How to Clean a Microwave (Vinegar, Lemon and Baking Soda)
Microwaves get messy fast. A bowl of soup bubbles over, a plate of pasta splatters the ceiling, and a few days later those spots are baked on hard. Scrubbing them dry is frustrating and can scratch the inside. The easier way is to let steam do most of the work.
Here is how to clean a microwave in about ten minutes using water and either vinegar, lemon or baking soda, plus how to clean the turntable, the door, the outside and the grease filter on an over-the-range model.
Quick answer: To clean a microwave, mix 1 cup of water with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice in a microwave-safe bowl. Add a wooden spoon or toothpick to the bowl, then heat on high for 3 to 5 minutes until the window steams up. Leave the door closed for 5 more minutes, then carefully take out the bowl and wipe the inside with a soft cloth. Wash the turntable separately in warm, soapy water once it has cooled.
What You Need
- A microwave-safe glass bowl or large measuring cup
- Water
- White vinegar, a lemon, or baking soda
- Dish soap
- A soft sponge or microfiber cloth
- A wooden spoon or toothpick
How to Clean a Microwave With Vinegar
Vinegar is the go-to option because it cuts grease and helps with smells. KitchenAid recommends mixing 1 tablespoon of white vinegar with 1 cup of water and heating it for a few minutes to create steam.
- Pour 1 cup of water into a microwave-safe bowl and add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar.
- Place a wooden spoon or toothpick in the bowl. This gives the water a rough surface so it bubbles normally instead of overheating.
- Microwave on high for 3 to 5 minutes, until the liquid boils and the window fogs up.
- Leave the door closed for about 5 minutes so the steam can loosen stuck-on food.
- Open the door and remove the bowl carefully with an oven mitt. It will be very hot.
- Take out the turntable and set it aside to cool.
- Wipe the ceiling, walls, floor and inside of the door with a soft cloth or sponge. Dip it in the warm vinegar water for stubborn spots.
- Dry everything with a clean cloth.
How to Clean a Microwave With Lemon
Lemon works the same way and leaves the microwave smelling fresh instead of like vinegar. Cut a lemon in half, squeeze the juice into a bowl with 1 cup of water, and drop the lemon halves in too. Heat for 3 to 5 minutes, let it sit for 5 minutes, then wipe it out. The citric acid helps break down grease, and the scent covers any leftover food smells.
How to Clean a Microwave With Baking Soda
Baking soda is good for stuck-on spots and odors. KitchenAid suggests mixing 2 tablespoons of baking soda into 1 cup of water and heating it for 2 to 3 minutes until it steams. Then wipe the inside gently. For really tough spots, make a thick paste with a little baking soda and water, rub it on with a soft sponge, wait a few minutes, and wipe it off. Baking soda is mild, so it will not scratch the finish the way scouring powder can.
Stay Safe When Steaming
Plain water heated in a smooth container can sometimes get hotter than boiling without bubbling, then suddenly erupt when you move it. The FDA warns that this can cause serious burns. That is why the wooden spoon or toothpick matters. Also, do not heat the bowl longer than needed, and lift it out slowly with an oven mitt. Never run the microwave empty, since that can damage it.
How to Clean the Microwave Turntable
Let the glass plate cool completely first. KitchenAid notes that putting cold water on a hot glass turntable can make it crack. If the plate is labeled dishwasher-safe, you can run it through the dishwasher. Otherwise, wash it by hand with warm water, dish soap and a soft sponge, then dry it before putting it back. Wipe the roller ring underneath and the floor of the microwave while the plate is out.
How to Clean the Microwave Door and Outside
- Turn on the control lock, if your microwave has one, so you do not start it while wiping the keypad.
- Mix 1 teaspoon of dish soap into 1 to 2 cups of warm water.
- Wipe the door, handle and outside with a soft, damp cloth.
- On stainless steel, wipe in the direction of the grain.
- For the window, spray glass cleaner onto a paper towel first rather than directly on the microwave.
- Rinse with a cloth dampened with plain water and dry.
How to Clean an Over-the-Range Microwave Filter
Over-the-range microwaves double as a range hood, and the metal grease filters on the bottom get sticky over time. KitchenAid recommends cleaning them about once a month. Slide the filters out, soak them in hot water with dish soap for 10 to 15 minutes, scrub gently with a soft brush, rinse and let them dry. Many are dishwasher-safe; check your manual.
How to Get Rid of Microwave Smells
Burnt popcorn and fish are the usual culprits. After a vinegar or lemon steam clean, leave the door open for an hour to air out. For smells that linger, place an open box of baking soda inside and close the door overnight. Just remember to take it out before using the microwave again.
What Not to Use
- Steel wool or scouring pads: They scratch the inside and can damage the coating.
- Harsh oven cleaner: It is too strong for the microwave interior and leaves fumes.
- Spraying cleaner directly: Liquid can drip into the vents and controls. Spray the cloth instead.
- Metal containers: Never put metal bowls or foil in the microwave to steam it.
How Often to Clean Your Microwave
Wipe up spills as soon as they happen, before they harden. KitchenAid suggests a fuller clean about once a week if you use it daily. A quick weekly steam takes ten minutes and stops buildup before it starts. While you are cleaning the kitchen, our guides on how to clean an oven, how to clean a dishwasher and how to clean a Keurig cover the other appliances.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to clean a microwave?
Steam it. Heat a bowl of water with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice for 3 to 5 minutes, let it sit, then wipe. Most messes come right off.
Can I use dish soap to clean my microwave?
Yes. A teaspoon of dish soap in warm water is safe for the inside, outside and turntable. Rinse with a damp cloth afterward.
How do you clean the inside of a microwave without vinegar?
Use lemon juice, baking soda, or plain water with a little dish soap. Steaming plain water alone also loosens a lot of grime.
Is it safe to put a lemon in the microwave?
Yes, as long as the lemon is in water in a microwave-safe bowl. Do not heat a whole lemon on its own.
How do I clean a microwave ceiling?
The steam method works well for the ceiling because steam rises. After steaming, wipe it with a damp cloth, then dry it so no drips land on your food later.
The Bottom Line
Cleaning a microwave does not need special products or much scrubbing. Steam a bowl of water with vinegar, lemon or baking soda for a few minutes, let it sit, and wipe the mess away. Wash the turntable once it cools, keep up with spills, and give it a quick steam once a week.
Microwave models differ. Check your owner’s manual before cleaning, especially for over-the-range filters, special coatings or steam-clean settings.
