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Best Way to Clean a Microwave

Wondering what is the best way to clean a microwave? Look no further! Once you learn how to use vinegar to steam clean your microwave you’ll never put off cleaning it again! Read on to see how to clean your microwave fast!

A close up of the inside of a dirty microwave prior to cleaning

How Do You Clean a Microwave with Vinegar?

It’s the worst, isn’t it? You’re microwaving something and heard the dreaded POP of food being splattered everywhere. Worse yet, you’re like me with kids (and a husband) who don’t pay attention to messes in the microwave and you open it up only to discover crusty food caked on the sides and top.

When I was younger I would scrub away at that grime and I always wondered how to clean a microwave fast. Then I learned the answer: clean the microwave with vinegar steam! Save yourself the time and energy of scrubbing the microwave, here are three easy ways to steam clean a microwave fast and easily!

A close up of the inside of a dirty microwave prior to cleaning focusing on the rotating glass plate at the bottom of the microwave

How to Clean a Microwave with Vinegar Steam

To clean your microwave with steam you will need:

  • white vinegar
  • water
  • microwave safe bowl
  • toothpick or chopstick
  • damp sponge or paper towels

This is my preferred method that I use at home 99% of the time.

A close up of the inside of a dirty microwave with a bowl of water inside it

Step 1

To clean the microwave with vinegar steam you’ll first pour equal parts vinegar and water (I use one cup of each) in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Add a chopstick or toothpick to the bowl-this breaks the surface area of the water to help prevent superheating and “popping” of the water than can leads to splashes and burns. Microwave the vinegar water on high power for 7 minutes, then allow it to sit an additional 3 minutes without opening the door.

Step 2

When you open the microwave door be cautious of the built-up vinegar steam. Carefully remove the bowl and the turntable-both will be hot. Use a damp sponge to wipe down the sides, top and bottom of the microwave-it should wipe clean easily. Wash the turntable in the sink and you’re all done! Easy-peasy!

After-No Scrubbing Required!

The inside of a dirty microwave before cleaning
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Yield: 1

Best Way to Clean a Microwave

A close up of the inside of a dirty microwave prior to cleaning

Wondering what is the best way to clean a microwave? Look no further! Once you learn how to use vinegar to steam clean your microwave you’ll never put off cleaning it again! Read on to see how to clean your microwave fast!

Prep Time 1 minute
Active Time 10 minutes
Total Time 11 minutes
Difficulty Easy

Materials

  • white vinegar
  • water

Tools

  • microwave safe bowl
  • toothpick or chopstick
  • damp sponge or paper towels

Instructions

    1. To clean the microwave with vinegar steam you’ll first pour equal parts vinegar and water (I use one cup of each) in a medium microwave-safe bowl.
    2. Add a chopstick or toothpick to the bowl-this breaks the surface area of the water to help prevent superheating and “popping” of the water than can leads to splashes and burns.
    3. Microwave the vinegar water on high power for 7 minutes, then allow it to sit an additional 3 minutes without opening the door.
    4. When you open the microwave door be cautious of the built-up vinegar steam. Carefully remove the bowl and the turntable-both will be hot.
    5. Use a damp sponge to wipe down the sides, top and bottom of the microwave-it should wipe clean easily.
    6. Wash the turntable in the sink and you’re all done!

Notes

Use caution when opening microwave as steam will have built up inside.

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Microwave Hack: How to Steam Clean a Microwave with a Sponge

I published this method years and years ago but I rarely use it anymore. First, because sponges, in general, gross me out! Second, because I find the bowl of water method to be more useful because it releases more steam.

But, if your microwave isn’t too dirty and you’re in a rush simply saturate a sponge with water, pour a tablespoon or two of distilled white vinegar on it and microwave for 3 minutes. Again, let it sit an additional 3 minutes then carefully open and remove then wipe out the interior. As a bonus this method can cleans your sponge in the microwave as well!

A close up of White Vinegar and a yellow sponge

How to Clean a Microwave with Steaming Sally or an Angry Mama Steamer

I don’t use this myself but I recently saw a friend with one and was impressed with how well it worked. It uses the same principle as both methods above by allowing the water/vinegar to steam and loosening the grime.

Cute right? So, if you don’t mind spending the few bucks and want the amusement of the angry mama, it’s a great effective way to clean your microwave as well!

Now that you have three options for how to clean your microwave with steam, which will you try? Let me know in the comments! In the meantime, you. might want to check out my tutorials for cleaning a mouse pad, faking a clean home, or how to clean a keurig!

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6 Comments

  1. I can’t believe all the fuss over dirty microwave. The best solution I found 20 years or ago is use a plastic cover over whatever you’re microwaving and 90
    % of any problems are taken care of. Once in a while steam cleaning is a good idea but the cover is the sure go to day to day.
    Keep up the good work, Melissa

  2. Hy James and the guys, guess what? I met Steve Redgrave earlier…listening to his stories has made me want to take up rowing…….It was oar inspiring.

  3. Great advice. I cringe every time my husband uses the microwave because I know it will be a mess.

    1. all three suggestions on using vinegar does work, with no doubt. I am reluctant to use vinegar since I have such a sensitive nose to smells. I find vinegar leaves an odor sometimes worst than my messes. any suggestions.?

      1. You can clean it with just the water steam if you’d like Norma, it will still wipe clean and then you can use your favorite cleaner afterwards if you wish to.

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