How to Clean a Microwave: Easy Methods to Remove Grease, Odors, and Stains

The microwave is one of the most frequently used appliances in the kitchen. Therefore, knowing how to clean a microwave is essential for its proper functioning and longevity. With frequent use, food residue and grease accumulate, generating unpleasant odors.

How to clean inside of microwave? Currently, there are various methods to make it look like new without damaging it. Yorleny’s Cleaning Services tells you how to clean your microwave and offers the best home remedies, from vinegar and baking soda to specialized cleaning products. Keep reading to find out more!

Why Cleaning Your Microwave Regularly Matters

What Happens When Food Build-Up Is Ignored

The microwave is one of the most frequently used appliances in the kitchen, but also one of the easiest to get dirty. Hence the importance of knowing how to clean a microwave properly. Food scraps, splatters, and odors can accumulate quickly, affecting both its appearance and functionality. Keeping it clean not only improves its appearance but also helps extend its lifespan.

How a Clean Microwave Improves Safety and Efficiency

Knowing how to clean a microwave is important for guaranteeing food safety, increasing appliance efficiency, and extending the unit’s life. Regular cleaning removes bacteria-prone food remains, avoids fires caused by accumulated grease, and maintains optimal energy usage. According to the CDC, food-contact surfaces should be cleaned regularly to reduce the risk of bacteria growth.

How to Clean the Inside of a Microwave

Removing Dried-On Food

To remove dried-on food and residue from your microwave, you can use a sponge, paper towel, or cloth dampened with hot water and a few drops of dish soap. After this step, wipe away the soap with a damp paper towel and then dry the appliance to prevent moisture buildup.

Additionally, the steam cleaning method, discussed later, is probably the best way to clean inside of microwave.

Cleaning the Turntable Step by Step

The turntable and ring frequently acquire the most grease and food residue.

• Remove and Cool: Allow the turntable to completely cool before immersing it in water, as a hot glass tray can shatter when exposed to cold water.
• Wash: Hand wash the turntable and roller ring with dish soap and a non-abrasive scrubber, or put them in the dishwasher if they are dishwasher safe.
• Clean underneath: While the tray is out, wipe down the microwave’s floor, paying special care to the drive bushing and rollers.
• Dry and Replace: Make sure the turntable and ring are totally dry before reinstalling.

Cleaning the Microwave With Vinegar

Steam Cleaning Method

The best way to clean a microwave is the steam-cleaning method, which involves heating a basin of water with 1-2 tablespoons of vinegar or lemon juice for 3-5 minutes. Allow it to sit for 5 minutes to release filth before wiping off the interior with a damp cloth or sponge.

Here is the step by step:

• In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup water and 1 tablespoon vinegar (or lemon). Microwave for 3–5 minutes, or until the water boils and the interior is steaming.
• Close the microwave lid for another 2-5 minutes to let the steam break down tough, stuck-on food and grease.
• Carefully remove the bowl, then clean down the interior with a moist cloth or sponge, including the walls, ceiling, and flooring.
• Remove the glass turntable and clean it in the sink with warm soapy water or in the dishwasher.
• If aromas remain, place a bowl of baking soda inside (while the microwave is turned off) to absorb lingering odors.

How Vinegar Removes Odors and Grease

Cleaning a microwave with vinegar entails producing acidic, hot steam that breaks down baked-on food, dissolves sticky grease, and neutralizes odors. In a bowl, combine equal parts water and white vinegar, then microwave on high for 2-5 minutes. Allow to set for 10-15 minutes before wiping clean.

How to Clean the Microwave With a Lemon

Lemon Steam Method for Fresh Smell

Lemon not only disinfects your microwave, but it also leaves a fresh and pleasant aroma. For this reason, it’s an easy way to clean microwave, a natural and effective way to keep your appliance clean and bacteria-free.

• Cut a lemon in half and squeeze its juice into a bowl with a cup of water.
• Place the squeezed lemon halves in the bowl and microwave for 3-5 minutes.
• Let the steam work, wipe with a cloth, and enjoy an odor-free microwave.

When to Use This Natural Option

Lemon is a natural, non-toxic solution to remove sticky, dried-on food splatters, degrease surfaces, and reduce unpleasant odors from a microwave. This approach is the best way to clean a microwave suited for normal maintenance (e.g., weekly) or after cooking sticky foods, as it uses steam to release filth for easy, scrub-free cleaning.

How to Clean a Microwave With Baking Soda

Removing Tough Stains and Burnt Spots

If you need a more powerful solution for removing tough stains, baking soda is your best friend. Its gentle abrasive action allows you to clean without damaging the microwave’s surface.

• Mix two tablespoons of baking soda with water to form a paste.
• Apply the mixture to the stains and let it sit for 5 minutes.
• Rub with a sponge and remove with a damp cloth.

Deodorizing With Baking Soda Paste

Baking soda paste deodorizes the microwave because it’s a base (alkaline pH) that chemically neutralizes the volatile acids responsible for unpleasant odors, absorbing them instead of just masking them. When using this method of how to clean a microwave, the mild abrasive paste cleans away stains and greasy residue that cause these smells.

