How to Clean a Microwave Oven Using Natural Cleaning Methods

The microwave is one of those areas you don’t realize needs to be cleaned until you’re suddenly faced with crusty puddles of food and splatters of sauce speckling every part of the microwave’s surface. At this point, opening the door and attempting to scrub the microwave clean is not very effective. You might feel like you have to rely on harsh chemical cleaners to lift off that caked on food, but that’s not the case. Below are two microwave cleaning methods that rely on natural cleaners to get the job done. 

Method 1: Vinegar and water

Step 1: Gather supplies.

1. White vinegar

2. Water

3. Glass measuring cup or bowl

4. Washcloth or sponge

5. Oven mitt

Step 2: Mix one cup of water and one cup of white vinegar into your bowl or glass measuring cup. Set this mixture inside your microwave. 

Step 3: Microwave the water and vinegar for 5 to 8 minutes, depending on how powerful your microwave is. The microwave will heat the water/vinegar mixture creating steam that will fill the microwave. 

Step 4: After the allotted time is up, leave the microwave door closed for another 5 minutes. You want to make sure you give the steam enough time to loosen all of the food particles before opening the door. 

Step 5: Open the microwave and use your oven mitt to remove the cup. IMPORTANT: It’s possible the cup is still really hot from being heated in the microwave for several minutes so it’s important to use an oven mitt to protect your hand. 

Step 6: Grab your washcloth and wipe out the inside of the microwave. All of the food that previously dried onto the microwave surface should now be loose and easily come off. 

Method 2: Water and lemon

Even though vinegar is a really effective cleaning tool, not everyone is a fan of the smell. With this in mind, we’ve provided another natural cleaning option that forgoes the use of vinegar, but is still very similar to the first method. 

The natural acidity in lemons will help break down those stubborn food build-ups.

Step 1: Gather supplies.

1. One lemon or lemon essential oils

2. Water

3. Glass measuring cup or bowl

4. Washcloth or sponge

5. Oven mitt

Step 2: Place one cup of water into your bowl and then slice your lemon in half and add the juice to your water. If you prefer lemon essential oils instead of actual lemon juice, then add two to three drops of essential oils to your water. 

Step 3: Put the bowl of water inside the microwave and heat for 5 minutes or until the water starts to boil. Again, the goal is to create steam inside your microwave to loosen food particles. 

Step 4: After the time has passed, wait a few minutes before opening the door and removing the bowl using your oven mitt for safety. 

Step 5: Dip your washcloth or sponge in the lemon water and use it to wipe down the inside of your microwave. 

Step 6: Enjoy the fresh smell of lemon and your now spotless microwave. 

Deep cleans like this are satisfying to complete but can be time consuming, especially if the microwave isn’t the only surface that needs a good scrub. Skip the hassle of cleaning these troublesome surfaces yourself by hiring Soap Bubble Cleaning. Soap Bubble will not only take care of your microwave but will also tackle burnt-on stovetop messes, sticky countertops, and more.