet. Otherwise, replace the clean tray and proceed.

Now, get a microwave-safe container that will hold approximately 1 quart. Pour in 1 cup of water and 1 Tablespoon of lemon juice. Microwave on high for 3-5 minutes, until boiling. You can adjust the size of the container and amount of water, if necessary for your oven size, but it is recommended that you DO NOT fill the container more than �¼ full. Filling your filthy microwave full of dirty water is not the point of this exercise.

Once the water has boiled, remove the container, but don’t toss the water just yet. Taking your paper towels or cleaning cloths, gently wipe the door, top and sides (and bottom, if necessary) of your oven. The formerly caked-on food should now easily slide away and the oven should have a clean, citrus scent!

If it really has been a while since the last good cleaning, some food may stubbornly refuse to give way on the first try. Repeat the water boiling process and try wiping it out again.

If you’ve repeated the process a third time and it still isn’t wiping out (well, ok, we might be judging just a little at this point, that is pretty gross), add some cooler water to the water in your container until it is hot but not scalding and grab that box of baking soda. Dip the towel in the hot water and pour about a teaspoon of the soda onto the wet end of the towel. The soda works as a mild abrasive and should remove any lasting stains.

Once all the food has been removed, wipe your microwave down with a fresh damp towel and replace the tray if you have not already done so. You have a clean microwave!