Ever opened your microwave door and thought, “What happened in here?” Yeah, me too. Microwaves are splatter magnets. One exploding bowl of soup, a rogue baked bean, or an overzealous jacket potato, and boom – instant mess. It happens fast.

But leaving it dirty isn’t just unsightly. It’s about hygiene, keeping nasty smells at bay, and honestly, making sure your trusty appliance works efficiently. Nobody wants yesterday’s curry flavouring their morning porridge. The good news? You don’t need fancy chemicals or hours of scrubbing. I’m going to show you how to clean a dirty microwave using simple, effective methods that actually work, covering everything from light grime to stubborn, baked-on disasters. Let’s get this done.

Why Bother? The Real Reasons to Clean Your Microwave Often

Cleaning the microwave might feel like just another chore, but trust me, it’s worth prioritising. Here’s the simple breakdown:

  • Health First: Warm, damp environments with food scraps? That’s a playground for bacteria. Regular cleaning keeps things hygienic and safer for your food. Simple.
  • No More Nasty Smells: Lingering odours from strong foods (fish, garlic, burnt popcorn – we’ve all been there) can transfer to whatever you heat next. A clean microwave means fresh-tasting food.
  • Keep it Working Longer: Caked-on food can actually interfere with the microwave’s performance and even damage the interior over time. Clean components work better and last longer. Makes sense, right?

Your Microwave Cleaning Toolkit: Simple Household Staples

Forget expensive, specialised cleaners for now. You likely have everything you need already. Grab these:

  • White Vinegar: A brilliant natural cleaner and deodoriser.
  • Baking Soda: Great for scrubbing away stubborn bits without scratching.
  • A Lemon: Another natural deodoriser that helps cut through grease.
  • Washing Up Liquid: Good old dish soap for greasy turntables and doors.
  • Microfibre Cloth or Sponge: Soft, absorbent, and won’t scratch surfaces. Avoid abrasive scourers!
  • Microwave-Safe Bowl or Jug: To hold your cleaning solutions.

Got them? Good. Let’s tackle that grime.

Method 1: Steam Power! Cleaning with Vinegar or Lemon Water

This is my go-to for everyday cleaning or light-to-moderate mess. It’s super easy and does most of the work for you.

Here’s the plan:

  1. Mix the Solution: Pour about 250ml (that’s roughly half a pint) of water into your microwave-safe bowl. Add either 2 tablespoons of white vinegar OR the juice of half a lemon (you can chuck the squeezed lemon halves in too).
  2. Heat It Up: Place the bowl inside the microwave. Heat on high power for about 5 minutes. You want it to get really steamy in there. The steam is key – it softens all that dried-on gunk.
  3. Let it Sit: Don’t open the door straight away! Leave it closed for another 5-10 minutes. Let that steam work its magic.
  4. Wipe Down: Carefully remove the hot bowl (use oven gloves!). Take your microfibre cloth or sponge and wipe down the inside walls, ceiling, floor, and door. The grime should come off easily. Dip your cloth in the remaining warm lemon/vinegar water if needed for extra cleaning power.

Bonus Tip: Lemon water not only cleans but leaves a much fresher scent than vinegar. If smells are your main issue, lemon is a great choice.

Method 2: Tough Mess? Try Baking Soda Paste

Got some really stubborn, baked-on food splatters that steam alone won’t shift? Baking soda is your friend. It’s mildly abrasive, perfect for lifting grime without damaging the inside.

How to use it:

  1. Make the Paste: In a small bowl, mix a few tablespoons of baking soda with a tiny bit of water. You want a thick paste, not runny liquid. Think toothpaste consistency.
  2. Apply Carefully: Dab the paste directly onto the stubborn spots inside the microwave. Be careful not to get it into any vents or openings.
  3. Let it Work: Leave the paste to sit for about 5-15 minutes. This gives it time to break down the grime.
  4. Wipe Clean: Use a damp microfibre cloth or sponge to wipe away the paste and the loosened dirt. You might need a gentle scrub on really tough areas, but let the baking soda do most of the work. Rinse your cloth often.

