A microwave is one of the most convenient kitchen appliances, but it also gets dirty fast. Food splatters, sauce spills, steam, and grease can build up inside and leave stains and bad smells. If you don’t clean your microwave regularly, the mess becomes harder to remove and may even affect heating performance.
The good news is that cleaning a microwave is simple. You don’t need strong chemicals or special tools. In most cases, you can clean it using things you already have at home like lemon, vinegar, baking soda, and warm water.
This guide explains how to clean your microwave step-by-step, including inside, outside, stains, and smells — using safe, easy methods anyone can follow.
Why It’s Important to Clean Your Microwave Regularly
A microwave may look clean at first glance, but small food droplets and grease quickly build up. Over time, this can cause several problems.
- Create burnt or stale smells
- Allow bacteria and mold to grow inside
- Make food splatter again when reheated
- Reduce heating performance
- Damage the microwave coating if spills burn in
Grease and food residue can also become sticky and hard to remove if left too long. Cleaning regularly prevents this buildup and keeps your microwave looking new.
It’s also more hygienic. When food dries onto the interior walls, reheating causes steam that can carry bacteria onto your meals.
A few minutes of regular cleaning keeps your microwave safer, fresher, and easier to maintain.
What You’ll Need to Clean a Microwave (Checklist)
You do not need any expensive cleaners. Most people already have everything required at home.
- Warm water
- Dishwashing liquid
- White vinegar
- Lemon
- Baking soda
- Soft sponge or cloth
- Paper towels or microfiber cloth
- A microwave-safe bowl
- A small brush or old toothbrush (optional)
Avoid using:
- Metal scrubbers
- Harsh abrasive powders
- Strong chemical sprays inside the microwave
These can scratch the interior or leave chemical residue near your food.
Tip: Unplug your microwave before cleaning to stay safe.
How to Clean the Inside of Your Microwave (Step-by-Step)
If your microwave is only lightly dirty, a simple wipe-clean method is enough. This works well for everyday cleaning.
- Unplug the microwave.
- Remove the glass turntable and roller ring.
- Wash both in warm soapy water like normal dishes.
- Wipe loose crumbs from the inside.
- Mix warm water with a few drops of dish soap.
- Dip a cloth or sponge into the solution and wipe the inside walls, floor, and ceiling.
- Rinse with a damp clean cloth.
- Dry with a soft cloth or paper towel.
Do not forget the inside of the door. Food particles often collect around the edges and vent slots.
If stains are tough and dried on, steam cleaning (next section) makes them much easier to remove.
How to Clean Your Microwave Using Steam
Steam cleaning is one of the easiest ways to soften dried food and grease inside a microwave. It works because steam loosens dirt so it wipes away easily.
- Fill a microwave-safe bowl with water.
- Place it inside the microwave.
- Heat on high for 3–5 minutes.
- Leave the door closed for 2 minutes so steam spreads.
- Carefully remove the bowl.
- Wipe the inside with a cloth or sponge.
Safety note: Be careful when opening the door — hot steam can escape. Handle the bowl slowly to avoid burns.
Steam cleaning is ideal for people who don’t want to scrub hard or use chemicals.
How to Clean a Microwave with Lemon (Natural & Fresh)
Lemon is a natural degreaser and deodorizer. It removes light grease and leaves the microwave smelling fresh.
- Cut a lemon in half.
- Squeeze the juice into a microwave-safe bowl filled halfway with water.
- Drop the lemon halves into the bowl as well.
- Heat for 3–4 minutes.
- Leave the steam inside for 2 minutes.
- Wipe the microwave clean.
This is great for mild stains and lingering smells such as curry, onions, or reheated food odors.
How to Clean a Microwave with Vinegar (Best for Tough Grease)
White vinegar is excellent for cutting through grease and sticky residue. It also has mild disinfecting properties.
- Mix 1 cup of water with 1–2 tablespoons of white vinegar in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Heat the bowl in the microwave for 3–5 minutes.
- Leave it to steam for 2 minutes.
- Wipe all interior surfaces.
If the smell of vinegar is strong, you can leave the door open for a few minutes to air it out. The smell disappears quickly.
| Cleaning Method | Best For | Smell | Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lemon steam | Light stains & odor | Fresh citrus scent | Mild |
| Vinegar steam | Grease & sticky mess | Slight vinegar smell | Stronger |
How to Clean a Microwave with Baking Soda (For Burnt Stains & Odor)
Baking soda is useful when stains are stubborn or burnt onto the surface. It also helps remove strong odors.
- Mix baking soda with a little water to make a paste.
- Apply the paste to the stained area.
- Leave it for 10–15 minutes.
- Wipe gently with a damp cloth.
For lingering odors, place an open bowl of baking soda inside the microwave overnight while it is switched off. It absorbs smells naturally.
Avoid scrubbing too hard. Baking soda is mildly abrasive, but safe when used gently.
How to Clean the Outside of Your Microwave
People often clean the inside but forget the outside. The door, handle, and control panel also collect grease and fingerprints.
- Use a soft damp cloth with mild soapy water
- Wipe the door, sides, and top
- Dry with a clean cloth
For the control panel:
- Do not spray water directly
- Use a slightly damp cloth only
- Wipe gently to avoid moisture going inside buttons
If your microwave is stainless steel, wipe in the direction of the grain to avoid streaks.
How to Remove Strong Stains & Bad Smells from Your Microwave
Sometimes odors linger even after cleaning. This is common after heating strong-smelling foods like fish, garlic, or spicy dishes.
- Steam with vinegar or lemon
- Wipe with mild dish soap and rinse
- Leave baking soda inside overnight
- Ventilate the microwave by keeping the door open for a while
For burnt smells, repeat the steam cleaning process twice if required.
Avoid using chemical air fresheners inside the microwave. They are not food-safe.
How Often Should You Clean Your Microwave?
Cleaning frequency depends on how often you use your microwave.
- Wipe spills immediately
- Do a light clean weekly
- Deep clean once a month
If food splatters, clean it as soon as the microwave cools. Fresh spills wipe away easily, while dried stains become harder to remove later.
Using a microwave cover while heating food also helps reduce splashes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning a Microwave
- Using metal or harsh abrasive scrubbers
- Spraying water directly into vents or buttons
- Running the microwave empty for long periods
- Using bleach or heavy chemical cleaners inside
Also, don’t slam the door or remove safety panels. Microwaves contain electrical parts that should not be disturbed.
Cleaning should always be gentle but thorough.
Final Tips to Keep Your Microwave Cleaner for Longer
- Cover food while heating
- Wipe spills immediately
- Avoid overfilling bowls
- Use microwave-safe containers only
- Do a quick weekly wipe-down
This prevents staining and keeps your microwave smelling fresh.
Conclusion
Cleaning your microwave doesn’t have to be difficult. With simple household ingredients like lemon, vinegar, and baking soda, you can remove stains, grease, and odors safely and easily. Regular cleaning keeps your microwave hygienic, prevents bad smells, and helps it last longer. If you follow the step-by-step methods in this guide, you’ll always have a clean, fresh microwave that’s ready to use.
