Say goodbye to mucky microwaves with our go-to cleaning guide!
Go Back
Blog | How To | How to clean a microwave in a few simple steps
Read time:
Posted: 22/02/22
Anyone with a microwave will know that it only takes a split second for an exploding bowl of beans or an overflowing bowl of porridge to turn your clean microwave into one that’s dirty and smelly. So, if your microwave is looking greasy, contains burnt-on food or smells anything other than fresh – use our foolproof guide on how to clean your microwave to restore it to its former glory!
Cleaning a microwave
Cleaning your microwave may not be at the top of your most loved chores (if that list even exists). Still, the good news is that, unlike other large kitchen appliances, you can clean it with products you should already have at home, such as multi-purpose cleaner, baking soda or vinegar.
How to clean the inside of a microwave
Splatters and spills on the inside of your microwave can be tempting to leave – mainly when they occur just before dinner time! But what we also know is that the longer they are left, the harder they will be to remove. So, while it is advisable to wipe your microwave down as and when the spill occurs, you can also give this easy-breezy trick a go next time your microwave needs a spruce up:
Step 1: Place ½ a cup of water and ½ cup of white vinegar in a microwavable bowl and pop it inside. Shut the microwave door and turn it on high until the water and vinegar begins to boil and the window steams up.
Step 2: Wait a couple of minutes for the microwave to cool down, and then wipe the interior down with a sponge or cloth. The dried-on food should wipe straight off!
How to clean the outside of a microwave
It’s not just the inside of the microwave that needs your attention. Smudges and grease can often find their way to the exterior of your microwave, but they can be easily removed with a bit of know-how:
Step 1: Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda onto a damp sponge and wipe it all over your microwave door. Rinse with a clean damp cloth or sponge.
Step 2: If your microwave is looking extra greasy, then you can give it a deep clean with a grease-cutting cleaner, such as the Elbow Grease Cream Cleaner, to shift any stubborn fingerprints or marks. Remember to rinse it off well, avoiding any electrical controls to prevent damage.
Shop Household at Savers
Elbow Grease 500ml
£1.25
Shop Household at Savers
How to get rid of a smell in a microwave
While giving your microwave a good scrub can eliminate some odours, it may not work for strong smells like burnt food (popcorn bags, we’re looking at you). However, there’s no need to despair or chuck your microwave out; just follow our tips and tricks on how to get rid of smell in a microwave.
Idea 1: If you love a fresh burst of citrus, then take one half of a lemon or a peeled orange and pop it in a cup of water. Heat the water in your microwave for a few minutes or until it’s boiling. Leave the warm, fruity water inside the microwave overnight. It’ll smell good as new in the morning!
Idea 2: If you don’t want to mask the smell, you can try leaving an open box of baking soda in your microwave to absorb the odour. Leave it to do its thing overnight, and by morning your microwave should smell fresh and clean.
Idea 3: Not all odours will require overnight treatment; if it’s a mild smell, then you can try wiping it down with a soft cloth soaked in water and lemon. Or, if you prefer a sweeter scent, you can switch the lemon out for vanilla or even coffee grounds. Finally, remember to clean each surface down with warm water and leave the door open to dry out the interior.
How to clean a microwave in a few simple steps
Blog | How To | How to clean a microwave in a few simple steps
Anyone with a microwave will know that it only takes a split second for an exploding bowl of beans or an overflowing bowl of porridge to turn your clean microwave into one that’s dirty and smelly. So, if your microwave is looking greasy, contains burnt-on food or smells anything other than fresh – use our foolproof guide on how to clean your microwave to restore it to its former glory!
Cleaning a microwave
Cleaning your microwave may not be at the top of your most loved chores (if that list even exists). Still, the good news is that, unlike other large kitchen appliances, you can clean it with products you should already have at home, such as multi-purpose cleaner, baking soda or vinegar.
How to clean the inside of a microwave
Splatters and spills on the inside of your microwave can be tempting to leave – mainly when they occur just before dinner time! But what we also know is that the longer they are left, the harder they will be to remove. So, while it is advisable to wipe your microwave down as and when the spill occurs, you can also give this easy-breezy trick a go next time your microwave needs a spruce up:
Step 1: Place ½ a cup of water and ½ cup of white vinegar in a microwavable bowl and pop it inside. Shut the microwave door and turn it on high until the water and vinegar begins to boil and the window steams up.
Step 2: Wait a couple of minutes for the microwave to cool down, and then wipe the interior down with a sponge or cloth. The dried-on food should wipe straight off!
How to clean the outside of a microwave
It’s not just the inside of the microwave that needs your attention. Smudges and grease can often find their way to the exterior of your microwave, but they can be easily removed with a bit of know-how:
Step 1: Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda onto a damp sponge and wipe it all over your microwave door. Rinse with a clean damp cloth or sponge.
Step 2: If your microwave is looking extra greasy, then you can give it a deep clean with a grease-cutting cleaner, such as the Elbow Grease Cream Cleaner, to shift any stubborn fingerprints or marks. Remember to rinse it off well, avoiding any electrical controls to prevent damage.
How to get rid of a smell in a microwave
While giving your microwave a good scrub can eliminate some odours, it may not work for strong smells like burnt food (popcorn bags, we’re looking at you). However, there’s no need to despair or chuck your microwave out; just follow our tips and tricks on how to get rid of smell in a microwave.
Idea 1: If you love a fresh burst of citrus, then take one half of a lemon or a peeled orange and pop it in a cup of water. Heat the water in your microwave for a few minutes or until it’s boiling. Leave the warm, fruity water inside the microwave overnight. It’ll smell good as new in the morning!
Idea 2: If you don’t want to mask the smell, you can try leaving an open box of baking soda in your microwave to absorb the odour. Leave it to do its thing overnight, and by morning your microwave should smell fresh and clean.
Idea 3: Not all odours will require overnight treatment; if it’s a mild smell, then you can try wiping it down with a soft cloth soaked in water and lemon. Or, if you prefer a sweeter scent, you can switch the lemon out for vanilla or even coffee grounds. Finally, remember to clean each surface down with warm water and leave the door open to dry out the interior.
For all your house cleaning essentials
Visit Savers online and in-store today
Share with your friends!
Previous Article
Next Article
The maximum allowed quantity has been exceeded. The maximum quantity that can be ordered for this product is 2.
Sorry, there is insufficient stock to add this item to your basket.