How to Sanitize a Microwave Safely

Best Practices for Disinfecting

The best practice on how to clean a microwave to safely and effectively disinfect it, is to generate steam with a mixture of water and white vinegar or lemon juice at full power for 3-5 minutes. The steam softens grease, eliminating bacteria without harsh chemicals, allowing you to clean with a sponge or non-abrasive cloth.

What Products to Avoid

When cleaning a microwave, avoid using materials that can damage the internal coating, emit harmful fumes, or cause fires. Do not use metal scouring pads, bleach, ammonia-based cleansers, oven cleaners, or hard abrasive sponges.

Common Microwave Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

Abrasive Tools to Avoid

When learning how to clean a microwave, it is important to avoid using hard abrasive equipment such as steel wool, metal scouring pads, and stiff-bristled brushes, which can permanently scrape the inner surface and destroy the protective covering. To avoid developing bacteria-filled crevices, use a soft cloth, microfiber towel, or non-scratch sponge.

Incorrect Product Combinations

Cleaning a microwave requires avoiding product combinations that damage the interior coating or release harmful fumes. Understanding how to clean a microwave properly helps prevent corrosion and electrical issues. The most serious mistakes involve aggressive chemicals, improper tools, and poor moisture control.

Here are common microwave cleaning mistakes to avoid.

Mixing Harsh Chemicals (Bleach and Ammonia)

The Mistake: Using oven cleansers, bleach, or ammonia-based treatments to remove tough stains.

The result is that these chemicals can corrode the interior, remove the protective covering, and, when heated, emit hazardous vapors that can persist and taint future food. Instead, use mild dish soap, water, or natural treatments such as lemon juice or diluted vinegar.

Concentrated Acids (Undiluted Vinegar or Lemon)

The Mistake: Scrubbing with undiluted vinegar or lemon juice.

In concentrated form, acids can damage the microwave’s finish over time. The best way to clean a microwave with vinegar or lemon is to mix them with equal parts water. This creates a safe steam-cleaning solution that loosens grime without harming surfaces.

Direct Spray of Liquids

The Mistake: Spraying cleansers directly on interior walls, particularly near vents or the control panel.

Liquid can seep into vents and internal components, causing rust or electrical damage. For an easy way to clean microwave interiors safely, spray the product onto a cloth first. Then wipe surfaces carefully to control moisture exposure

Quick Microwave Cleaning Routine for South Florida Homes

Odor Prevention in Humid Climates

In addition to the microwave cleaning methods already mentioned, there are some practices that can help you keep your appliance in excellent condition for longer, particularly in humid climates like Florida’s. Here are some helpful tips:

• Avoid using abrasive scouring pads that can scratch the surface.
• If there are stuck-on food scraps, use a sponge with hot water to soften them before wiping them off.
• Use a trivet to prevent splattering and reduce how often you need to clean.
• Check the vent filter and clean it regularly to improve your microwave’s performance.
• If your microwave has a turntable, remove it and wash it separately to ensure a thorough cleaning.

How Often to Clean Your Microwave

Clean your microwave at least once a week to avoid bacteria growth and tough, baked-on food stains. To avoid odors, it is recommended that you clean down splatters on a daily basis. A deep steam cleaning (with vinegar or lemon) should be done every month.

When to Consider Professional Home Cleaning

If Your Kitchen Needs a Deeper Reset

Learning how to clean a microwave is an important step in maintaining a hygienic kitchen. However, if grease buildup, strong odors, and hidden grime extend beyond one appliance, it may be a sign your kitchen needs a deeper overall reset. High-touch surfaces, cabinet fronts, and countertops can accumulate residue over time, especially in busy households.

How House Cleaning Services Help Maintain Appliances

Knowing how to clean a microwave helps with routine upkeep, but professional house cleaning services ensure your entire kitchen stays consistently fresh. Trained cleaners focus on appliances, hard-to-reach areas, and overlooked surfaces, helping extend the lifespan of your kitchen equipment while supporting a cleaner, healthier home environment.

Contact us today to learn how Yorleny’s Cleaning Services can help keep your kitchen and appliances spotless in your Florida home.

FAQs About How to Clean a Microwave

How to clean the microwave with a lemon?

When learning how to clean a microwave with a lemon, heat a bowl of water and lemon slices for 3–5 minutes, let the steam loosen grease, then wipe the interior with a clean cloth.

How to clean a microwave inside?

To understand how to clean your microwave inside, remove the turntable, wipe loose crumbs, steam-clean stains with water or vinegar, and dry all surfaces before reassembling.

How to clean a microwave with vinegar?

If you want to know how to clean a microwave using vinegar, heat equal parts water and vinegar for several minutes, allow steam to soften residue, and wipe thoroughly.

How to clean a microwave vent?

For those wondering how to clean your microwave vent, unplug the appliance, remove or access the filter if possible, wash it with warm soapy water, and wipe exterior vents to remove grease buildup.