Splattered food inside a microwave hardens quickly and can start affecting how evenly the appliance heats. The good news is that steam does most of the hard work, loosening grime so it wipes away in seconds rather than needing heavy scrubbing.
How Do You Clean a Microwave?
To clean a microwave, heat a bowl of water with lemon juice or vinegar for a few minutes until it steams up the interior, then wipe down the softened grime with a cloth once the bowl has cooled enough to handle safely. The steam loosens dried food splatter so it lifts away without scrubbing.
What You Will Need
- A microwave-safe bowl
- Water and either lemon juice or white vinegar
- A microfibre cloth or sponge
- A soft brush, for the turntable and seals
- Mild washing-up liquid, for the exterior
How to Clean a Microwave: Step by Step
1. Prepare the Steam Bowl
Fill a microwave-safe bowl with water and add either a few slices of lemon or a splash of white vinegar, both of which help loosen grime and neutralise odours.
2. Heat Until Steaming
Microwave the bowl for three to five minutes, or until the window is visibly steamed up, then leave the door closed for a further five minutes so the steam continues to work on dried residue.
3. Remove the Turntable
Carefully take out the turntable and its supporting ring, and wash them separately in warm soapy water while the interior is still steaming.
4. Wipe the Interior
Using a cloth, wipe down the walls, ceiling, and door of the microwave, where softened grime should now lift away easily. Pay particular attention to the door seal, where crumbs and splatter often collect.
5. Clean the Control Panel and Exterior
Wipe the outside and control panel with a cloth dampened in mild soapy water, avoiding excess moisture near buttons and vents.
6. Dry Thoroughly
Dry the interior and turntable fully before replacing them, since trapped moisture can encourage odours or affect performance.
Dealing With Stubborn Stains and Smells
For particularly stubborn, baked-on splatter, a paste of baking soda and water applied directly and left for a few minutes before wiping can help lift what steam alone does not fully remove. For lingering smells, a bowl of water with a spoonful of baking soda, heated briefly, helps neutralise odours left behind by strong-smelling foods.
If you are maintaining several kitchen appliances, our guide to cleaning an air fryer covers a similar steam-and-wipe approach for another commonly used appliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean my microwave?
Wiping up spills as they happen, with a full steam clean every week or two depending on use, prevents grime building into a harder, more stubborn job.
Can I use vinegar and lemon together in a microwave?
Either works well on its own, and both can be combined in the same bowl if preferred, since they serve the same purpose of loosening grime and helping with odours.
Is it safe to clean a microwave with baking soda?
Yes. A baking soda paste is safe for the interior surfaces and is particularly effective on stubborn, baked-on splatter that steam alone does not fully lift.
Why does my microwave smell even after cleaning?
Lingering smells often sit in the door seal or turntable support ring, so cleaning these parts thoroughly, alongside a baking soda steam treatment, usually resolves persistent odours.
Can I clean the outside of a stainless steel microwave with vinegar?
A diluted vinegar solution works well on stainless steel, helping reduce streaking, though a dedicated stainless steel cleaner can give a more polished finish for visible exteriors.
Always allow heated bowls to cool slightly before handling, and check your specific microwave’s manufacturer guidance before cleaning.
About the Author
Spire Homes Editorial Team researches and writes practical, UK focused home improvement guides covering renovation planning, financing, interior design, and home appliances. Our content is reviewed for accuracy and updated as guidance changes.
