Three Simple Steps to Clean Your Microwave

Essential Supplies for Cleaning Your Microwave

For keeping your microwave both smelling and looking clean, you can utilize a few standard household items. These essentials include liquid dish soap, a soft cloth, some water, and a microwave-safe container. It's important to choose cleaning products that effectively remove residue and odors without harming the microwave's surface.

Step 1: Cleaning the Interior of Your Microwave

• Soften tough spills and splatters: To tackle tough spills and splatters: Start by filling a microwave-safe container without a lid with 1 cup of water. Heat it in the microwave for 3 to 5 minutes to generate steam, which will help soften any hardened debris. Let it cool, then take out the container and use a damp soft cloth or sponge to wipe the surfaces clean.
  
  
• Clean the microwave interior:Use a solution of mild dish soap mixed with water, applied with a soft cloth or sponge, to clean the inner walls. If you have a model with a stainless steel cavity wipe in the direction of the grain to avoid damage.
  
  
• Eliminate soap residue and dry: Use a damp cloth to rinse the interior surfaces, then dry completely with a microfiber cloth.

Step 2: Cleaning the Microwave Turntable

• Let the turntable cool if recently used: Ensure the turntable is cool to the touch before removing it and placing it in water to avoid cracking due to a rapid temperature change.
• Take out the turntable and clean: For heavy grime, soak the turntable in warm water mixed with mild dish soap. Then, gently scrub it with a non-abrasive sponge or dishcloth. While some turntables are dishwasher-safe, always refer to your microwave's manual to confirm before using the dishwasher.
• Dry thoroughly and reinstall: After air drying or wiping down with a microfiber cloth, put the turntable back in the microwave to prepare it for its next use.

Step 3: Cleaning the Exterior of Your Microwave

• Wash the outside surfaces with mild dish soap and water: Clean the handle, control panel, and outer casing using a solution of water and mild dish soap. Afterward, rinse the surfaces with clean water and dry them using a microfiber cloth. If you have a stainless steel microwave, use the above method or clean with a stainless steel appliance cleaner, like affresh^®1 cleaners. Learn more about how to clean your stainless steel appliances.
• Use glass cleaner for window smudges and fingerprints: Spray glass cleaner directly onto a paper towel, then wipe the glass window and glass control panel if you have one, until dry.

Tips to Avoid Microwave Splatters

Microwaves offer a quick way to heat your favourite foods, but dealing with splatters from sauces and liquids can prolong your cleanup time. To minimize this, consider using a microwave splatter screen or cover. 

These handy tools help keep the interior of your microwave clean, simplifying your post-meal cleanup. Just place the cover over your dish before heating, and you're set to enjoy your meal without the mess.

Removing Burnt Smell from Your Microwave

If you’re experiencing the unpleasant, smoky odor that can happen when food gets burnt in a microwave, there are several simple methods you can try to banish the burnt smell and leave your microwave smelling refreshed.

• Create a mixture of water and lemon juice or vinegar: Heat 1 cup of water with 1 tablespoon of either lemon juice or vinegar in a lidless microwave-safe container for 2 to 5 minutes in the microwave oven.
• Dry with a microfiber cloth: Once cooled, remove the container and wipe down the interior.