The microwave is one of the most reliable kitchen appliances to have at home. So here’s a natural and effortless hack that’s going to give you a sparkling clean and fragrant kitchen appliance!
In this article, you’ll learn how to clean your microwave with just a lemon. We’ll also give you helpful tips on using alternatives like white vinegar for the same purpose.
If you’re a hygiene fanatic like myself, also check out my guide on the best methods to clean your oven so you can keep your kitchen spotless and fresh all year round.
Don’t miss out on these top tips and tricks that are sure to make your cleaning routine a breeze!
How to Clean a Microwave With Lemon
Lemons are an all-natural and versatile fruit that can be used for various household cleaning tasks, including cleaning the microwave. Their natural acidity makes them effective in breaking down grime and grease while also leaving a fresh and citrusy scent behind.
Create Steam
To use lemon for cleaning, simply cut a lemon in half and place it in a microwave-safe bowl filled with water. Heat the bowl inside for a few minutes until the lemon water begins to boil and steam is produced.
Steam the Inside of the Microwave
This helps to loosen the grime and food particles that have built up in the microwave. Let the boiling lemon water and its steam sit inside with the microwave door closed for a few more minutes. This will make the next steps of cleaning much easier and faster.
Remove the Cleaning Solution
Once the steam has done its job, remove the bowl carefully from the microwave and use a sponge or clean cloth to wipe down the interior surface.
Lemon juice can also be used as an alternative to vinegar in cleaning the microwave. Mix one part lemon juice with one part water in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it for a few minutes until it boils and steams.
Wipe Away the Interior Grime
Depending on how often you clean this kitchen appliance, removing grime could take a bit more effort. But the same acidic properties of lemon water solution should be a huge help.
Don’t throw away the leftover lemon water. Dip a sponge in it before you start scrubbing the microwave interior to remove any accumulated grime.
You can also add some baking soda to the damp sponge, which should act as a gentle abrasive agent to effectively remove grime.
Clean the Microwave Turntable
Don’t forget to wash the microwave plate and turntable ring as well. Take these parts out and clean them with a dishwashing liquid on the sink.
Clean the Inside of the Microwave
Next, take a sponge or cloth and use it to clean the inside surfaces of the microwave. The acidic properties of lemon juice will break down the dirt and grease, while the nice fresh scent will leave your microwave smelling great.
Not only does this citrus fruit work as an all-natural clean magic eraser and an effective way to keep your microwave clean, but it’s also an eco-friendly solution that doesn’t involve the use of harsh chemicals.
Step-By-Step Guide To Clean Microwave With a Lemon
First, gather the materials you will need to clean your microwave with lemon, which include the following:
- A single lemon
- A microwave-safe bowl
- One cup of water
- A cloth or sponge
- Baking soda (optional)
Here are the steps to clean the microwave with lemon:
- Slice one lemon in half and squeeze the juice into a bowl that is safe to use in the microwave. You can also add the fruit to the bowl for extra cleansing power.
- Add a cup of water to the bowl.
- Place the bowl in the microwave and turn it on high for three minutes, allowing the lemon water to come to a boil.
- Leave the microwave door closed for an additional five minutes to allow the steam to penetrate the grime and loosen the dirt and food stains.
- Carefully remove the bowl.
- Scrub the inside with a damp cloth or sponge. Tougher stains can be removed with the lemon halves or with a paste of fresh juice and baking soda.
- Wipe the microwave with a dry cloth or towel to remove any remaining moisture.
- Clean the exterior of the kitchen appliance to remove dust and dirt from the surface.
Alternative Cleaning Methods to Clean a Microwave
While the fruit is one of the best things to use in cleaning a microwave naturally, there other household items you can use that are going to be effective as well. If you don’t have this fruit at home, there are other natural cleaning solutions you can use, such as vinegar, baking soda, or dishwashing liquid.
How to Clean a Microwave With Baking Soda
Baking soda is a mild alkali that makes for a great cleaning solution as well. For cleaning a microwave, mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda and 1 cup of warm water in a bowl.
Then, turn the microwave high setting and the timer for 3 to 5 minutes until the baking soda mixture is boiling. Wait another 5 minutes before opening the door and removing the bowl.
Dip a clean cloth or a damp sponge in the baking soda solution. Gently scrub the inside with it.
While this might not give you a fresh scent of citrus fruit after, baking soda works great on removing a burnt smell from a microwave.
