This wonderful post was submitted by a “Raining Hot Writer” (read more about how you can write a frugal and helpful article and get paid for it here). Thanks, Jessica….this is a fantastic idea and does work!
Enjoy…
I always hated cleaning the microwave, not sure If that just me. But between splattered sauces, melted and crusted cheese, and who else even knows what the kids put in there, I have despised this chore.
There is actually a really simple solution that does not require noxious fumes from oven cleaners that have to sit for an hour before they “work” … and even then you need a butter knife to scrap things out of there.
A very simple solution to getting that microwave looking new and smelling good again is actually one of those “duh, why didn’t I think of that” solutions.
- Grab a bowl, coffee mug, or any microwave safe container that can hold a soapy wash cloth that has not been wrung out. Put the wash cloth in the container; throw that bad boy in place the container in the microwave, set the time for about 3 minutes.
- When the buzzer goes off be really careful because the container and wash cloth are going to be scorching hot. This is where having tough skin or dish washing gloves come in handy, if you don’t have either like me, just take the container out and let it cool a bit until you can tough it without being burned.
- It may not look like it but most of the hard part of the job has already been done! Just take the wash cloth out of the container and wipe down the microwave. All the stuck on yuckies are now soft enough to be wiped right off with very little effort.
- If your wash cloth gets too cold or you got sidetracked and the container sat in there too long, just turn it back on for a few minutes and give it another go.
- Use a dry towel and wipe out any water or soap that accumulated in there and you are all done.
Congratulations, your microwave should now look as good as new!
amy murray says
March 3, 2012 at 2:04 pmJust a bowl of water heated in the microwave without having to worry about a scorching hot towel works just as well….the steam loosens the food then it is easy to wipe down.
Nikki says
March 3, 2012 at 2:20 pmI agree Amy. Just a mug/bowl of water heated up is how I have cleaned my microwave for years.
Erin says
March 3, 2012 at 2:46 pmVinegar works well too.
Boil a solution of 1/4 cup of white distilled vinegar and 1 cup of water in the microwave. Will loosen splattered on food and deodorize.
heather says
March 3, 2012 at 6:01 pmThis is what I do too. It works great
Jenny says
March 3, 2012 at 7:59 pmI always use the vinegar and water then wipe it down, works perfect
mitz says
March 3, 2012 at 2:57 pmI just wet 2 paper towels and if I want a good smell I put a drop or two of lemon just.. heat it for 1 to 1.5 minutes and it wipes right off with a fresh smell!
Sophia says
March 3, 2012 at 3:17 pmI am going to have to try this, or even just a bowl of water with some lemon in it. Great idea, I never put too much thought to cleaning the micro perhaps I should.
Tamra Cendejas says
March 3, 2012 at 3:20 pmI just make whoever uses the microwave clean whatever splatters while still warm then you don’t have to worry about it later.
Valerie says
March 3, 2012 at 5:55 pmI just use some vanilla and water in a bowl…Put it in the microwave for 3 min. The steam works magic, wipe clean, and it smells good.
Stacy says
March 3, 2012 at 9:16 pmThis is what I do also! =-)
Amanda N says
March 3, 2012 at 5:56 pmWow, I was just scrubbing out my microwave today. I only got halfway through before having to stop for other stuff. I am going to use this tip to finish it up after supper. Thanks!
Sandi Hall says
March 3, 2012 at 5:58 pmI just pop in a wet sponge for 90 seconds, then let sit for 1 minute, and wipe!
Karina Koji says
March 3, 2012 at 6:05 pmi do the bowl of water with lemon, or use the wet sponge i just disinfected by zapping it for two minutes to wipe the inside down.
jenni min says
March 3, 2012 at 6:07 pmHi Ladies,
I have passed that struggle phase and learned an easy way out. Take the original magic eraser and under 45 seconds, you will be done cleaning it. Magic eraser erases and wipes it like magic and then take wet paper towel and wipe it. Gone all the tough stains and any time you have left over lime or lemon wedges, just put in little water and let the microwave run for 1 minute and lo behold, any smell is all gone.
Sophia says
March 3, 2012 at 7:07 pmI can’t use a magic eraser in mine. I used it to clean the glass plate and it scratched it all up =(
mandy says
March 3, 2012 at 9:01 pmI use water with lemon then wipe it down as well. Use Magic Eraser too and love it. Not sure how a Magic Eraser would scratch glass?
Julia says
March 3, 2012 at 6:10 pmLemon cut into a bowl of water cook 2 min … And wipe clean. Love the fresh scent!
Katie says
March 3, 2012 at 7:13 pmI usr the lemon too julia, when you have a lemon going bad put it to good use.
Jessica K says
March 3, 2012 at 8:45 pmYes…. I too use lemon in water…. No chemicals at all and it smells lemony fresh!!
I have been cleaning my microwave like that for years now!!
samantha says
March 3, 2012 at 7:28 pmLemon and hot water is the best and wiper clean I do it twice a week ad it makes my house smell awsome!!
Dani B says
March 3, 2012 at 7:38 pmGreat tip! Thanks 🙂
Amanda says
March 4, 2012 at 10:53 amYeah, works wonders.
Eva says
March 4, 2012 at 1:43 pmI always put a coffee mug with water and a half of a lemon in and heat it for about 3 min. Then I just take a wet sponge and wipe away the yukkers easily. Sometimes I will spill a bit of my lemon water on my sponge if I need to dampen my sponge more. I’m left with a clean microwave with a lemony clean scent.
Angel says
March 5, 2012 at 7:31 amWow great tip!!! Got one for cleaning my stovetop???? 🙂