The microwave has become a great ally in the kitchen, almost as common as the kettle, offering many possibilities for heating and cooking food. But the more we use it, the more it gets dirty with grease droplets and food remnants. In this article, we explain how to clean your microwave.
Remember, it’s an electrical appliance, so before cleaning, make sure to turn it off and unplug it to avoid electric shocks.
Eco-Friendly Cleaning of the Microwave
Eco-friendly cleaning is ideal if the dirt isn’t too much and the grease droplets haven’t set in.
For eco-friendly cleaning, you’ll need:
- 2 tablespoons of vinegar
- 400 ml of water
- Orange peels
- Baking soda
- A ceramic plate
Fill a plate with 400 ml of water, add 2 tablespoons of vinegar, and place it in the microwave. Set it to maximum power for 5 minutes. The steam will help loosen the dirt, and the vinegar will dissolve the grease and disinfect. Once the microwave turns off, carefully remove the plate and wipe the surfaces with a sponge and paper towels.
If there’s still ingrained grease after the steam, make a paste with baking soda and water (2-3 tablespoons). Apply the paste to the greasy areas and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Then, wipe it off with a damp sponge.
The final step is to place the orange peels in a bowl of water and put it in the microwave for 5-10 minutes on maximum power. Be sure that all the water doesn’t evaporate. Orange peels contain natural oils that help dissolve grease and leave a pleasant scent. After the microwave turns off, wait a couple of minutes before opening it, then remove the bowl and wipe the walls with a clean cloth.
Deep Cleaning of the Microwave
If you haven’t cleaned your microwave in a long time and the grease has turned into a tough buildup, you’ll need stronger cleaners.
To clean the glass surface with greasy buildup, use ammonia. Dampen a sponge with a 10% ammonia solution and scrub the surfaces well. Let the solution sit overnight and clean it the next day with dish soap. Then, rinse thoroughly and dry with a clean cloth.
For metal surfaces, you can use products like AEG M3OCS200 or CARE+PROTECT Microwave Cleaner CSL8001/1. First, remove the stuck food particles with a kitchen scraper. After that, apply the cleaner with a Scotch-Brite sponge and scrub until the dirt is gone.
Professional Microwave Cleaning
If you don’t have time to clean or need a deeper clean, you can turn to a professional cleaning service. Experts from companies like Harry El Sucio Clean use high-quality products and equipment for thorough cleaning. They can remove grease not only from the microwave but also from sofas and carpets if you accidentally stain them with greasy food.