While there isn't a fixed rule on how often to clean the microwave, it's a good idea to clean it once a week or when obvious splatters spray the interior. Not only do microwave ovens cook quickly, but they clean quickly, too.
If you don't have time to clean your microwave after each use, try and clean it at least twice a week. Leaving the splattered food for long periods of time will not only cause nasty odours but is also a breeding ground for bacteria. Bacteria will turn to mould and nobody wants a mould ridden microwave.
While there isn't a hard rule on how to clean the inside of a microwave, it's wise to give it a wipe down once a week — or when there are a lot of splatters (we're looking at you, spaghetti sauce). But you don't have to scrub until you work up a sweat.
Mix dish soap in a bowl of warm water until you see suds. Use a microfiber cloth to clean the exterior of your microwave and then clean the inside by removing any crumbs or debris with a damp paper towel. Be careful not to let the suds get into vents or fans.
Since any droplets/spillages affect the efficient operation of microwave energy, a dirty microwave will cook more slowly and unevenly. Also, letting your microwave build up germs and grime is bad news for your gut. The bacteria that can be found in dirty microwaves can cause infections, and create sickness.
If you don't have lemon juice, you can skip it. However, I highly recommend you use lemon to clean the microwave if you can. It helps neutralize the strong vinegar smell which is reason enough, but it also adds even more all-natural cleaning power.
Microwave ovens use high voltage which makes it particularly hazardous for consumers to remove the cover and touch electrical parts. The possibility for electrical shock from a microwave oven still exists even after the oven is disconnected from the power source.
When you open the microwave door and grab the mug, the sudden movement and temperature change causes a sudden explosive boiling of superheated water, which can be as harmful as hot oil. You can microwave water safely by adding a wooden chopstick or coffee stirrer to the mug.
Start by mixing at least two tablespoons of baking soda with one cup of water in a microwave-safe container. Microwave the mixture on high for five minutes. This mix will create extra-dense steam that breaks up grime and kills bad odors. After five minutes, carefully remove the container.
To clean a really dirty microwave, combine vinegar and water, lemon juice and water, or baking soda and water in a heatproof bowl. Then, heat the mixture for three to five minutes. Let it sit a bit before your wipe it out. This way, you avoid scrubbing and your microwave breaks down the tough stains and grease for you.
The most commonly-used household item you should never put in the microwave is aluminum foil. It's essentially very thin metal which, when exposed to microwave radiation, will reflect the energy instead of absorbing it. This, in turn, can create sparks that could ruin the appliance, or worse, start a fire.
Studies have shown that both E. coli and Salmonella can survive inside the microwave. This study claimed that microwaves can actually be microbial hotspots. Not only is the inside of the microwave risky, but also pose a risk in public/general areas.
Cleaning a microwave with washing up liquid
In a microwaveable bowl, mix the washing up liquid with some warm water. Turn on the microwave and heat for about one minute, or until the water starts steaming. Dip a clean sponge in the solution and wipe the inside of the microwave.
Windex® Original Wipes make it easy to add a little sparkle to your kitchen. They are a great stainless steel cleaner for your refrigerator or dishwasher door. And don't forget to touch up the little glass surfaces in your kitchen like the oven door, microwave exterior or glass cabinets.
There are many different methods and products available to clean a microwave, but white vinegar is easy, safe and cheap. Steam cleaning a microwave with white vinegar gets the job done with minimal effort. This is because white vinegar is very acidic, making it a great natural cleaning product.
You can use distilled white vinegar to give your microwave interior a steam cleaning. Dilute a cup of vinegar with a cup of water in a microwave-safe bowl or measuring cup. Optional: Add a few drops of essential oils or lemon juice to the vinegar mixture to weaken the vinegar odor.
When it's time to clean your microwave, use Clorox® Disinfecting Wipes to disinfect the outside, and lemon to clean the inside. Wipes are the easy way to clean all your kitchen appliances. Safe around kids, pets & food.
You can use everyday cleaning products, like dish soap and Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, or opt for more natural ingredients, like baking soda, lemon and vinegar. "Vinegar works well on grease," Rodriguez says. "The lemon-water method for the interior helps steam up the inside and loosens up any food that's stuck."
Clean your microwave with the paper towel method.
Basically, all you do is wet a few paper towels, put them in the microwave, and heat on high for one minute. Wait five minutes to open the door, then (carefully!) use the hot towels to wipe down the inside of your microwave.
The water will absorb excess microwave radiation and keep your food from overcooking. Plus, it will release steam, which will also keep your food from drying out.
Which is more energy efficient - boiling water using an electric kettle, a kettle on a gas hob or a microwave oven? IT TAKES the same amount of energy to heat one litre of water no matter which method of heating used. The only difference in the methods is the amount of time each takes.