Cleaning the microwave can be tricky if grease has accumulated. Discover three simple home remedies to remove all the grime accumulated in the microwave.
A microwave is a household appliance that arrived in the USA to make everyday life easier. And thanks to its speed, it has become an indispensable appliance that heats food in a matter of minutes. You can even defrost any food quickly. But do you know how to clean a microwave or your microwave toaster oven combo effectively?
Like all household appliances, it accumulates bacteria, germs, and food debris that cause unpleasant odors. This unpleasant problem can cause our food to acquire strange tastes and odors. Pay attention, in this article we show you how to clean the microwave with some valuable home remedies.
1. Clean microwaves with lemon
Lemon has antibacterial and disinfectant properties, so it is an excellent alternative to eliminate bad odors and germs accumulated on the walls and plate of the microwave. In addition, it helps to remove grease, leaving the appliance sanitized, clean, and scented. Thus, we will avoid not only strange odors but also health problems.
It is also a very economical and effective remedy with which you will obtain excellent results. And you only need 250 milliliters of water and lemon. The way to proceed to clean the microwave with lemon is to place the water in a glass or microwave-safe container if possible glass, and place inside the sliced lemon, squeezed with water, or both at the same time.
Place the container with the water and the lemon inside the microwave and put it on high power for 3 to 5 minutes or until the water boils. You will notice this because the glass will fog up and you will see bubbles in the lemon water.
Turn off the microwave and remove the container with the water with the help of an oven mitt or a cloth so as not to burn yourself.
Remove the grease residues with the help of a sponge, including the plate of the microwave.
Wipe with a clean, dry cloth to remove all traces.
And that's how easy it is to clean microwaves with lemon, but there are other very effective techniques.
2. Another alternative to clean the microwave with lemon
In addition to the remedy that we have told you to clean microwaves, you can also do it in the following way. It is also a very effective but less cumbersome alternative. For this, you need a sponge, water, essential oil or lemon juice and a spray bottle.
To start using this technique, add water and 5 drops of lemon essential oil or the natural juice of a lemon to the spray bottle. A splash will be more than enough.
Soak the sponge with this mixture and insert it into the appliance.
With the help of the sprayer, spread the mixture on the walls and the plate of the microwave, close it and put it on medium power with the sponge inside for 5 minutes.
After this time, let it stand for another 5 minutes and, with the help of the hot sponge, remove the remains of grease and food inside the appliance.
Finally, use a cloth to dry and shine the appliance.
To make it easier to clean the microwave dish, you can remove it and clean it in the sink, or you can even put it in the dishwasher for a more thorough cleaning.
3. White vinegar with baking soda
This remedy is very similar to the previous ones, plus these two ingredients have great disinfecting and cleaning properties. To clean a microwave with vinegar and baking soda you need half a liter of water, a tablespoon of white vinegar and a tablespoon of baking soda.
First, mix the water with a tablespoon of white vinegar in a bowl and stir.
Put the bowl inside the appliance and turn it on for about 5 to 8 minutes or until about half of the water has evaporated.
Turn off the microwave and let the bowl stand inside for another 10 minutes so that the vinegar vapors can remove all the food and grease accumulated inside the appliance. This will allow the steam to reach all corners, including the microwave plate.
Open and remove the container with the water and vinegar, being careful not to burn yourself. Then sprinkle the tablespoon of baking soda on top of a soft sponge and scrub to remove accumulated debris and grease. This will remove the stains that the steam has softened.
Finally, use a clean cloth to dry and shine the surface. You can do with the microwave dish what we said in the previous section if it is more convenient to clean it outside.
Tips for cleaning the microwave
You can carry out any of the tricks we have shown you at least twice a month to avoid the accumulation of food and grease. In addition, you will disinfect and prevent bacteria buildup. Keep in mind that even if you use special lids to prevent splashing, it always ends up getting dirty.
Clean the microwave dish and the entire interior after each use, so you take advantage of the fact that it is hot and you will only have to use a clean, dry cloth to remove food residues. In this way you will avoid its accumulation.
Take the dish out of the microwave frequently and wash it as explained above.
Always use dedicated lids or accessories whenever you heat something to avoid splashing or spilling liquids or sauces.
If any food spills inside the microwave oven, do not let it dry, clean it immediately.