How to Clean a Microwave
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At some point, every microwave becomes a museum of forgotten splatters, mystery smudges, and the ghost of dinners past. The good news is that cleaning it is far less dramatic than it seems. In fact, the easiest method relies on steam, not elbow grease. All you need is a microwave-safe bowl, some water, a splash of white vinegar or a dash of lemon, and a few minutes of heat.
The steam softens dried-on food, lifts grease, neutralizes odors, and turns even the crustiest mess into something you can wipe away with almost no effort. It is the kind of low-effort, high-reward task that makes the whole kitchen feel cleaner. And if you are already in the middle of a quick kitchen reset, this might be the most satisfying five minutes you spend all day. Below are the simplest, safest ways to clean the inside, the outside, and the turntable so your microwave looks totally renewed.
How to Clean the Inside of a Microwave
Cleaning expert Brandon Pleshek of Clean That Up swears by a nice steam clean with water, vinegar, and lemon. Think of it as a quick spa treatment for your microwave!
What You’ll Need
- Microwave-safe bowl
- White vinegar
- Water
- Lemon
- Microfiber cloth
- Scrub Daddy sponges
- Mild dish soap like Dawn Powerwash
Instructions
- Pour one cup of water and one cup of vinegar into a microwave-safe bowl. Add the juice from half a lemon to the mixture.Â
- Microwave on high for 3 to 5 minutes until it is fully steaming. Use oven mitts to remove the bowl from the microwave when it’s finished.Â
- Wipe the ceiling, walls, and floor of the microwave with a damp microfiber cloth.
- For any stubborn stains, go in with a Scrubdaddy sponge and one spray of Dawn PowerWash.Â
- Use a dry microfiber cloth to give it one final wipedown to remove any residual soap, vinegar, or crumbs.Â
How to Clean the Microwave Turntable
Hand wash with warm, soapy water. It’s the safest way to keep the glass sparkling.
What You’ll Need
- Mild dish soap like Dawn Powerwash
- Warm water
- Microfiber cloth
Instructions
- Let the turntable cool completely before removing it.
- Wash the glass plate and support ring in warm, soapy water.
- Rinse well and dry fully before putting everything back inside.
- For stuck-on residue, let the glass soak for 10 minutes, then wipe clean with a microfiber cloth.
How to Clean the Outside of a Microwave
Warm, soapy water will make fingerprints and mystery smudges disappear.
What You’ll Need
- Mild dish soap like Dawn Powerwash
- Warm water
- Microfiber cloth
- Soft cleaning brush
Instructions
- Mix a little dish soap with warm water and dip your microfiber cloth into the mixture.
- Wipe the top, sides, handle, and control panel.Â
- Use a toothbrush or soft cleaning brush to get into the crevices around the door where crumbs like to hide.
- Wipe it down with a damp microfiber cloth to remove soap residue.Â
- Dry with a microfiber cloth. Follow the grain if your microwave is stainless steel.
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Erica Finamore
Erica Finamore is a writer and editor with more than ten years of experience telling stories about homes, travel, food, and everyday living. Most recently, she was the Home & Travel Director at Real Simple, where she shaped design features, curated gift guides, and helped bring the brand’s annual showhouse to life. She’s also worked with HGTV Magazine, Food Network Magazine, and InStyle. When she’s not writing about inspiring spaces or dreamy destinations, she’s probably out walking her dachshund, Leslie Knope, or scrolling Facebook Marketplace for vintage art finds.
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