We are reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
We all occasionally slack off when it comes to kitchen cleaning. After preparing an elaborate meal, you may feel too exhausted to clean and push it off until the next day. And sometimes, a day turns into a week and a week turns into a month.
Thoroughly cleaning your microwave may fall at the bottom of your kitchen chores list. But its placement does not reflect a lack of importance. When it’s not maintained, the microwave can develop harmful bacteria and even cause fires. Here’s how to clean a microwave properly — so the task becomes less intimidating moving forward.
Why Cleaning Your Microwave Matters
Bacteria develop in warm, moist climates. The elements that cause diseases flourish in temperatures between 41°F and 135°F. When you cook food in a microwave and bits are left behind, the heat remains in the appliance, allowing bacteria to grow.
Remnants left in the microwave may also burn over time. The more you use a microwave with excess food matter, the higher your chances of starting a fire. You can reduce your risk of developing hazards by sufficiently cleaning your microwave.
How to Clean a Microwave With Vinegar
When individuals discuss the safety of cleaning a microwave, they are considering two factors – human health and environmental protection. As discussed above, cleaning your microwave will reduce one’s risk of consuming bacteria and starting a fire. There are further steps to take when cleaning in an eco-friendly manner.
Vinegar is a safe product to use when cleaning in the home. It is non-toxic and less harmful to the environment than conventional cleaning products. For those wondering how to clean a microwave with vinegar, all you need is water, vinegar, a toothpick, and a microwave-safe bowl.
- Combine 2 cups of water with 2 teaspoons of vinegar and place it in a bowl.
- Add the toothpick so the liquid does not boil over.
- Microwave this mixture for about 5 minutes and let it sit for a few additional minutes.
The steam produced by the elixir will loosen splatter and old food in the microwave for easy removal. You can simply use a cloth to wipe away the remaining matter, and your device will look good as new.
Vinegar is a safe solution for kitchen cleaning that effectively removes bacteria, toxins, grease, and grime.
Cleaning a Microwave With Reusable Cleaning Materials
It’s common to use sponges to wipe down messes after a day of cooking. Unfortunately, sponges may be the source of the problem. Sponges provide a home from pathogens to develop.
Salmonella, E. coli, listeria, and more can live on your average kitchen sponge. When we use these materials to clean the microwave, we are doing more harm than good. To reduce the spread of intestinal and skin infections from pathogens, you can utilize reusable cloths.
When your pants wear out, or your child outgrows a t-shirt, rather than throwing it away, you can reuse it as a cleaning rag. Unlike sponges, after you clean with a cloth, you can throw it in the laundry for disinfecting. This practice eliminates textile waste and reduces your exposure to harmful elements.
Cleaning a Microwave With Baking Soda
Like vinegar, baking soda is a non-toxic substitute to conventional home cleaning products. This substance neutralizes odors and loosens caked-up matter in your microwave. It is safe to use baking soda throughout your kitchen for a deep and practical clean.
You can utilize a reusable spray bottle to combine baking soda and water. Then, simply spray the mixture inside the microwave and wipe down the surface with a rag. Baking soda has been trusted throughout the decades and has proved its efficiency and safety.
Routine Cleaning for Your Microwave
Whatever safe microwave cleaning method you choose to use in your home, make sure you practice it routinely. The longer you let excess splatter and food remain on the surface, the more time they will have to develop bacteria and unpleasant odors.
When you clean your microwave every day or so, you can help protect your family against poor health and deliver delicious, healthy meals every time.
Did you enjoy this post? Join the Renovated community!
A house is more than just where you live. It's where you build a community. We'll give you all the latest trends you need to make your home your haven. Subscribe and never miss out!
About The Author
Rose is the managing editor of Renovated and freelance writer with over 5 years of experience.
She's most interested in researching topics on sustainable construction, such as new technologies and innovations in the built environment. She also loves sharing home projects and inspiration for the most novice of DIY-ers, values she developed growing up in a family of contractors.
When she isn't writing, you'll find her baking something to satisfy her never-ending sweet tooth. For more articles from Rose, you can follow her on Twitter.
