The microwave is one of the appliances we use most and, at the same time, one we clean least. Sauce splatters, bits of reheated food and smells that linger: if you're wondering how to clean a microwave inside without spending half an hour scrubbing, you're in the right place. In this guide we'll show you simple, natural methods, from cleaning a microwave with lemon to the definitive trick for when everything is baked on. All with things you almost certainly already have at home.
Why it pays to clean the microwave often
Every time you heat a plate without covering it, tiny droplets of food fly onto the walls and ceiling of the appliance. With the heat, those bits dry out, harden and end up burning over and over, creating dark marks and that unpleasant "old food" smell. Built-up grime can also affect performance and leave the microwave heating less efficiently. The good news is that if you clean it regularly you'll barely need any effort: the steam does almost all the work for you.
How to clean a microwave with lemon
This is the most popular method and by far the best-smelling one. The acidic steam from the lemon softens grease and neutralises odours without any chemicals. Follow these steps:
- Cut a lemon in half and squeeze it into a microwave-safe bowl along with a glass of water. Drop both halves in as well.
- Heat on full power for 3 to 5 minutes, until the inside fills with steam.
- Don't open the door: leave it for another 5 minutes so the steam keeps working on the grime.
- Take the bowl out carefully, as it will be hot, and wipe the walls with a cloth or sponge. The dirt comes away almost by itself.
If any stubborn patch remains, dip the cloth in that same lemon water and go over it again. It's the quickest and most pleasant way to get it gleaming.
How to clean a microwave with vinegar and bicarbonate of soda
When the smell is strong or there's limescale from hard water, the vinegar and bicarbonate of soda duo works wonders. Mix half a glass of water with half a glass of white vinegar in a bowl and heat it for about 5 minutes, just as with the lemon. The vinegar steam disinfects and lifts the grease.
For the most baked-on marks, make a paste with bicarbonate of soda and a little water, apply it to the stain with a cloth and leave it for a few minutes before rubbing gently. Bicarbonate acts as a mild abrasive that won't scratch the interior. Finish by wiping over with a cloth dampened with water alone to remove any residue.
How to clean a very dirty microwave with baked-on grease
If you haven't cleaned it in a while and the grease is burnt on, combine both tricks. First create steam with water and vinegar for 5 minutes and let it sit. Then, while the inside is still warm, apply the bicarbonate paste to the darkest areas and leave it for ten minutes. You'll see the grime soften and lift away without needing harsh scourers.
Don't forget the turntable and the roller ring: take them out and wash them separately in hot soapy water, like any other dish. And pay attention to the ceiling of the microwave, the area most people ignore and where the most grease collects.
Mistakes to avoid
- Using metal scourers: they scratch the interior and can damage the coating.
- Pouring water straight into the vents: never soak the air outlet or the slotted sections of the walls.
- Cleaning while it's plugged in and hot: unplug it before scrubbing properly, for safety.
- Overdoing harsh products: bleach and strong degreasers leave smells that later transfer to your food.
How often to clean it and how to keep it clean
Ideally, give it a quick going-over each week and a thorough clean once a month. To keep it cleaner in the first place, always cover plates with a microwave-safe lid or a sheet of kitchen paper: that prevents most splatters. Wiping up the moment something splashes, while it's still fresh, saves you a great deal of work later.
With these tricks, keeping the microwave spotless stops being a chore. And if you're refreshing your kitchen or looking for small accessories to make everyday life easier, take a look at our selection of household products: practical, good-looking solutions so your kitchen works better and looks even better.