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.
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.
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.
You may not think of wiping down your microwave after every use, but over time, they can end up covered in dried-on food stains and an odour can linger.
The cleaner will cut through any dirt, grease, and grime which has built up in your microwave, as well as any food which has burnt on, leaving your microwave looking clean and smelling fresh. What's more, the non-toxic food-safe cleaner means that you can use the microwave straight away.
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.
The Worst That Can Happen
If your friend thaws raw, frozen chicken right on top of the turntable in the microwave, or there's splattering and raw chicken juice spills, bacteria like E. coli or salmonella could linger and contaminate the next food that sits on the turn table, even if you zap it.
Microwave radiation leaks are hard to detect because you can't smell or see microwaves. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which regulates radiation-emitting products such as microwave ovens, advises against standing directly in front of or up against the oven while it is operating.
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 single most important appliance in your home, your refrigerator deserves respect and consistent upkeep. Give it a deep clean every 3 to 4 months. That means putting all your food in a cooler, turning it off, removing the shelves and drawers and washing them with hot soapy water.
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.
As a "rule of thumb", it remains a good idea to unplug the microwave prior to every cleaning session. Taking this step will give you an opportunity to inspect the plug and cord and make certain they appear in good working order.
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.
The microwave syndrome
Researchers who have conducted scientific studies of occupational exposure to microwaves described symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, headaches, difficulty sleeping, concentration and memory problems. These symptoms were associated with exposure to radio waves or microwaves.
Yes, you can stand a safe distance in front of the microwave. Microwave ovens are designed to keep in radiation. Against the glass, there is a protective mesh screen dotted with tiny holes.
Microwave ovens are great time-savers and will kill bacteria in foods when heated to a safe internal temperature. However, foods can cook unevenly because they may be shaped irregularly or vary in thickness.
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.
I always keep a pack of the wipes next to the microwave and even my maid has strict instructions to wipe down the inside of the microwave immediately after heating stuff. The Dettol wipes are also very handy in keeping all the worktop surfaces clean in the kitchen, where invariably, we tend to spill things.
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.
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.
You can finally put away all of those expensive cleaners and ease up on the elbow grease because an easy solution is available: vinegar. Heating vinegar and water in a microwave-safe bowl steams all of the food spatter off, while the acetic acid in the vinegar sanitizes and deodorizes your microwave.