Food splatter and crumbs can accumulate in your microwave over time, making it an inviting space for bacteria. You can avoid these risks by using helpful cleaning hacks and tips during your weekly cleaning.
Cleaning your microwave prevents various forms of cross-contamination. The old food particles left in your microwave can permeate your food due to the steaming process that occurs when heating up food. In addition, constantly touching your microwave doors while handling other things can also be a form of cross-contamination.
Cleaning can be enjoyable when you discover new or better ways to clean your space. It is always intriguing to see how many ways there are to accomplish one thing. Here are 4 interesting and effective cleaning hacks that will leave your microwave looking brand new.
Microwave Cleaning Hacks
Make sure to also clean the contents of your microwave, such as the turntable ring, turntable plate, and microwave rack (if applicable) with dish detergent and warm water.
Leave a comment if you would like to read about cleaning hacks and tips for microwave components, such as vents.
The Lemon Microwave Cleaning Hack
Citric acid, a derivative of lemons has many benefits, making lemons a great ingredient for deep cleaning hacks. It acts as a disinfectant, degreaser, deodorizer, and stain remover. With this hack, the steam combined with the citric acid provides a finished clean, and fresh scent.
For this, you will need:
- 1 Lemon
- Water
- A Microwaveable Bowl
- A Microfiber Cloth
Steps:
1. Cut the lemon in half & juice it into a microwaveable bowl.
2. Leave the cut-up lemon in the bowl of lemon juice.
3. Add water. The amount will depend on the size of your bowl. Make sure to not overfill.
4. Place the bowl & content in the microwave and warm for 5 minutes.
5. Use caution when removing the hot bowl.
6. Wipe the inside of the microwave with a microfiber cloth.
Tip: For harder stains and/or odor, let the bowl sit in the microwave for an additional 3 minutes, enough to still have warmth, then wipe.
The Listerine Microwave Cleaning Hack
The original Listerine contains the ingredient thymol. This is a natural ingredient derived from plants and possesses antimicrobial activity. This will properly disinfect the interior of your microwave.
For this, you will need the following:
- Original Listerine
- A spray Bottle
- Warm Water
- Microfiber Cloth
Steps:
1. Pour 20mL of Listerine into a spray bottle. (Note: 20mL should generally be the size of the Listerine cap.)
2. Add an equal amount of warm water to the spray bottle.
3. Shake and spray into the microwave.
4. Leave for 15 mins and wipe with a microfiber cloth.
The Fresh Thyme Microwave Cleaning Hack
If you don’t have Listerine but have thyme, you can reap the same disinfecting benefits since thymol is also found in thyme.
For this, you will need:
- Thyme
- Cinnamon Stick (Optional, to add scent)
- Microwaveable Bowl
- Warm Water
- Microfiber Cloth
Steps:
1. Place thyme in a microwaveable bowl and add water.
2. Add a cinnamon stick if you like the scent.
3. Microwave for five 5 minutes.
4. Let the bowl sit in the microwave for an additional 10 minutes without warming up.
5. Dampen your microfiber towel in the bowl of thyme and water and wipe the inside of the microwave.
The Dish Detergent Microwave Cleaning Hack
Dish detergent is extremely helpful for removing stains. When it comes to cleaning hacks for kitchen appliances, dish detergent can be used in various ways.
For this, you will need:
Steps:
1. Pour water into your microwaveable bowl.
2. Add approximately a tablespoon of dish detergent and gently swirl the mixture for a few seconds.
3. Place the mixture in the microwave for 5 minutes.
4. Remove the bowl with caution and wipe out your microwave with a microfiber cloth
Other Tips To Consider:
A microwave food cover will allow you to avoid food splatters in the microwave after each use.
Dampen a paper towel. Make sure water is squeezed out completely and use it to cover your food to prevent food splatters.
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