You should clean your microwave more often. Here’s how.

Thoroughly cleaning your microwave is often low on the list of household cleaning priorities, unless of course you’ve just suffered a tomato soup explosion or a softened butter accident. It’s one of those devices that we often overlook unless there is an obvious clutter. But even a seemingly harmless mess in your microwave isn’t just unsightly; it is misleading. No germs can survive that level of radiation, right? Wrong.

Your microwave has its own microbiome. What exactly does this mean? Although it was long thought that microwave ovens kill bacteria and guarantee food safety, study from the Institute for Integrative Systems Biology suggests that some microbes can withstand radiation and even thrive in certain parts of the device. However, there is no reason to panic; your microwave is no dirtier than other parts of the kitchen. Nevertheless, these findings serve as an important reminder of the need for regular cleaning to maintain microwave hygiene. The good news is that it’s easy to do with materials from your kitchen.

Required materials

• Water
• White vinegar
• Sodium carbonate
• Sponge or microfiber cloth
• Microwave safe bowl
• Dishwashing liquid

Step by step cleaning process

Step 1: Prepare the cleaning solution

Mix equal parts water and vinegar in a microwave-safe bowl, or replace the vinegar with lemon juice for a fresh scent. If you want to tackle tougher stains or want extra cleaning power, consider adding a tablespoon of baking soda. This solution helps loosen dirt and deodorize your microwave during the cleaning process.

Step 2: Microwave the solution

Place the cleaning solution in the microwave and heat it on high for 3-5 minutes to allow the solution to boil and steam inside the appliance. Once the time is up, you are not allowed to open the door again. Allow the solution to steam the interior. This steam loosens the dirt and food particles that have built up on the interior surfaces of the microwave, making them easier to wipe away.

Step 3: Wipe the inside clean

Once the steam has had time to loosen the dirt in your microwave, open the door and remove the turntable. Place it in the sink. Wipe the inside with a sponge or soft cloth, paying particular attention to the walls, ceiling and area under the turntable, as these areas often contain the most residue.

Step 4: Clean the turntable

Wash the turntable with dish soap and warm water in the sink. Scrub it well to remove any food particles or sticky residue. After washing, dry the turntable thoroughly with a clean towel or allow it to air dry to ensure no moisture remains. Once it is completely dry, place it back in the microwave.

Step 5: Combat stubborn stains

Combat any remaining stubborn stains by making a paste of baking soda mixed with a small amount of water. Apply this paste directly to the stains and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. The baking soda will break down the dirt, making it easier to scrub away.

Cleaning the outside

Clean the exterior of the microwave by wiping the door and exterior knobs with a damp cloth. You can use a degreasing agent such as Simple Green or just plain vinegar. Pay special attention to the handle and buttons, which tend to accumulate fingerprints and grease.

Prevention tips

It’s always better to prevent a big mess than to clean it up. To prevent future splatters and build-up in your microwave, always cover your food with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel before reheating. This simple practice can significantly reduce the occurrence of messy splatters in the device. If you forget to cover last night’s leftovers before reheating them, don’t worry. However, be sure to clean up spills immediately after they occur. A quick cleaning prevents the spills from hardening and becoming more difficult to remove later.

How often should you clean your microwave?

Professional cleaners recommend thoroughly cleaning your microwave at least twice a week. If your microwave is used intensively or you often prepare food that splatters, more frequent cleaning may be necessary. Removing food particles reduces the risk of creating a breeding ground for bacteria. Wiping regularly after each use can help prevent deposits and facilitate thorough cleaning.