How to Clean A Microwave – No-Scrub Microwave Cleaning Hack! 

Looking for an easy method for how to clean a microwave without any scrubbing? This no-scrub microwave cleaning hack is the only way if you want to save time and effort! This method uses only natural ingredients, so it’s safe and gentle on your appliance. Plus, it’s a great way to remove stubborn food stains without using harsh chemicals.

Cleaning your microwave is one of those chores that’s easy to forget about until it’s a complete mess. Usually, we remember when we are in the middle of food prep and don’t have the time to deal with it on the spot.

And it doesn’t take all that long for food splatters to mess up the inside of your microwave oven!

But, if you have this no-scrub microwave cleaning hack in your routine, you can easily clean it up in a matter of minutes!

Read on for how to get your microwave looking like new again!

how to clean a microwave cleaning hack

No-Scrub Microwave Cleaning Hacks

It doesn’t matter how often you use your microwave, it’s important to clean it on a regular basis.

Food splatters and spills can quickly lead to a build-up of grime and become a breeding ground for bacteria. Not to mention, an unclean microwave can cause bad odours.

If you don’t clean your microwave regularly, you’ll eventually have to deal with a big cleaning job – and nobody wants that!

The good news is that cleaning a microwave is quick and easy, especially if you use this no-scrub microwave cleaning hack to steam clean the inside of your microwave.

Over the last decade or more, we have been working at eliminating many of the harsh chemicals and toxic cleaning products from our home, using natural cleaning products where possible and thankfully, cleaning the microwave is one area that natural works best!

I have 3 different methods for cleaning a dirty microwave to share with you. They include using one of these natural ingredients:

  • Vinegar and water
  • Lemon juice and water
  • Baking soda and water

You will also need a cleaning cloth or paper towel and a microwave-safe bowl or jug.

RELATED: Easy oven cleaning hack

natural cleaning products

How To Clean A Microwave With Vinegar

You can easily clean your microwave using ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen! That is one of the best things about this cleaning hack – it is quick, easy and inexpensive!

All you need is water and vinegar!

Vinegar is easily one of the best natural cleaners and sanitisers you will find!

Using a microwave-safe bowl, add 2 cups of water and 1/4 cup of vinegar.

Put the bowl in the microwave and set the microwave for 5 minutes on high power.

Don’t open your microwave as soon as it finishes. Leave it to sit for another 10 to 15 minutes while the magic happens. This also allows everything to cool slightly.

dirty microwave with bowl

Carefully remove the bowl. You might need to use oven mitts if it is hot. Then, using a damp microfiber cloth or paper towel, wipe down the interior of your microwave.

The vinegar solution should make most of the baked-on food splatters and grease wipe away with ease. No hard scrubbing or elbow grease required!

Remove the microwave turntable carefully (again using oven mitts if needed) and wipe down in your sink using warm water. This also allows you to clean underneath the turntable area of your microwave. Make sure to also clean the exterior of your microwave too.

Once clean, wipe everything with a dry cloth and replace the turntable. That’s it!

EXPERT TIP: If you don’t like the smell of vinegar, squeeze half a lemon into your bowl of water or add a few drops of essential oil before turning on your microwave.

How To Clean A Microwave With Lemon

putting bowl of water and lemon in microwave

If you do not have any vinegar or you simply can’t stand the smell, there are a few other options you can use.

One option is to mix water and lemon juice in a microwave-safe bowl. Just as you did earlier, add 1 to 2 cups of water to your bowl and squeeze all the juice into the water. Leave the cut lemon halves in the bowl and microwave for 5 minutes.

Leave for 15 minutes then wipe down your microwave in the same way as above.

The acidity in the lemon juice will help to break down any grease or dirt in a similar way to vinegar. This microwave cleaning hack also leaves your microwave smelling fresh!

How To Clean Your Microwave With Baking Soda

You can also use a mixture of water and baking soda. Baking soda is another great natural cleaning product.

Combine 2 cups of water and 3 tablespoons of baking soda in a microwave-safe bowl or jug. Stir to dissolve then heat for 2 minutes.

