How to Clean Microwave | Midea Canada

In this guide, we’ll show how to clean a microwave the easy way, step by step. We’ll talk about simple supplies, how to clear tough grime inside and out, and how to keep messes from coming back. Let’s start!

What Supplies Do You Need to Clean a Microwave?

Before you start, gather a few basic supplies. Having the right tools makes cleaning faster, easier, and safer for your microwave.

Basic items:

• Microfiber cloths or soft sponges: Gentle and won’t scratch the surface.
• Dish soap: Great for removing grease and light stains.
• Water: For rinsing and making steam.
• Microwave-safe bowl or cup: For steam cleaning.
• White vinegar or lemon: Natural cleaners that cut through grease and remove smells.
• Baking soda: Useful for tough spots and odor control.

Optional tools:

• Toothbrush or small brush: To clean tight corners and vents.
• Paper towels or dry cloths: To dry everything after cleaning.
• Rubber gloves: To protect your hands from heat or cleaning liquids.

Tip: Avoid harsh scrubbers or strong chemicals. They can scratch or damage the inside of your microwave.

How Do You Clean a Microwave Oven: Step-by-Step

1. Clean the Inside of a Microwave

The inside of your microwave often collects food splatters, grease, and odors. Steam cleaning is the easiest and most effective way to clean it. Here are steps on how to clean inside the microwave.

Step 1: Prepare a cleaning solution

Mix 1 cup of water with 2 tablespoons of white vinegar in a microwave-safe bowl. You can also clean microwave oven with lemon. Just use half a lemon squeezed into the water instead of vinegar.

Step 2: Heat the solution

Place the bowl inside the microwave and run it on high for 3 to 5 minutes, until the window starts to steam up.

Step 3: Let it sit

Keep the door closed for about 2 minutes. The steam will loosen up stuck food and grease.

Step 4: Wipe it clean

Carefully remove the bowl and the glass turntable. Use a damp microfiber cloth or sponge to wipe the inside walls, ceiling, and door.

Step 5: Clean the turntable

Wash the glass plate with warm, soapy water and dry it completely before putting it back. Always let it cool down first to avoid cracks. You can wash it by hand or place it in the dishwasher if it’s safe for that.

Step 6: Remove stubborn spots

If any spots remain, sprinkle a bit of baking soda on a damp cloth and gently scrub until clean.

Quick Tip: Steam cleaning once a week keeps your microwave free of buildup and makes deep cleaning much easier later. It’s also a good way to sanitize microwaves.

2. Clean the Outside of a Microwave

The outside of your countertop microwave, especially the handle and buttons, can easily collect grease, dust, and fingerprints. Keeping it clean helps it look good and stay hygienic.

Step 1: Unplug the microwave

Always unplug it before cleaning to stay safe.

Step 2: Wipe with a soapy cloth

Mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water. Dip a microfiber cloth into the mix, squeeze out extra water, and gently wipe the outside surface.

Step 3: Clean the handle and buttons

These areas get touched the most and can hold germs. Use a slightly damp cloth to wipe them. Don’t spray cleaner directly on the buttons. For stainless steel surfaces, wipe along the grain using a stainless-steel cleaner or a simple vinegar-and-water mix to avoid streaks.

Step 4: Dry completely

Use a clean, dry towel to remove any leftover moisture and bring back the shine.

3. Clean the Filter (for over-the-range microwaves):

If you have over-the-range microwaves, remember to clean the filter at least once a month. The filter traps grease, and when it’s dirty, it can leave a sticky mess on the filter and nearby walls.

Step 1: Fill your sink with warm, soapy water.

Step 2: Remove the filter and place it in the sink. Let it soak for about 10 minutes.

Step 3: Gently scrub it with a soft brush or sponge to remove grease.

Step 4: If the residue is still sticky or hard to clean, add 1/4 cup of baking soda to the water and soak the filter again.

Step 5: Rinse it well and let it dry completely before putting it back in place.

How to Get Rid of Microwave Odors

Strong smells like burnt popcorn or reheated leftovers can stick around in your microwave. Luckily, a few simple natural methods can get rid of them without using harsh cleaners.

Method 1. Vinegar Steam

Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it for 3 to 4 minutes, then wipe the inside clean. The vinegar steam helps remove most odors right away.

Method 2. Lemon Freshener

Cut a lemon into slices, place them in a bowl of water, and heat for about 3 minutes. The steam releases natural citrus oils that leave your microwave smelling fresh.

Method 3. Baking Soda Absorber

Place an open box or a small bowl of baking soda inside the microwave overnight with the door closed. It will absorb leftover smells by morning.

Extra Tip: Try not to heat strong-smelling foods like fish or curry in your microwave too often. It helps keep the inside smelling clean for longer.

How to Maintain a Clean Microwave and Prevent Buildup

Keeping your microwave clean is easy when you do it a little at a time. Small messes are much easier to wipe away before they dry. Try adding these simple habits to your daily routine:

1. Cover your food: Use a microwave-safe cover or even a paper towel when heating food. This keeps splatters from getting all over the inside.

2. Wipe it often: After using the microwave, grab a damp cloth and give the inside a quick wipe. It takes just a few seconds and keeps grime from sticking.

3. Do a weekly deep clean: Once a week, steam clean with lemon or vinegar. It loosens grease, clears smells, and makes the inside look fresh again.

4. Clean spills right away: If something spills, don’t wait. Wipe it up while it’s still warm and soft.

5. Let it air out: Leave the door open for a few minutes after using it. This helps dry out moisture and keeps odors from building up.

6. Check the vents: Look at the air vents now and then. Use a small brush to clear out dust or grease so the microwave can keep running smoothly.

Conclusion

Learning how to clean microwave helps it work well and keeps your kitchen smelling nice. Simple things like steam, lemon, or vinegar can take care of most messes in minutes. They cut grease, remove smells, and make cleaning easy.

But if your microwave takes longer to heat or you’re cleaning it all the time, it might be wearing out. A new one can save time and energy. Midea microwaves are built for easy use and simple upkeep. They look good in any kitchen and make everyday cooking feel smoother and faster.

FAQs 

Is it better to clean the microwave with lemon or vinegar?

Both lemon and vinegar work well. Lemon leaves a fresh scent and is ideal for light cleaning, while vinegar cuts through grease and tough stains more effectively. You can clean microwave oven with vinegar and lemon together for extra cleaning power and natural deodorizing.

How often should I deep clean my microwave?

You should deep clean your microwave at least once a week if you use it daily. Wipe down spills immediately after cooking, and perform a quick steam clean every few days to prevent grease and food buildup.

Can baking soda clean a microwave?

Yes, it can. Baking soda works great for cleaning and getting rid of smells. Mix one tablespoon with a little water to make a paste. Use it to scrub tough spots inside the microwave. It removes stains well without scratching the surface.

What should you not use to clean a microwave?

Stay away from harsh cleaners like bleach, ammonia, or strong chemicals. Don’t use rough scrub pads either, as they can scratch the inside and ruin the coating. It’s safer to stick with gentle cleaners such as vinegar, lemon, or mild dish soap.

What happens if you never clean your microwave?

If left uncleaned, food splatters can harden, develop mold, and cause unpleasant odors. In some cases, too much grease near the heating area can even become a fire risk. Cleaning it regularly keeps it safe, fresh, and working well.