Knowing how to clean a combination microwave is important if you want things to remain spotless and hygienic. However, consumers frequently worry that they are applying the wrong materials and procedures, and there is also the concern that it can harm the appliance.
The truth is that you have several options when cleaning a microwave. We will walk you through a few of these solutions in the hopes that it may simplify the task.
Dealing with how to keep your microwave oven clean should not be difficult at all. However, people are often guilty of leaving things too long, and then they do half a job as it just seems too difficult.
Well, we are going to stop that happening, hopefully.
Cleaning Should Be a Regular Activity
Let’s get one thing straight, cleaning your microwave should be a regular activity in your kitchen. After all, there are crumbs of food, and the food spits, leaving remnants all over each edge, which will eventually build over time.
Suppose you do not clean your combination microwave regularly, that food will become encased, and it will be harder to remove. Unfortunately, a simple wipe clean is just not going to be enough.
Understandably, you worry about using too many chemicals. So, we will offer you several methods that will only require you to apply tools and ingredients that are a bit more organic compared to commercial products you see in the market.
Method 1: Lemon Juice
Using either the juice of a lemon or even cutting up a lemon itself and placing it in a bowl in a microwave can be an excellent way to remove smells that stick inside the combi microwave. At the same time, the acid in the lemon can work wonders with removing food, but you then need to wipe over the inside of the appliance with a damp cloth.
With this approach, you want to run the microwave for a couple of minutes with the lemon inside. After that, you must wipe both walls and the door, and you will be amazed at how clean you can get your microwave with this method.
Method 2: Baking Soda
Baking soda could be your answer if you want another cleaning method that doesn’t involve chemicals. First, you need to get a bowl, add warm water and baking soda, and then let the microwave run for around five minutes.
After the time is up, you need to wipe the inside of your microwave oven. You may still need to use some elbow grease to get those dirty marks off, but it will be significantly more manageable than it would have been without the baking soda.
Method 3: White Vinegar
If you are sick and tired of trying to remove those stubborn food remnants from the inside of your microwave oven, then white vinegar and steam may be your friend.
Here, you need to get 500 ml of water, pour it into a bowl, and add two tablespoons of vinegar. All you need is to microwave it for five minutes, then allow the mixture to rest for three minutes. The steam mixed with vinegar works as the perfect cleaning agent. After using this solution, the innermost part of your microwave oven will be sparkling once again.
The steam reacts with the acid in the vinegar, and it performs exceptionally well against stains and dirt inside your microwave oven. After that, you can wipe down the surface with a damp cloth, and your appliance will be ready to go.
Key Tips on Cleaning Your Microwave Oven
Aside from the three methods listed above, we also have many key tips to make cleaning these appliances much more effortless.
Tip 1: Use the Dishwasher for Any Parts You Can
Remove the turntable and use the dishwasher to clean that instead of standing there scrubbing it. The same applies to any other items you may use for cooking in your combination microwave oven. You want to limit the amount of energy you spend when cleaning parts of your microwave that can be easily removed and cleaned in a dishwasher.
Tip 2: Be Careful With Ceramic Interiors
If you have ceramic interiors, then you need to be careful when it comes to cleaning products. You do not want to use anything too abrasive, as it will scratch the oven’s interior. Any damage to the surface can make the microwave dangerous to use, so think of another solution.
This also applies to the sponge you may use when cleaning. You might think using one with a scratchy surface is best, but not in this instance. Yes, it may remove the dirt left behind by your cooking, but the sponge could also ruin the appliance at the same time.
Tip 3: Don’t Forget the Door
You would be surprised at how many times people forget about the microwave door. Remember, you want that window to be spotless, to allow you to keep an eye on whatever is inside. So spray the door with a vinegar solution, and let it settle for a minute. This solution will often be strong enough to remove any foodstuff left behind on the door.
Tip 4: Dealing With the Ceiling
The ceiling can be tricky to clean, and it’s because of the way dirt tends to explode upward and outward. Also, we often need to stoop to see the ceiling, and we may forget to do it when we clean.
All kinds of food matter can land up there, and then the heat generated could cause a problem. However, steam is often the best way to deal with this, wiping things down with a damp cloth.
Tip 5: Soak off Burnt Food
If you realise that some burnt food has been left behind, deal with it immediately. Soak it off, as this will stop you from needing to scrub it to remove the mark. Consider using a spray containing some vinegar to help break up the food, and you can even then double up with the cup of water and vinegar mix we mentioned earlier.
The baking soda method can also be effective with this. Add some water and leave it to soak into the mark for a few minutes. You may want to also fire up the microwave oven for a few minutes, as that can make a huge difference in how effective it can be in removing the food.
Tip 6: Wipe the Interior Every Week or After a Mishap
Each manufacturer will advise you on how often you should clean the inside of the oven. Still, if you want to ensure its longevity, we recommend doing it weekly or after something has splattered and exploded.
By doing this, you can prevent the build-up of grime. You will often find that grime is very tough to remove, and cleaning it can be challenging. Also, you have enough to worry about with grime in your kitchen when you clean, without this adding to it.
Tip 7: Cleaning Stainless Steel
The final tip is connected to cleaning stainless steel. Several microwaves do have stainless steel on the interior, and that is where you can use some more abrasive cleaning techniques to get everything spotless.
But even here, you should clean with ease in mind. Give the interior a quick wipe down as often as you like, and sometimes just a cloth and some water will do the trick.
Cleaning Combination Microwave Has Never Been Easy
That concludes our article on how to clean a combination microwave. In essence, you have tons of methods you can try to include in your cleaning routine, and each can be highly effective. The main point is to keep on top of your cleaning habit with your microwave oven. It will prolong the lifespan and effectiveness of the appliances, and you won’t have to worry about food hygiene or any bacteria building up inside.
