How to Clean a Microwave With Vinegar
Steam the inside loose with a bowl of vinegar and water, then wipe. It lifts dried-on splatters in a few minutes with no scrubbing and no harsh chemicals.
Quick answer
Heat a bowl of equal parts water and white vinegar in the microwave for five minutes, leave the door shut for two more, then wipe the softened grime away with a cloth.
Materials
- White vinegar
- Water
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Cloth or sponge
Baked-on food in a microwave is mostly water that has dried hard. The trick is to put the moisture back so it lets go on its own, instead of scrubbing it off. A bowl of vinegar and water does exactly that — the steam loosens everything and the mild acid cuts grease and smells at the same time.
Step by step
- 1
Mix the solution
Half-fill a microwave-safe bowl with water and add an equal amount of white vinegar — roughly a cup of each is plenty for most microwaves.
- 2
Add something to stop it boiling over
Drop a wooden cocktail stick or skewer into the bowl. It gives bubbles somewhere to form so the liquid doesn't suddenly erupt.
- 3
Heat it
Microwave on full power for five minutes so the inside fills with steam. The whole cavity should fog up.
- 4
Let it sit
Leave the door closed for two to three minutes. Don't open it straight away — the standing steam is what does the work.
- 5
Wipe it out
Open carefully, lift out the bowl (it will be hot), and wipe the walls, roof and door with a cloth. Take out the turntable and wash it in the sink.
The bowl and the steam are hot enough to scald. Use a tea towel to lift the bowl out and tip your face away from the door when you open it. Never microwave plain water in a sealed or very smooth container with no stir stick — superheated water can boil over violently.
Common mistakes
- Opening the door immediately — you lose the steam that loosens the grime.
- Using too strong a vinegar smell in a small kitchen; crack a window if it bothers you.
- Forgetting the turntable and roller ring, which collect just as much grease as the walls.
- Scrubbing with abrasive pads that scratch the interior coating.
Frequently asked
Can I use lemon instead of vinegar?
Yes. Squeeze a lemon into the water and drop the halves in too. It works the same way through steam and smells fresher, though it's slightly less effective on heavy grease than vinegar.
Will the vinegar smell linger?
No. It's strong while the microwave is warm but fades within a few minutes once you've wiped the inside dry and left the door open to air.
How often should I do this?
A quick wipe after any spill plus a steam-clean once a fortnight keeps it easy. The longer splatters bake on, the harder they are to shift.
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