How to Clean a Microwave With White Vinegar
Mix equal parts of water and vinegar in a bowl and place it in the microwave. Set it on high for a few minutes or until the solution comes to a rolling boil.
Leave the microwave door closed for a few more minutes. Dip a clean cloth or sponge in the vinegar mixture and start scrubbing the microwave interior.
How to Clean a Microwave With Washing-up Liquid
In a microwave-safe bowl, dilute a few drops of washing-up liquid or dishwashing liquid in warm water. Place it inside the microwave and heat for 1-2 minutes.
Keep the door shut to trap the steam inside the microwave for a few minutes, then carefully remove the turntable ring and microwave plate.
Stir the solution until the suds start to form, and let the solution cool down a little bit. Dip a sponge into the dishwashing liquid mixture and scrub the inside of the microwave.
Let the dirt and grime soak up the washing-up liquid solution for a few minutes, then use a clean cloth to scrub the food stain and residue.
Helpful Tips For Stubborn Stains And Odors
Here are some top tips on how to deal with tougher stains and lingering odors when cleaning your microwave with a lemon:
For Stubborn Stains
If there are still stubborn stains after cleaning with lemon, you can try using a paste made of baking soda and water. Spread the paste over the food stains, and leave it for a few minutes before using a damp cloth to scrub it off.
For Lingering Odors
Sometimes, despite cleaning with lemon, there may still be lingering odors in the microwave. To combat this, place a bowl of water with lemon sliced in half in the microwave and heat it for a few minutes until it boils. Let it sit for a few minutes before you wipe down the microwave.
Additional Cleaning
Don’t forget to give the microwave roof a good scrub. Before you clean the interior, always remove the plate and turntable ring. These parts can be washed with soap and water in the sink.
Pay attention to the outside of your microwave as well, especially both sides of the door. Simply use a damp cloth to wipe down accumulated dust.
If you see a flurry of dust in the microwave’s exhaust vents, cover a toothpick or one end of a chopstick with a damp cloth to pluck out the dirt.
Safety Precautions
When cleaning a microwave with lemon, it is important to take certain safety precautions to avoid accidents and injuries. Here are some helpful tips to follow:
- Allow the lemon and water mixture to cool before removing it from the microwave to avoid burns.
- Make sure to put on gloves to shield your hands from hot surfaces.
- Avoid using metal objects in the microwave as they can cause sparks and damage the appliance.
- Avoid using too much lemon juice or leaving it on the surface for too long, as this can damage the paint and surface of the microwave.
By following these safety precautions, you can ensure a safe and effective cleaning process for your microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Using fresh lemons is the best way to clean a microwave naturally and without harsh chemicals while leaving your kitchen appliance clean and odor-free.
You’ll only need to heat the lemon and water solution for 3 to 5 minutes on a high setting.
Bottled lemon juice can also work because it contains the citric acid you need to clean a microwave with lemon.
Lemon and white vinegar are both effective for a squeaky-clean result, but vinegar tends to leave a strong smell. If you want a refreshing nice scent, fresh fruit for cleaning is the way to go.
It’s best to clean it once a week if you use it frequently. Don’t wait until food residue, dirt, and grime accumulate so it will be easier to maintain a squeaky clean microwave. It’s important to keep your kitchen appliances in tip-top condition because they’re used in preparing food.
A few drops of diluted dishwashing liquid is safe to use, but avoid leaving any soapy residue by following a simple “wipe and rinse” method. Wipe the inside with the sponge, then squeeze and rinse it on the sink before going back to wipe the surface.
A clean microfiber cloth makes for a great microwave wipe once you have removed dirt on the interior. Don’t forget to wipe the nook and cranny of the interior side of the door to make sure no soapy residue is stuck in there.
It’s a nice addition to your kitchen tools, but it’s not necessary. You can get the same result by using a microwave bowl filled with warm water mixed with lemon or white vinegar.
Wrapping it up
Using lemons to clean your microwave is an effective and affordable solution that can help you remove stains, grime, and unpleasant odors.
By following the steps outlined in this article and taking the necessary safety precautions, you can enjoy a clean and hygienic microwave without the use of harsh chemicals.
Remember to clean your microwave regularly to maintain its longevity and prevent the build-up of harmful bacteria.
Try out this natural cleaning solution with lemons and enjoy a fresh and clean microwave in no time.
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