With its rapid heating ability, the microwave has long been our go-to when we need to cook in a hurry. But rushing often leaves little time to clean the splatters, spills, and spots that inevitably collect in its interior. What’s the easiest way to clean a microwave? Basic lemon juice or vinegar not only eliminates stains, but deodorizes as well. Learn how to clean a microwave with lemon and vinegar to banish both stains and odor.
How to Clean a Microwave With Lemon and Vinegar in
5 Simple Steps
How do you clean a microwave with lemon and vinegar? Using the microwave’s heat not only creates steam that loosens stubborn stains, but also intensifies the cleaning power of these natural cleansers. The following steps detail how to clean a microwave with lemon and vinegar in under 30 minutes.
Step 1: Mix Cleaning Solution
This simple solution requires just water, lemon juice, and vinegar for effective cleaning. Can you clean a microwave with lemon juice alone? While you can use either lemon juice or vinegar, using both may increase the solution’s cleaning power.
Always dilute the vinegar and/or lemon juice with water to avoid harming components that can result in a microwave not heating properly. Lastly, if you use vinegar to clean microwave surfaces without the addition of lemon, add 1-2 drops of essential oil for a fresh scent.
Here’s how to create a natural microwave cleaning solution with lemon juice and vinegar:
- Pour 1 cup of water in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Add 1 cup of white vinegar
- Squeeze 2 Tbsps of fresh lemon juice into the water and vinegar.
- Stir to combine the mixture.
Step 2: Microwave Solution on High
The power of steam is the most effective way to clean a microwave with vinegar and lemon. Place the bowl in the microwave and heat it on high for 5 minutes. The resulting steam will loosen grease, grime, and food particles.
Step 3: Allow Solution to Sit
As quick as this microwave lemon cleaning hack can be, this step requires a little patience. After heating for 5 minutes, allow the solution to sit in the microwave with the door closed for 5 minutes more. This allows the steam to cool and create condensation for easier cleaning. It also enables the solution to cool for safer handling and removal.
Step 4: Wipe Down Microwave Interior
After 5 minutes, open the microwave door, remove the solution, and set it aside. Use a clean cloth or paper towel to wipe down the microwave’s interior. If stubborn stains remain, dip the cloth in the bowl of cleaning solution and gently scrub.
Avoid adding bleach or chemical cleaning agents to stains. Chemical additions to the lemon juice and vinegar can harm surfaces and components, resulting in the microwave not starting or functioning properly. If staining persists, sprinkle baking soda directly on the spot and scrub with a cloth dampened with the cleaning solution.
Step 5: Clean the Turntable and Exterior
The final step in how to clean a microwave with lemon juice and vinegar addresses the turntable and exterior. Remove the turntable and wipe it down with a separate cloth dipped in the cleaning solution. Repeat the same process for the microwave’s exterior.
While knowing how to clean a microwave with lemon and vinegar can keep it naturally clean and fresh, it can’t prevent malfunctions. Call on the experts at Appliance King of America when you need a fast and professional microwave repair!
