How to Clean a Microwave

Dried food splatter inside a microwave is hard to scrub but comes off after a few minutes of steam. You will run a bowl of water, let it sit, and wipe.

Heat a bowl of water with lemon or vinegar

Fill a microwave-safe bowl with 1 cup of water. Add either a lemon cut into slices or 2 tablespoons of white vinegar. Place the bowl in the center of the turntable and run the microwave on high for 3 to 5 minutes, until the window is steamed up and the water has been boiling for a minute or so.

Leave the door shut for 5 minutes

Do not open the door when the timer ends. Leave it closed for 5 minutes so the steam keeps soaking into the dried-on food. The bowl and the water will be very hot, so use an oven mitt when you take it out.

Wipe the inside

Wipe the ceiling, walls, and floor with a damp cloth or sponge. Most residue should come away with light pressure. For anything left, dip the cloth in the warm lemon or vinegar water and wipe again. Reach the back corners and the area around the light.

Wash the turntable in the sink

Lift out the glass turntable and the plastic ring under it. Wash both in warm water with a squeeze of dish soap, rinse, and dry. Wipe the recess they sit in before putting them back.

Wipe the door and the seal

Wipe the inside of the door, the window, and the rubber or plastic seal around the frame with the damp cloth. Grease collects on the seal and can keep the door from closing fully. Dry the door with a clean towel, then wipe the outside and the handle.

Burnt-on spots. Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with a little water into a paste, spread it on the spot, wait 10 minutes, and wipe it off with a damp cloth.

What not to do. Never run a microwave empty, which can damage the magnetron. Do not spray cleaner directly into the vents, and do not use abrasive pads on the window.