Microwaves can last up to 9 to 10 years. When you own a product that can live a long time, it can get neglected. Particles and grease can build up in a microwave over time.

When it comes time to clean it, depending on how long you’ve waited, it can become a difficult task. Below we’ll review how to clean a microwave without the fuss and muss.

How to Clean a Microwave with Vinegar

When using a vinegar solution, add equal parts vinegar and water (about 1 cup of each) in a microwave-safe bowl. Place the bowl into the microwave for a few minutes. You want the water to start simmering or boiling to help create steam.

Place a toothpick or wooden spoon in the bowl to keep the water from overheating and exploding. This doesn’t happen often, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Wait a couple of minutes before you open the door of the microwave. This time allows the steam to loosen anything stuck to the walls of your microwave.

Carefully remove the bowl from the microwave (using oven mitts if necessary). Next, remove the turntable. Wash the turntable in the sink with soap and water. Everything should come off easily.

Next, take your sponge and wipe down the inside of your microwave with soapy water. After, wipe it dry with a cloth/rag, or paper towels.

You can add a little lemon juice or baking soda (about 1 TBSP) to the mixture. This helps freshen up the microwave and remove any odors.

Steam Cleaning with Water

If you don’t have vinegar, don’t fret! You can just as easily clean your microwave with water. Fill a spray bottle with water (and lemon juice if you want to remove odors). Spray the water over all the surfaces in your microwave.

Next, place a wet sponge in the microwave. After the sponge is in the microwave set it to run for a couple of minutes. Wait a couple of minutes before opening the microwave.

When the sponge is cool enough to touch, begin scrubbing down the sides of your microwave. You can use soapy water after if you don’t feel your microwave is clean enough.

Make sure to remove the turnable so you can easily clean the bottom of your microwave.

Wipe everything down with a dry cloth or paper towel once you’re finished.

If you don’t have a spray bottle, you can place the water and lemon juice in a bowl. Follow the instructions as you would with the vinegar method (minus the vinegar).

Create a Baking Soda Paste

If you have stubborn particles or grease, you may need a baking soda paste to remove them. After you’ve done one of the above methods, use the paste to scrub at whatever remains in your microwave.

The baking soda paste consists of water and baking soda. Mix enough of the two until you get an easily spreadable product.

Place the paste on a cloth, paper towel, or toothbrush and rub it over the particles/grease. You may need to let the solution sit for up to a half-hour depending on how tough the stains are.

Once the particles/grease have been removed, wipe the area with a damp cloth or paper towel.

Using Nail Polish Remover

If your microwave is stained yellow and you want it to look as good as new, nail polish remover is the solution. Put some acetone nail polish remover on a cotton ball. Rub the cotton ball onto the walls of your microwave until the yellow stains disappear.

After, wipe down the microwave with a damp cloth or paper towel.

Cleaning the Exterior of Your Microwave

When cleaning the exterior, use soap and water or all-purpose cleaner.

Don’t spray the cleaning products directly onto your microwave. Instead, spray them onto a cloth or paper towel, then apply that to the exterior of your microwave. You want to prevent the cleaner from getting into the vent holes.

After it’s clean, use a dry cloth or paper towel to wipe down the microwave to prevent any streaks from showing.

Let’s Make Your Microwave Shine!

Now that we have looked at how to clean a microwave, it’s time to do it. Maybe now it seems like less of a daunting task to undertake.

Read our blog for more kitchen cleaning hacks.