5 Ways To Clean Your Microwave Naturally

Benefits of using natural cleaning products 

Natural cleaning products are becoming increasingly popular, and all for good reason. Natural products can effectively clean, deodorize and often sanitize multiple surfaces. They are also generally more gentle and can be safely used on numerous appliances without causing damage. Additionally, they provide you with peace of mind. 

Non-toxic natural cleaning products will not cause any harm to your family (especially if you have young children or babies) and are more environmentally friendly. They can also be more budget-friendly than other traditional cleaning materials. 

How to clean your microwave naturally: 5 ways 

1. Lemon 

Lemon is a popular natural cleaning product that can be used all around the house, including in the kitchen. The natural acidity of lemons helps to lift grease, whilst its zesty aroma neutralizes any lingering smells left in the microwave. 

The best way to use lemon to clean your microwave is by squeezing a few tablespoons of lemon juice into a cup with 2-3 cups of water. Place this cup of water with the lemon juice in the microwave, and run the microwave on high for 3-4 minutes. The lemon water will create a steam that loosens any food residue, making it easy to wipe off with a damp cloth. You can also use squeeze diluted lemon juice to a warm cloth and wipe down the external surfaces of the microwave. 

2. Vinegar

Vinegar is another popular option amongst those who use natural products for their cleaning needs. Like lemon, its natural acid properties help to break down grease and grime, while deodorizing any lingering odors. 

Vinegar can be used in a similar way to lemon when cleaning a microwave. Placing a cup of water, with half a cup of vinegar in the microwave and running it on high for a few minutes will allow the mixture to steam and loosen up any food build-up. The microwave can then be easily wiped down with a damp cloth. This process can be repeated if your microwave needs some extra TLC. Additionally, vinegar can also be used on the cloth to wipe down the microwave for a heavy-duty clean. 

3. Baking soda 

Baking soda is also a great tool to use when it comes to cleaning your microwave. It can be used in the same way as lemon and vinegar, when cleaning the microwave. Dissolve a couple of tablespoons of baking soda in water and microwave the mixture, until the steam loosens any debris that can easily be wiped off. 

Baking soda is also gentle enough to be sprinkled directly onto the microwave. This helps to absorb any excess oils, whilst also neutralizing any odors. After letting the baking soda sit for a few minutes, wet a soft cloth with warm water, and scrub away any grime left in your microwave. The water from the cloth will turn the baking soda into a great cleaning paste. Once most of the baking soda has been turned into a paste and used to clean, it can be wiped off with a clean cloth. 

4. Essential oils 

Essential oils are great for many things, cleaning being one of them. Lemon Oil and tea tree oil are both great options to clean your microwave with. Tea tree oil has a strong smell that can effectively combat unpleasant smells coming from your microwave. It also has strong antibacterial properties, making it a great option to choose when cleaning your microwave. 

Essential oils are powerful, so you’ll only need 2-3 drops of either essential oil in a bowl of water to clean your microwave. Place this bowl containing the essential oils and water in the microwave, and run it on high for a few minutes. The steam containing the essential oils will have evaporated and loosened any grime from the microwave, whilst neutralizing any bad smells. You can then use a damp cloth to remove any food debris and other dirt build-up. If you find that there is still oily residue, this can be removed using a small amount of lemon juice or vinegar, which will help to lift these oils. 

5. Castile soap 

If your microwave requires a heavy-duty cleaner that is still natural, castile soap may be the answer. Castile soap is a soap that is made entirely with plant-based ingredients, usually with olive oil as its base. This soap is a great option for cleaning as it is free of harsh chemicals but has the same benefits as traditional soap options. 

Castile soap can be used like regular soap when cleaning the microwave. Wet a cloth with warm water and rub some of the castile soap onto the cloth. Remove the turn plate, washing it separately, before scrubbing the inside of the microwave with the warm soapy cloth until it is clean. Ensure the microwave is fully dry before placing the turn plate back on the microwave. 

Signs your microwave needs a clean

If you’re like many, your microwave likely does a lot of heavy lifting in the kitchen. It is also usually neglected during a quick clean of the kitchen, resulting in build-up and grime that accumulates over time. 

If you notice that there is food left over on the spinning plate, or food build up on the sides of the microwave — it is time for a clean. Additionally, any lingering odors are a true telltale sign that your microwave is in dire need of a good scrub. 

Enursing that you are cleaning your microwave regularly is a great way to ensure that food does not build up, making cleaning a bigger task than it needs to be. 

How often should you be cleaning your microwave? 

Regularly cleaning your microwave is important to ensure that food residue does not build up, resulting in unpleasant odors and long-term dirt which is much more difficult to remove. Like many things, how often you need to clean your microwave depends on how much you use it. However, most people should be thoroughly cleaning their microwave once a month, wiping it down between this time. This will ensure your microwave remains hygienic and makes your work a lot easier.