How To Clean A Microwave Without Lemon

Gravy spills, cake mixture, sauces, and other baked-on messes, the microwave takes a lot of beating but rarely complains. When its interior looks covered with smears, splatters, and caked-on food, it’s a clear indication that the microwave now needs some care.

While lemon is the first thing that comes to the mind when we talk about cleaning a microwave, there are several other alternatives available. So, if you don’t have lemons or simply don’t like the lemony smell, here are a few tips on how to clean a microwave without lemon.

Note: This is a guest post by Homelization blog. Some links in this post are affiliate links, which means I receive a commission if you make a purchase. Affiliate relationships include, but are not limited to, Bluehost, Amazon Associates, Walmart.com SM, and Etsy.

[ctt template=”4″ link=”jtW7B” via=”yes” ]While lemon is the first thing that comes to the mind when you clean a microwave, there are several other alternatives available.[/ctt]

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#1. Use vinegar to steam clean

Nothing removes baked-on food and stubborn stains better than steam, and when you mix it with vinegar, the cleaning potential increases substantially. So, for this method you will need, water, white vinegar, microfiber cloth, measuring cup, wooden spoon, and rubbing alcohol.

Take a microwave-safe bowl and prepare the mixture by taking one cup of white vinegar and one cup of water. Put a wooden spoon in the middle of the jug to prevent the mixture from heating too much and exploding accidentally.

Turn on the microwave and let it run for 5-10 minutes on a high-temperature setting for the steam to form vigorously. Then take out the bowl carefully and use the microfiber cloth to remove the loosened food tidbits from inside the microwave. Wipe the surface clean, but remember to avoid scrubbing.

When you are done cleaning the interiors, take the microfiber cloth and add a few drops of rubbing alcohol to it. Apply this on the outer side of the microwave oven, buff with a dampened cloth to get a clean and sparkling exterior.

# 2. Make a mix of vinegar and baking soda

If the microwave interior is in a very bad state, you will need a more powerful cleaner. What can be better than mixing baking soda, another effective cleaner with vinegar. Both these ingredients are cheap and readily available in the kitchen at any time.

To create the cleaning solution, mix four tablespoons of baking soda with warm water. Stir until the powder dissolves completely. Take a microfiber cloth or sponge, dip it in the mixture and wipe the interior of the microwave oven.

Now, take a bowl and mix equal parts of white vinegar and water. Keep the bowl inside the oven and run it for three minutes on high-temperature setting or until steam starts forming vigorously. Let the door stay closed for another 10 minutes for the steam to loosen the hardened food particles.

After ten minutes, open the microwave door and remove the bowl. Soak the removable components such as carousel and turntable in warm and soapy water. Wipe the inside of the microwave with a microfiber cloth until all baking soda residue is removed.

3. Liquid dish soap and essential oils

Your liquid dish soap already has powerful cleaning properties, but make sure it does not have an overpowering smell. You would not want your butter chicken to smell like your dish soap, so choose a mild-flavored cleaning agent.

To create the cleaning solution, take warm water in a microwave-safe bowl and add a good amount of liquid dish soap. Keep the bowl inside the microwave oven and run the machine on high power for a minute or until it starts to steam profusely. Let the door stay closed for extra 2-3 minutes for the steam to work its magic.

Remove the bowl and use a dampened cloth or sponge to clean the inside of the microwave oven. As the debris is loosened by now, you will be able to remove them easily. You may add a few drops of essential oils or baking soda to the mixture to act as a deodorizer.

#4. Glass cleaning solution and water

The diluted glass cleaning solution can also work as a powerful agent to clean and sanitize the microwave interiors. To prepare the mixture, take two parts of the glass cleaning solution and one part of water. Soak a sponge in the mixture and use it to wipe the interiors.

Next, remove the carousel and wipe the surface until you get rid of all stains, debris, and spots. For the stubborn stains, soak them in the glass cleaning solution for a few minutes before wiping. Don’t forget to wipe the ceiling and the upper half of the microwave.

When the interior is completely clean, take a dampened fresh cloth and wipe once again to ensure that no residue remains. If you detect the smell of glass cleaner, wipe again with a fresh cloth soaked in water until the smell disappears. Let the door stay open until the interiors dry completely.

#5. Damp Paper Towels

If you are against using any cleaning agent, here’s a quick and simple method using just a handful of wet or damp paper towels. Put the wet paper towels over the tray inside the microwave oven. Now, turn on the machine and let it run on high heat for 5 minutes.

The steam from towels will work on the hardened debris and soften the baked-on grime. Steam also disinfects and sanitizes the inner walls. When the towels cool down, use them to wipe the interior surface and outside too.

Author Bio

Jamie is a passionate writer and blogger who is extremely enthusiastic about things that aid in saving the environment and reducing carbon footprints. She owns a blog where he loves sharing useful ideas and tips to keep the house clean and well organized. When she’s not scribbling down her thoughts, she loves to travel and try new ways of making sushi at home.

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