Leave this baking soda solution overnight with the door closed and then in the morning, wipe down your microwave using a damp paper towel or a cleaning cloth.

The key to each of these microwave cleaning hacks is the steam. Steam makes it easy to wipe away all the dirt, grease and grime that has built up in your microwave.

How To Clean The Outside Of Your Microwave

While you are cleaning your microwave, don’t forget about the microwave’s exterior!

The microwave door, control panel and buttons on the front of your microwave can easily become greasy and dirty with fingerprints.

Use a damp microfibre cloth or paper towel to wipe these areas down. If they are particularly greasy or dirty, you can use a little all-purpose cleaner or a little dish soap on them too, especially if you need to lift away grease.

Make sure you unplug your microwave before doing this!

Keep any moisture away from plugs and electrical areas and make sure to only use a damp cloth or paper towels and not a soaking wet cloth.

woman cleaning microwave interior

Tips For Keeping A Microwave Clean

If you want to keep your kitchen looking its best, it’s important to clean your microwave on a regular basis. A quick wipe-down after each use will help to prevent build-up, but a deep clean is necessary every few months.

Here are a few tips to help you keep your microwave clean:

  • Wipe up any spills or splatters as soon as they happen.
  • Use a microwave cover or lid when cooking to prevent food splatter from messy foods.
  • Take care not to overcook your food or have liquids boil over.
  • Keep a piece of paper towel on the turntable to absorb spills and replace it often.
  • Don’t forget to clean the removable parts, taking care not to drop them.
  • Clean the door seals, microwave door, control panel, and buttons regularly with a damp cloth.

These 3 microwave cleaning hacks give you easy options to clean your microwave and can easily be incorporated into your regular cleaning schedule or deep cleaning routines.

Having a clean microwave makes cooking more enjoyable. So, next time your microwave is looking a little worse for wear, try one of these hacks to get it clean quickly and easily – with no scrubbing required!

Do you have any other tips on how to clean a microwave?

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14 Comments

  1. Eeeek… Lucky it wasn’t worse. My dad once cooked a choc pudding that was meant for 50 seconds for 5 minutes in the microwave. No explosions but a very black, steaming chunk of pudding :-/ fingers crossed your microwave cleans up nicely.

  2. That is a clever way to clean the microwave at home, I’ve never heard of it. It is so hard to get the stains out of the microwave, but this seems to be an easy way to remove them. I usually clean my microwave with detergent but sometimes the stains still stay where they are.

    As for my dishwasher at home, it doesn’t need cleaning. I don’t use it :D

    1. It does the job nice & easy. We do a lot of freezer cooking to suit hubby’s night shift so need to warm up a lot of dinners.

  3. I can vouch for the effectiveness of cleaning your dishwasher this way. I do mine regularly now to keep on top of it. So much mold had developed (yuck – I know!) that I had to start with bleach. The vinegar is milder, so is better to catch the muck sooner.

    1. Yes I definitely agree that prevention is best. It’s the perfect way to keep on top of the cleaning process without letting it get too revolting! Thanks for sharing your experiences :)

  4. I use the vinegar and water mixture to clean my microwave too. It’s so simple and works perfectly!

  5. Great suggestions, Holly!! This is the 3rd time in the past month that I’ve read about using vinegar to clean around the house. I had actually never heard of that before. I have been on the look out for more natural options, so this comes at just the right time!!

    I definitely have the food chunks landing back on the dishes, so I think the first up is the dishwasher!!

    1. It is something of a wonder product. I’ve heard people replace 99% of their household chemicals with a vinegar & baking soda combo. Pretty awesome. Hopefully your dishwasher is sparkling soon :)

  6. It’s that easy to clean the microwave? Usually I scrub and scrub! I’ll have to give it a go. Thank you.

    1. Yep… It’s totally quick and easy with this method. Vinegar is amazing for cleaning! It’s all about the steam too. Loosens up all the ickiness ;)

  7. i already knew how to clean my microwave naturally but I didn’t know what to do with my dishwasher. This is awesome!

    Thanks for sharing and for linking up to the #SHINEbloghop.

    Wishing you a lovely day.
    xoxo

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