How to Clean Your Microwave with Vinegar

If you’re like most people, your microwave probably gets a workout. Whether you’re reheating leftovers or making popcorn for a movie night, it’s one of the most used appliances in your home. But even though it gets a lot of use, it’s not always easy to keep clean. So if you’re looking for a super simple way to get your microwave sparkling again, vinegar is the answer! Continue reading to learn how to clean a microwave with vinegar easily.

You Will Need the Following:

• A bowl (preferably glass or ceramic) that is microwave safe!
• Two tablespoons of vinegar
• Two cups of water

Step 1 – Remove Any Food or Large Debris from the Microwave.

Before beginning your microwave cleaning journey, removing any food or large debris from the inside is essential. You can do this easily by wiping down all surfaces with a damp cloth. Be sure to pay special attention to nooks and crannies, like corners and edges, as they tend to collect more debris over time. 

Also, depending on how long it has been since you last cleaned your microwave, some bits of food may refuse to let go. That’s ok; the vinegar will help unstick those stubborn bits. 

This step is a great start to ensuring your microwave gets thoroughly cleaned afterward with vinegar.

Step 2 – Combine Vinegar and Water

When cleaning your microwave with vinegar, the first step is to mix two cups of water and two tablespoons of vinegar in a bowl. Although you can use any container or bowl for this task, a glass or ceramic bowl works best. Also, if you don’t have white distilled vinegar on hand, apple cider vinegar can work just as well. 

Make sure not to fill the bowl with too much liquid, as you don’t want it to spill when placed inside the microwave. Then, after mixing the two ingredients, set the bowl inside the microwave and prepare for some vinegar magic!

Step 3 – Steam the Mixture

Once you have a bowl of vinegar and water inside the microwave, set the power to full and turn it on for 5 minutes. The mixture will begin to boil slightly. Boiling will allow the steam to build up in the microwave, which can help loosen any stuck-on food or grease. It also leaves your kitchen smelling nice! 

After the five minutes are over, leave the bowl inside for an additional 2-3 minutes to let everything cool down. Then, open the door and carefully remove the bowl, as it will be very hot – and voila! You’ll have a microwave that can be cleaned with the swipe of a sponge.

Step 4 – Wipe Away the Mess

Now that it has been loosened, you will want to wipe away the remaining mess. Use a clean and dry cloth or sponge to remove any residual dirt, grime, or vinegar. Make sure to go over the door seal as well, as it can easily trap cooking odors. Use your preferred cleaning tool, such as a cloth, sponge, or towel, to give it a good wipe down. Cleaning your microwave has never been easier!

Step 5 – Dry the Microwave

Once you’ve cleaned your microwave with vinegar and water, it’s important to dry it thoroughly. You can do this by wiping down the microwave with a soft cloth or towel. Make sure you get into the corners to ensure there’s no lingering moisture – when working with electronics, moisture is the enemy! 

You can let the microwave air dry if you don’t have a soft cloth or towel. Either way, a fully dried microwave is the last step to being sparkling clean! Now, simply close the door, and enjoy your clean microwave!

Why Should I Clean My Microwave?

Cleaning your microwave is an important part of keeping your kitchen sanitary and safe. Not only does it help remove leftover or spilled food particles, grease, and bacteria, but the heat from the radiation inside can break down the remnants of these substances even further. Regular cleaning also helps keep bad odors away and helps maintain a pleasant aesthetic in your kitchen. Additionally, cleaning your microwave can help extend its lifespan by preventing build-up on the inside that could hinder its performance or cause it to fail altogether.

Benefits of Using White Vinegar

Vinegar has been used to clean surfaces since ancient times. This natural cleaner has antiseptic and antibacterial properties that make it great for removing food residue, odors, and grease from kitchen surfaces, including microwaves. Vinegar is also an environmentally friendly option compared to the harsh chemicals found in traditional cleaners.

Benefits of Using Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has many benefits as a cleaner. It’s pH-balanced and non-toxic, making it much safer than chemical cleaners. It’s also effective at killing bacteria and breaking down grease, grime, and even sticky residue like leftover food. Plus, it’s made from natural compounds, so you don’t have to worry about any harsh and potentially toxic chemicals or fumes coming into contact with your food or family.

Do I Have to Use Vinegar?

No, you can use lemon and water as an alternative and achieve the same results. To clean your microwave using lemon, slice or juice a lemon into two cups of water, and then follow the same instructions listed above as you would for cleaning with vinegar. An added bonus to using lemons is the delightful citrus scent.

Are There Any Negatives to Using Vinegar to Clean My Microwave?

Vinegar can be an effective cleaner, but it is acidic and can cause corrosion over time. It is also quite pungent and can leave behind a strong odor. If you use too much vinegar in the cleaning solution, it can damage the inside of your microwave and erode the surfaces. For these reasons, it is important to use only a small amount when cleaning with vinegar and to make sure that all surfaces are thoroughly rinsed after cleaning.

Follow the instructions as written above to keep your microwave safe and clean.

It’s quick, easy, and requires no special cleaning supplies – all you need is water and vinegar. With just a little bit of time and effort, you can have your microwave looking sparkling clean!