One of the most commonly used kitchen appliances is the microwave. Over time, food, dirt, and grease accumulate in your microwave because of everything you heat up in there. It hardens and becomes much more difficult to clean if you do not clean it shortly after heating your food. Some people prefer bleach for cleaning the microwave. But is it smart to clean the microwave with bleach?
Despite its common use in the kitchen, bleach isn’t as effective for killing bacteria and debris from the microwave as other cleaning methods. Additionally, bleach can cause brittleness in your machine’s plastic. Due to this, you should avoid using bleach to clean your microwave.
Here, I will share some effective ways of cleaning the microwave without using bleach. You will also know the effect of using bleach on the microwave. So, keep reading.
Should You Clean the Microwave with Bleach?
Do not clean the microwave with bleach. Bleach does not remove dirt, but rather it bleaches, leaving behind the white spots. However, it is recommended that you regularly clean your microwave, such as with a Mixigoo Microwave Cleaner.
You should remove the turntable as the first step in thorough cleaning and place it into warm soapy water while you clean the rest of your microwave using Mixigoo cleaner.
Your microwave will be clean and odor-free after using the cleaner, which cuts through dirt, grease, and grime on top of burnt-on food. You can use your microwave immediately after using the non-toxic cleaner.
Ensure that all food debris and dirt have been removed from the glass turntable before you put it back into the microwave.
It’s simple to follow these simple tips, and using dedicated cleaning products ensures your microwave will work to its full potential for many years to come, giving you a worry-free microwave experience whether you’re looking to reheat, defrost or cook.
Effective Methods to Clean the Microwave
Following are some effective methods to clean microwaves.
Cleaning With Vinegar
- Add two cups of vinegar and two tablespoons of water to a glass measuring cup. You can lessen the vinegar in smell by adding a drop of one of your favorite essential oils. In a microwave, place the container.
- For five minutes, set the microwave to high. There needs to be a lot of steam in there. You should wait another fifteen minutes before opening the door to allow the crusted-on grime to melt.
- Removing the container should be done with care. You may have to deal with heat.
- With a clean rag, wipe down the turntable.
- Ensure not to get any liquid on the vents or sides of the microwave by wiping down the sides, doors, bottom, and top with paper towels. To remove spots, apply a mixture of vinegar and water using a sponge.
- Replacing the turntable is necessary.
Cleaning With Lemon
- One lemon should be squeezed and made mushy by pressing it. Make two halves of it.
- Measure one cup of water into a large measuring cup.
- Pour into the water also the lemon halves squeezed from their halves.
- Microwave the container for 5 to 10 minutes on high.
- Five more minutes are needed to let it set. Afterward, remove the bowl by carefully opening the door. You may have to deal with heat.
- Using a dishcloth, clean the microwave’s turntable and interior surfaces and then replace the turntable.
Cleaning With Window Cleaner
It is not recommended to mix window cleaner with other household cleaners because it contains ammonia.
- Using the microwave-safe bowl, add a cup of water, then spray ten pumps or a two-second pour of window cleaner in it.
- Make sure to use window cleaner to clean inside the microwave, particularly if baked-on spills are present.
- Then microwave it for approximately five minutes on high.
- Remove the bowl carefully after waiting five minutes. Please be aware that it might be hot.
- The turntable should be removed and cleaned with wet and dry paper towels.
- Work your way from the top to the bottom of the microwave, starting with the inside surfaces. To ensure it’s completely dry, wipe it with a clean cloth.
- Replacing the turntable is necessary.
Cleaning With Soap
- Put warm water in a bowl and add a few drops of dishwashing liquid. A sponge should be soaked and squeezed in the water until it is full of suds.
- Put a soapy sponge in the sink and scrub the turntable. It needs to be rinsed and allowed to dry.
- By dampening a rag or paper towel, take out all the crumbs from the microwave.
- Begin by cleaning the top of the microwave with a soapy sponge. Apply suds to all the sides of the microwave in a circular motion, being cautious to keep them out of the vents. Ensure all dirt is gone by repeating the process with clean suds.
- With a damp paper towel, wipe surfaces to remove water suds, taking care not to wet the vents.
- To prevent streaking, use a dry towel to wipe everything.
- It is time to replace the turntable.
How Often Should You Clean Your Microwave?
It is good to clean the microwave once a week or when there is obvious splatter inside. When to do this is not set in stone. Microwave ovens are not only fast at cooking but well-suited to cleaning as well.
It usually only takes a half cup of water and half cup of white vinegar to clean it. The mixture should come to a rolling boil in a microwave-safe bowl after passing through the steam tester, microwave on high for a few seconds.
After the interior has cooled, completely clean it with a wet sponge. If you’re cleaning the keypad, don’t forget to wipe it as well. To clean the cloth, use soapy water or a microfiber cloth.