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How to Clean a Microwave

Learn how to clean a microwave with water, vinegar or lemon, dish soap, and safe wiping steps. Includes burnt smell fixes, mistakes, troubleshooting, and FAQs.

Home & RepairsEdited by Pramod Tiwari
3 min read
Process overview for Clean a Microwave
A concise overview of the main steps in this guide.

Quick Answer

To clean a microwave, place a microwave-safe bowl with water and a little vinegar or lemon juice inside, heat until steamy, let it sit with the door closed, remove the bowl carefully, wipe the interior with a damp cloth and mild dish soap, wash the turntable separately, then dry everything before using the microwave again.

Supplies Required

  • Microwave-safe bowl
  • 1 cup water
  • White vinegar or lemon juice
  • Mild dish soap
  • Soft cloth or sponge
  • Dry towel

Safety Precautions

  • Use only microwave-safe bowls and never heat sealed containers.
  • Let the bowl cool before handling because hot water and steam can burn skin.
  • Do not spray cleaner directly into vents, controls, or electrical areas.
  • Do not mix cleaning chemicals.
  • Do not use abrasive pads that can damage the interior surface.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Step 1

    Remove loose crumbs and the turntable

    Take out the turntable and support ring if removable. Brush loose crumbs into a cloth or bin.

  2. Step 2

    Make a steam bowl

    Add 1 cup water and 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice to a microwave-safe bowl.

  3. Step 3

    Heat until steamy

    Microwave the bowl for 2 to 5 minutes, depending on buildup. Stop if the bowl boils aggressively.

  4. Step 4

    Let steam soften grime

    Keep the door closed for 3 to 5 minutes so steam loosens dried food.

  5. Step 5

    Remove the bowl carefully

    Use a towel or oven mitt because the bowl and liquid may be hot.

  6. Step 6

    Wipe the interior

    Use a soft damp cloth. Add a drop of dish soap for greasy areas, then wipe again with clean water.

  7. Step 7

    Wash the turntable

    Let glass cool before washing. Clean with warm soapy water, rinse, and dry.

  8. Step 8

    Clean the outside

    Wipe the door, handle, and control panel with a lightly damp cloth. Dry immediately.

Practical Example

Example: Tomato sauce splatters have dried on the ceiling of the microwave. You steam water with lemon juice for 4 minutes, wait 5 minutes, then wipe the softened splatter with a damp cloth and wash the turntable in the sink.

Common Mistakes

  • Scrubbing with rough pads
  • Using too much liquid near vents or controls
  • Heating a sealed container
  • Handling the hot steam bowl without protection
  • Ignoring the turntable support ring
  • Mixing vinegar with other chemicals

Troubleshooting

Food is still stuck on

Repeat the steam step and let it sit longer. Use mild dish soap on a cloth for stubborn spots.

The microwave smells burnt

Steam water with lemon juice, wipe residue, and leave the door open briefly to air out.

Grease remains on the door

Use warm water with a small amount of dish soap, then wipe with clean water and dry.

The turntable is hot

Let it cool fully before washing. Sudden cold water on hot glass can crack it.

FAQs

Can I clean a microwave with vinegar?

Yes. A small amount of white vinegar in water helps loosen odors and grease. Do not mix it with other cleaners.

Can I use lemon instead of vinegar?

Yes. Lemon juice in water is a good alternative if you dislike vinegar smell.

How often should I clean my microwave?

Wipe spills immediately and do a deeper clean weekly or whenever food buildup appears.

Can I use bleach in a microwave?

Avoid bleach for routine microwave cleaning. Mild dish soap, water, vinegar, or lemon are usually enough.

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