Looking for a more eco-friendly way to clean your microwave? Try these three simple techniques to clean a microwave naturally without harsh chemicals.

Microwaves are common household appliances that help with everything from reheating leftover spaghetti to boiling water for tea. Convenient as they are, they’re also prone to getting dirty quickly from splatters of food, grease, and that bowl of soup that spilled over one time. Harmful bacteria can build up along with stains and unpleasant odors the longer your microwave goes unwashed. And while cleaning your microwave (inside and out) is important to your health, how you clean it also makes a big difference. Household disinfectant sprays shouldn’t be used inside of the microwave, as their potentially toxic residues can linger on the surfaces and get into your food. Naturally cleansing and disinfecting a microwave is a quick and safe process that you can undertake with a few common kitchen ingredients, like white vinegar or lemon juice. Below are four ways to clean the inside of a microwave to remove lingering odors, bacteria, and stains.

Tips for Cleaning a Microwave

Before you get started with your microwave cleaning, there are a few things to keep in mind. The first is safety. As with any household cleaning, avoid getting electrical components or heating elements wet. In most cases, there shouldn’t be too much to worry about for your microwave as it’s designed to get steamy and. It’s also a good idea to unplug your microwave before cleaning. Also, steer clear of abrasives when cleaning. The soft side of the sponge is safe, but something like steel wool will damage your appliance’s interior surfaces. Lastly, if it’s been some time since you’ve cleaned your microwave, work in phases. You may find you’ll need to repeat steps once or twice to get all of the food debris and residue out. Once you’re finished, make sure any cleaning product residues (such as vinegar or baking soda) are fully removed to avoid making your food smell or taste weird. You can always leave the door open to air out any fumes.

How Often Should You Clean Your Microwave?

As for how often you should clean your microwave, it depends on your use frequency and what you tend to reheat. Do a basic wipe-down of the interior of your microwave every week or two, simply use a slightly damp paper towel with a few drops of liquid dish soap. Go back over the surfaces with a dry towel to lift residues and prevent staining. This is also a good time to wipe the exterior with a surface cleaner or diluted vinegar spray.

For a more thorough clean, try one of the methods below every one to two months, or whenever food particles start to build up.

Method 1: Lemon (or Vinegar) Steam Clean

One of the easiest ways to clean a microwave is with lemon or, if you prefer, white vinegar works just as well and has mild antibacterial properties of its own.

Supplies:

• Microwavable bowl or glass measuring cup
• 1 lemon or ¼–½ cup white vinegar
• 1 cup of water
• Paper towels
• Soft microfiber cloth
• Sponge (optional)

Directions:

1. Fill your heat-safe bowl with about one cup of water. If using lemon, cut it in half, squeeze the juice into the water, and drop in the halves. If using vinegar, stir it directly into the water. Leave enough room in the bowl so the liquid won't boil over.
2. Microwave on high for three to five minutes, then let the bowl sit inside for five more minutes with the door closed. The steam will help loosen stains and cut down on scrubbing.
3. Carefully remove the bowl (it will be hot). Take out the turntable, if your microwave has one, and clean it separately with soap and water.
4. Wipe the interior with dry paper towels, getting into every corner. For stubborn spots, dip your towel back into the leftover lemon or vinegar water and spot-treat. Finish with a microfiber cloth for a polish, and if you used vinegar, leave the door open briefly to air out the smell.

Method 2: Baking Soda

Baking soda is a natural cleaning powerhouse, thanks to its alkaline properties and mild abrasiveness, great for lifting deeper stains and splatters.

Supplies:

• Microwavable bowl or glass measuring cup
• ½ cup water
• 2 tablespoons baking soda
• Paper towels
• Soft microfiber cloth
• Sponge (optional)
• Protective gloves (optional)

Directions:

1. Stir the baking soda and water together in your microwave-safe bowl, leaving enough room for it not to boil over.
2. Microwave on high for three to five minutes, then let it sit inside for about five more minutes with the door closed.
3. Carefully remove the bowl and wipe out the interior with a damp paper towel or sponge and residue should come off easily. Clean the turntable separately if needed.
4. Dry and polish with a soft cloth, and wipe down the exterior door, handle, and number pad while you're at it. Bonus tip: For extra scrubbing power on stuck-on grime, sprinkle baking soda directly onto the microwave floor, let it sit for five minutes, then wipe clean with a damp paper towel.

Method 3: Dish Soap

The simplest option, and a good choice if you don't have lemon, vinegar, or baking soda on hand.

Supplies:

• 2-3 teaspoons liquid dish soap
• 1 cup warm water
• Soft sponge
• Paper towels
• Soft microfiber cloth
• Protective gloves (optional)

Directions

1. Remove the turntable and any other removable parts, and wipe away loose crumbs and surface debris.
2. Mix the dish soap with warm water in a bowl. Dip your sponge in, wring it out so it's not dripping, and clean the interior, paying special attention to stains or crusty spots. Avoid getting the side vents wet.
3. Wipe again with a damp paper towel, then dry everything with a microfiber cloth. Replace the turntable once dry, and leave the door open for about 10 minutes to air out any soap smell.

Wrapping Up

Now your microwave should be clean, deodorized, and free of food residue. Repeat any of these methods as needed. For more eco-friendly cleaning tips, head over to the Public Goods blog.