DIY Cleaning Methods for Microwave

 

Lemon Juice and Water Steam for Cleaning Your Microwave

 

What You’ll Need:

• 1 fresh lemon (any variety will do)
• Microwave-safe bowl or measuring cup
• About 1 cup of water
• Clean microfiber cloth or sponge

 

How It Works:

• The combination of lemon juice and water creates steam when heated in the microwave. This steam helps loosen food splatters and grime stuck to the interior walls, making it easier to wipe away with a cloth or sponge.
• Lemon juice contains citric acid, which can help break down some residues and leaves behind a fresh scent.

 

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Cut the lemon in half and squeeze the juice into your microwave-safe bowl. Drop the squeezed halves in as well for extra zest.
 
• Add about 1 cup of water to the bowl. Make sure there’s enough room so it won’t boil over.
 
• Place the bowl in the center of your microwave.
 
• Heat on high for 3–5 minutes, or until the water is visibly steaming and the microwave window looks foggy. (If your microwave is especially dirty, go for the full 5 minutes.)
 
• Let the bowl sit inside the closed microwave for another 2–3 minutes. This gives the steam time to work its magic on any stuck-on messes.
 
• Carefully remove the bowl (it will be hot—use oven mitts or a towel).
 
• Wipe down the inside of the microwave with a clean microfiber cloth or sponge. Most splatters and stains should come off with minimal effort. For stubborn spots, dip your cloth in the warm lemon water and try again.

 

Tips for Best Results:

• For extra cleaning power, you can add a tablespoon of baking soda to the water before microwaving. Just be aware that this may cause more bubbling, so use a larger bowl.
 
• If your microwave has a removable turntable, take it out and wash it separately in the sink for a more thorough clean.
 
• Always check that your bowl is microwave-safe to avoid any mishaps.

 

What to Expect:

• This method is great for loosening everyday food splatters and making your microwave smell fresher.
• It’s a quick, low-effort way to tackle light to moderate messes without harsh scrubbing.

 

 

How to Clean Your Microwave with Wet Paper Towels and Steam

 

• Grab a few sheets of paper towel—enough to make a small handful. Dampen them with water, but don’t soak them to the point of dripping. You want them wet, not sopping.

 

• Place the wet paper towels right in the center of your microwave’s turntable. No need for a plate or bowl—just the towels themselves.

 

• Microwave on high for about 2–3 minutes. The towels will heat up and create steam, which helps loosen food splatters and gunk stuck to the microwave walls and ceiling. (If your microwave is especially grimy, you can go up to 5 minutes, but keep an eye on it.)

 

• Let the towels sit inside for a minute or two after the timer goes off. This gives the steam a little extra time to work its magic. Be careful when opening the door—there may be a burst of hot steam.

 

• Carefully remove the paper towels. They’ll be hot, so use tongs or wait until they cool a bit. Use these same towels to wipe down the inside of the microwave. The loosened mess should come off with less effort than usual.

 

• For stubborn spots, you can repeat the process or use a non-abrasive sponge dampened with water. Avoid anything scratchy that could damage the microwave’s interior.

 

• Leave the door open for a few minutes to let any remaining moisture evaporate. This helps prevent odors and keeps things fresh.

 

• Pro tip: If you want a little extra cleaning power, you can add a splash of lemon juice to the paper towels before microwaving. It’ll help with odors and leave a fresh scent, but it’s not required for the steam to do its job.