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Cleaning a microwave isn’t difficult but it’s definitely a neglected task – out of sight, out of mind. Food splatters and spills happen and if your house is anything like mine, it’s much easier to the close the door than wipe up those drips and spills.
How to Clean a Microwave
Fill a glass bowl or measuring cup with 3-4 cups of hot tap water.
Cut a lemon into chunks and place in the warm water. 
Put the bowl of water and lemon/lemon juice in the microwave and run it until the water boils (3-5 minutes). 
Let the steam do its job – don’t open the door for at least 5 minutes. Let the steam work to dissolve any grease, drips, and grime. Repeat if you don’t see steam on the inside of the microwave.
Take out the glass plate or tray in your microwave and wash it in your sink or dishwasher.
Wipe the interior of the microwave clean. If you need a little extra cleaning power spritz with white vinegar or non-toxic all-purpose cleaner. Use a sponge or a microfiber cleaning cloth to wipe clean and rinse and wring as you’re wiping .
Wash and dry the glass plate and return it to the microwave.
HAVE A CLEANING THE MICROWAVE TIP? SHARE IT IN THE COMMENTS!
Do you have my book Simply Clean? It’s full of homekeeping tips and tricks like this one!
Brenda Says...
I usually wipe it clean after each use so that I don’t have a big cleaning job to do. It saves me time 🙂
AJ Says...
That’s so simple yet brilliant!
Ann F Says...
I use a splatter cover and that helps a lot too ????
Kat Says...
This is the absolute easiest and best way to clean a microwave! I tried this recipe of yours last week and was shocked at the ease that everything wiped right up! I will never use a product on my microwave again! It was so sparkly and shiny!
Becky Says...
Post authorYay!
Crystalena Albarado Says...
What is the lemon for?
Becky Says...
Post authorTo freshen 🙂
Anne Says...
I just tried this. It worked amazingly well! Thanks so much!
Karen Says...
I usually add vinegar to my water ~ I will definitely try the lemons next time. I always caution people to not stand near the microwave while doing this as the door can forcible blow open. This happened to me once and thankfully I wasn’t too close to the door, but man it gave me a fright!
Renata Myers Says...
Yes, this is the easiest way to clean inside of a microwave. The lemon gives a nice smell to it. Tha ks for sharing! 🙂
karen Says...
Thank you for this post! I have used plain water to steam in the microwave before but I never thought of using lemons to freshen it up!
Dawn Kramer Says...
Thanks for the tips. I never thought to use lemons to steam to clean. I heard about adding a little lemon in a bowl with water to take the fish odor out. Also never thought about putting plate in dishwasher, mine gets so dirty with my two sons.
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Lorraine Reynolds Says...
Just read this post, as our microwave is very gungy right now. But we also have some mould in the corner. I think it is because we do so much defrosting / heating from frozen in there. Will this be good enough to get rid of the mould? Or is there something else?
b r Says...
Post authorTry spraying it with hydrogen peroxide – let it sit and wipe clean.
Jennifer - ParentSmarterNotHarder Says...
My microwave could use a good cleaning! I’ve tried vinegar before but my husband hates the smell. I think he’d like the lemon scent so I’ll have to substitute this in and see if it makes a difference! Thanks for the tip 🙂
Piepie Says...
I just cleaned our microwave this way! It looks INCREDIBLE. Even my husband noticed 😉
Clean Mama Says...
Post authorGlad to hear you had great results!
Jackie Says...
What a surprise! You answered!
Thank you. It’s Saturday and a good day to follow these directions. Thanks so much.
ps I love your posts. I’m one who would rather clean than go in the kitchen and cook.
And I love that your hints are non toxic.