How to clean a microwave with steam in five minutes
How to clean a microwave: heat a bowl of water to make steam, wipe the loosened food off the walls and clean the plate separately. One product at a time.
Malik Zerrouki3 min read
10 minutes. Costs nothing.
Try this first (costs nothing): put a microwave-safe bowl with about a cup of water in the middle. Heat it for 3 to 5 minutes. Leave the door shut for 5 more minutes. The steam softens dried food, and a damp cloth wipes it off.
Steps
- Take the bowl out with oven gloves. It will be hot.
- Remove the turntable and wash it in warm soapy water.
- Wipe the ceiling, walls and door seal with a damp cloth.
- Dry with a clean cloth.
- Wipe the outside last.
Use one product at a time. Some people add lemon or vinegar to the water. It is not needed, and smells can linger. Do not follow with another cleaner.
Safety
Use a bowl that is microwave-safe, and do not heat plain water for too long. Water in a smooth bowl can overheat and splash when you move it. Stop at the time above, wait a minute and take the bowl out carefully.
If that does not work
Stubborn spots need a second round of steam, or a gentle scrape with a plastic spatula. Do not use metal. If the inside paint is flaking or the microwave sparks, stop using it and call a repair person.
Skip it if
Skip strong chemical sprays inside a microwave. Cover food next time with a splatter lid. For a smell in the kitchen, see fridge smell fix.
Keep it clean for longer
A splatter cover over food stops most of the mess. Wipe up spills the same day, while they are soft. A quick damp wipe once a week takes less time than a deep clean once a season.
What to do about smells
Leftover fish or popcorn smells can linger. Steam helps, and so does leaving the door open for an hour once it is clean. Use one method at a time rather than adding sprays. Strong sprays inside a food appliance can leave a taste.
Worked example
If the walls have two small splashes and a dried-on ring of tomato sauce, the steam routine above is usually enough. If the mess is a whole year of layers, expect to repeat the steam twice and wipe in between. That is still under 30 minutes in total.
For stuck-on food in a pan, see how to clean a burnt pan, and for the cloth, microfibre cloth vs sponge.
More to read
Keep reading
Steam mop vs regular mop: which is worth buying
Steam mop vs regular mop: steam suits sealed hard floors and avoids chemicals, a regular mop is cheaper and safer for wood. A table and a floor-type rule.
Malik Zerrouki4 min read
Vinegar vs citric acid for limescale: which to use
Vinegar vs citric acid for limescale: both dissolve it. Vinegar is already in your cupboard, citric acid has no smell and rinses cleaner. Pick by job.
Malik Zerrouki4 min read
How to get red wine out of carpet: what to do right now
Red wine spilled on carpet? Blot, never rub, dab with cold water and then use a mild soap solution. Steps for fresh and dried stains, plus what not to do.
Malik Zerrouki3 min read
The cleaning shelf you can halve
A column on why most homes can clean well with a few products used one at a time, and how to cut the cupboard of sprays down without losing anything.
Chloé Petit4 min read
How to remove limescale from a shower head
Remove limescale from a shower head by soaking it in a bag of white vinegar for an hour, then brushing the nozzles clear. Steps, limits and safety tips.
Malik Zerrouki3 min read
Washing machine smell: how to fix it and keep it away
Fix a washing machine smell by cleaning the door seal and detergent drawer, running a hot empty wash and leaving the door open. Steps from free to replace.
Malik Zerrouki6 min read