Yep, microwaves might be a total godsend for quick and easy cooking but they sure as hell get dirty quick. I don’t know what it is about microwaves and mess but they seem to accumulate grease, grime, and nasty smells seriously quickly. Sigh.
I don’t know about you but I feel like my microwave ends up in a mess after just a few uses (no matter how careful I am when I use it) which means I’m constantly cleaning it. Which is why I recently decided to swap from using chemical-packed cleaning sprays to clean my microwave and instead use distilled white vinegar.
Thinking of doing the same and swapping out your go-to cleaning sprays for a more natural alternative? Well, I can confidently say that you won’t be disappointed if you opt to use vinegar to clean with instead. It might be a little whiffy but it works a total treat, and it’s ultra quick and easy to use.
Looking to trying it yourself? Take a look at my pointers for how to clean a microwave with vinegar.
Good to know
Time: 20 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Here’s what you’ll need
- White vinegar (this Heinz distilled vinegar from Amazon is my normal go-to)
- Microwave-safe bowl or jug (like this 3-piece jug set from Amazon)
- Sponge
- Dry cloth
How to clean a microwave with vinegar
Step 1: Dilute the vinegar with water
Fill a microwave safe bowl or jug and fill with warm water, and then add ½ cup of distilled white vinegar.
Step 2: Heat the vinegar
Place the bowl and the mixture into the microwave and heat on full power for seven minutes — or until you notice the water starting to boil.
Step 3: Let the mixture sit
Once the microwave has finished heating up the water, leave the bowl in the microwave with the door closed for the following five minutes. This will ensure that all the steam remains trapped inside, helping to loosen any grease or grime built up.
Step 4: Let the steam out
Open the microwave door (be careful not to burn yourself on the steam) and allow the steam to disperse from inside the microwave.
Step 5: Wipe the interior of the microwave out
Use a dampened sponge to wipe around the inside of the microwave, including wiping down the roof, door, and the sides of the door. You should find that any grime or grease wipes easily away thanks to the steam.
Step 6: Wash the microwave plate
Remove the turntable plate from the microwave and either wash by hand or place in the dishwasher to be cleaned. Once clean, dry it off with a cloth and place it back inside the microwave.
Step 7: Dry the microwave
Using a clean, dry cloth, carefully dry the inside of the microwave.
FAQS
Is it safe to clean a microwave with vinegar?
Yes, it’s safe to use vinegar (mixed with water, obvi) to clean your microwave. In fact, it’s probably a lot safer than using chemical-packed cleaning products on the inside of your microwave.
