Mistakes Most of Us Make When Cleaning the Microwave

Despite your best efforts, keeping your microwave clean can be a difficult task. When water from food splatters, it often hardens over time, making it even more difficult to clean.

Add in the difficulty of reaching tight corners and along the walls of the microwave, and it's no surprise that the microwave is one of the most difficult kitchen appliances to clean. However , cleaning a microwave is much easier than most people think; we're just doing it wrong. Here are some common mistakes people make when cleaning their microwave , and how to clean it properly, according to experts.

The biggest mistake when cleaning the microwave

According to Lisa Macqueen, CEO of Cleancorp, the biggest mistake most people make when cleaning their microwave is actually quite simple: scrubbing while the oven is still cold and dry .

'It's common to grab a sponge and start scrubbing away dried-on splatters, but this makes cleaning ten times more difficult and can damage the interior over time, ' the expert shares.

This happens because food splatters can stick to the ceiling and walls of the microwave every time we use it, forming a sticky crust.

As a result, when trying to clean hardened food particles, we will inevitably make a mess everywhere, possibly even scratching the inside of the microwave.

' If you don't soften the stain first, you'll end up spending more effort than necessary (and no one wants that to happen), ' adds Macqueen.

Instructions for cleaning the microwave properly

The secret to properly cleaning your microwave is harnessing the power of steam, says Macqueen.

Start by filling a microwave-safe bowl with water. The water alone will create steam in the microwave, loosening up stubborn debris. However, Macqueen recommends adding a splash of vinegar or a few slices of lemon for extra cleaning power. The acidity in both makes them popular natural cleaners in the kitchen and around the house.

Next, place the bowl in the microwave and heat for three to five minutes. The goal is to heat the inside of your microwave and steam it. ' This softens all the stains, making them easier to wipe away; no scrubbing, no damage, ' says Macqueen.

Once done, leave the bowl in the microwave with the door closed for another three to five minutes. At this point, the inside of your microwave will be warm and moist, and the stuck food will be soft and easy to remove.

Finally, wipe away any residue with a damp cloth. You can also add a little dish soap to help remove any stubborn stains. Finally, wipe again with a dry cloth or paper towel.

Not only will this method help you avoid accidentally scratching the inside of your microwave, it's also much easier, and even faster, than scrubbing to scrape off stubborn stains.

Tips for cleaning the microwave properly

1. Never use harsh chemicals, such as bleach, to clean your microwave, as they can contaminate food.
2. Never use abrasive cleaning tools, such as steel wool, when cleaning the microwave, as they can scratch and damage the appliance.
3. When cleaning the microwave, don't forget to remove the glass turntable and wash it thoroughly.
4. Also don't forget to vacuum or wipe down the outside of the microwave, paying special attention to the vents, which can become clogged with dirt over time.
5. To avoid contaminating the microwave, cover food with a paper towel or microwave-safe screen.

Marvin Fry

Update 13 August 2025