What Can You Use to Take Stains & Smells Out of a Microwave?

Lemon

• The acidic nature of lemon makes it an effective cleanser in many situations. The lemon scent gives it the additional ability to cover odors in a confined space like your microwave. To get the best results, put 1/2 cup of lemon juice into a bowl, and mix it with a cup of water. Place the bowl in the microwave, and run it for five minutes. The lemon removes the odor, while the steam makes cleaning as simple as wiping down with a clean cloth.

Water

• Water provides a versatile cleaning option that combines with many different cleaners to do whatever job you need. You can combine it with liquid soap, lemon or detergent, or just use clean water and a cloth to wipe up a mess on almost any surface. Water also makes an effective cleaner because it is easy and safe to dispose of. You can use water to rinse the microwave after other methods have been used, as well.

Vinegar

• Vinegar’s acidic and anti-bacterial properties make it the cleaner of choice in a kitchen setting, where controlling germs is a priority. To clean and disinfect your microwave, pour a cup of vinegar into a bowl filled with 2 cups of water. Microwave it on high for three to four minutes or until the water is boiling. Leave the water in the microwave for several minutes, and then wipe off the dried-on food with a clean cloth. This process cleans and disinfects your microwave in one process.

Baking Soda

• Baking soda’s properties make it a viable option to deodorize your appliances, from sticking a box in your refrigerator to using it to clean your microwave. Baking soda also has the benefit of not scratching the inside of your microwave. All you need to do is pour 4 tbsp. into 1 qt. of water. Dip a cloth or sponge into the solution, and use it to wipe down the inside of your microwave. Getting rid of caked-on food may require a little more elbow grease.