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April 28, 2024
Minutes To Read: 4

How to clean the microwave: step by step and tricks that will make a difference

Indispensable in most homes, the microwave is a great ally when it comes to heating food or drinks and even preparing some!

However, like other consumer electronics, the microwave requires some special care so that it really does its job well and has a good service life. Remember: keeping it clean goes far beyond the aesthetic issue.

Rose Moraes, personal organizer at Kiiro? Organizes and Simplifies, stresses that the microwave oven needs to be cleaned periodically, so that leftover food and grease do not contaminate other foods, and so that this dirt does not become increasingly difficult to remove.

Do you have a microwave at home? Do you know how to clean it well, using right products and without great efforts? Do you also know what kind of product and / or utensil can not be used in this electronics? If not, you'll love the guidelines below!

3 ways to clean your microwave effortlessly

Check out the personal organizer Rose's guidelines to clean your microwave effortlessly and without harming the environment:

Also read: 15 tricks to keep the house tidy

With vinegar

White alcohol vinegar combined with water is of great help in this task. Steam from the vinegar solution makes all the harder dirt soften and also kills germs.

Step by step

Take a small glass refractory and pour 3 tablespoons of white vinegar of alcohol into 200 ml of water.
Place this container in the microwave and set it to maximum power by turning the appliance on for 3 minutes.
When this time is up, you should leave the mixture in the appliance for another 3 minutes.
Then a clean, damp cloth is enough to easily remove the dirt.

With lemon

Another simple ingredient that can be a great ally in microwave cleaning is lemon. In addition to breaking down the fat molecules, it will leave a refreshing aroma inside the device.

Step by step

Cut 1 lemon into slices and place in a refractory with 200 ml of water.
Place the refractory inside the microwave by turning on the appliance at full power for 3 minutes.
Then leave this mixture in the appliance for another 3 minutes.
Finally, wipe it with a clean, damp cloth that is easy to remove.

With baking soda

Rose explains that baking soda can (and should) also be used for cleaning as it has antibacterial action and does not harm household appliances. "The result is even better when it is mixed with white alcohol vinegar," he says.

Read also: 10 Tips to Make House Cleaning Easier

Step by step

Take 1 tbsp of baking soda, 1 tbsp white alcohol vinegar and 1 small lemon cut into slices. Place everything in a glass microwave-safe container with 300 ml of water, and let it warm for 5 minutes.
Let stand for 3 more minutes inside the appliance so that the steam will help soften the dirt.

Then wipe it with a clean, damp cloth that is easy to remove.

"Remember never to cover the container that goes in the microwave, as expanding water vapor can cause an explosion," says Rose.

Tips for easy cleaning and keeping your microwave in good condition

Check out extra tips from personal organizer so cleaning your microwave is never a problem!

Turn off the microwave: First of all, when thinking about cleaning the microwave, it is essential to unplug the plug. This is the first step to avoid any risk of electric shock.

Clean periodically: So that leftover food and grease do not contaminate other foods or become increasingly difficult to clean, the best tip is not to leave the dirt there for long.

Also read: 11 places you should not apply detergent

Pay attention to the product used: For external cleaning of the appliance, never use toxic products (ammonia, alcohol, removers), or soaps or even steel sponges, as these may damage the microwave.

Nothing better than damp cloth and soap: To preserve shine and prevent stains, clean only with a well-wrung (and almost dry) damp cloth and 2 drops of mild liquid soap (which you use to wash dishes). Then wash this cloth and iron again, and then dry thoroughly with a clean cloth or paper towel.

Stainless steel care: In appliances with stainless steel finish, great care in cleaning is also recommended. Never use sponges (of any kind) as they may scratch the shiny layer and protect the device.

Wash the dish when it is cold: The turntable can only be washed under running water after cold, as if it is still warm it can crack or break.

Hydrogen peroxide against yellow spots: To remove the yellow spots from the microwave, with a damp cloth add 20 volumes of hydrogen peroxide, just where the stain is, then wipe with a clean, dry cloth.

What never to put in the microwave

According to Rose, when it comes to microwaves, it is essential to still remember what type of utensil can not be placed in the appliance:

Plastic: Those pots containing Bisphenol-A (BPA) cannot be used to heat food in a microwave. Many experts, by the way, are of the opinion that no plastic container should be used in the microwave.

Acrylic: when heated with food, they allow bacteria to accumulate at the bottom of the container.

Styrofoam: When subjected to high temperatures, they can melt and release harmful chemicals.

Aluminum foil and metal items: Radiation from the microwave can cause the product to overheat, causing sparks and even an explosion.

How to prevent the microwave from dirtying

To avoid having to clean the microwave at all times, Rose tells you to put a protective lid on whenever you heat up some food, especially with sauce.

The personal organizer also reinforces that the best tip when it comes to microwave cleaning is not to leave the dirt there for long: the right thing is to clean the dirt on time!

You now have simple tips and steps for cleaning your microwave without using abrasive cleaners that ruin your home appliances and can even wipe off the softness of your hands.