Microwaves are often well-worn. Spills and splatters dot their ceilings; splattered food stuffs line their walls.
To clean your microwave, you can use the harsh chemicals on sale at supermarkets and hardware stores, or you can apply an all-natural approach which yields the same results, with only slightly more preparation time.
The extra time may be worth it, too, considering that the chemicals of an over-the-counter cleaner may seep into your foods over time.
To keep your microwave fresh and clean, using organic materials only, here’s what to do :
- Unplug your microwave from the wall for safety.
- Gather a microwave safe bowl; 1 1/4 cups of water; a lemon; baking soda; white vinegar; and cleaning cloths.
- Slice the lemon and place the slices into your bowl. Add the water.
- Heat the bowl in the microwave for 7 minutes. Leave the microwave door closed for an additional 5 minutes.
- Remove the bowl (CAUTION : Bowl will be hot).
- Remove the microwave’s glass cooking surface and wheel system. Hand wash and set aside to dry.
- Dip a clean cloth in the lemon water mixture.
- Wipe down the microwave’s exterior and interior surfaces, remoistening the cloth as required.
- Moisten a clean cloth with vinegar. Wipe down the microwave door’s interior surface.
- Replace glass and wheel system, and plug the microwave back in to the wall.
If you find lingering stains in your microwave, mix baking soda with water to form a thick paste. Dip a corner of your cleaning cloth into the paste and apply it to the stain directly, gently rubbing in a circular motion until the stain is gone.
Microwaves should be cleaned at least once weekly for optimal performance.