This method is fantastic because it’s effective, non-toxic, and safe for food surfaces.

Method 3: When to Use Commercial Microwave Cleaners

Okay, sometimes natural methods just need a bit more oomph, or maybe you just prefer a dedicated product. Commercial cleaners can be effective, especially on heavy grease or burnt-on food.

  • When: Use them for really tough jobs where vinegar/baking soda haven’t quite cut it, or if the manufacturer recommends a specific product.
  • How: Always follow the instructions on the bottle. Seriously. They usually involve spraying, letting it sit (often for less time than natural methods), and then wiping thoroughly.
  • Pros: Can be very powerful and quick.
  • Cons: Contain chemicals (so ensure good ventilation!), can be more expensive, and must be wiped away completely to avoid residue tainting food.
  • Safety First: Ventilate the room well (open a window). Never spray directly onto electrical components or vents. Always rinse/wipe thoroughly as directed.

Personally, I stick to natural methods 90% of the time. But it’s good to know the option is there.

Don’t Forget the Turntable and Door Cleaning

A clean interior is great, but don’t stop there.

  • The Turntable: Lift it out. Most glass turntables can be washed in the sink with hot, soapy water just like a plate. Some are even dishwasher-safe (check your manual). Dry it completely before putting it back.
  • Underneath: Wipe the floor of the microwave where the turntable sits. Clean the little roller ring too – crumbs love hiding there.
  • The Door: Wipe the inside of the door, paying attention to the edges and the seals – gunk builds up here. Use your damp cloth. For a streak-free finish on the outside glass, spray glass cleaner onto your cloth (not directly onto the microwave) and wipe.

Banishing Bad Smells: Getting Rid of Burnt Odours

Uh oh. Burnt popcorn smell haunting your kitchen? Here’s how to tackle lingering odours:

  • Steam Clean (Again): The vinegar or lemon steam method (Method 1) is often enough to neutralise smells.
  • Baking Soda Power: Place an open box or small bowl of dry baking soda inside the microwave. Close the door and leave it overnight. Baking soda is brilliant at absorbing odours.
  • Coffee Grounds Trick: Similar to baking soda, a bowl of used, dry coffee grounds left inside overnight can absorb nasty smells. Your microwave might smell faintly of coffee afterwards, which is usually better than burnt food!
  • Air it Out: Sometimes, just leaving the microwave door open for a few hours can help dissipate smells.

If a smell persists after cleaning, double-check for hidden burnt bits or spills, especially around the door seals or ceiling vents.

Keep It Clean: Simple Microwave Maintenance Habits

Want to avoid major cleaning sessions? Build these habits:

  • Use a Cover: Seriously, this is the number one tip. A microwave-safe cover prevents 90% of splatters. Get one. Use it every time.
  • Wipe Spills ASAP: Don’t let spills sit and bake on. Wipe them up with a damp cloth as soon as the microwave is cool enough.
  • Weekly Wipe-Down: Give the inside a quick wipe with a damp cloth once a week, even if it looks clean. This stops small bits becoming big problems.

Microwave Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

To keep your microwave safe and working well, steer clear of these:

  • Abrasive Scrubbers: No steel wool, scouring pads, or harsh brushes. They will scratch and damage the interior lining.
  • Harsh Chemicals: Avoid bleach, neat ammonia, or oven cleaners not specifically labelled safe for microwaves. They can damage surfaces and leave harmful residues.
  • Metal Tools: Never use knives, forks, or metal scrapers to chip away food. You risk damaging the interior or causing sparks. Stick to sponges or plastic scrapers if needed.

Quick FAQs

Got questions? Here are some common ones:

  • How often should I clean my microwave? Aim for a quick wipe-down weekly and after any major spills. Do a deeper clean (like the steam or baking soda methods) monthly, or more often if you use it heavily.
  • Is it safe to use vinegar in the microwave? Yes, absolutely. When diluted with water and used for steaming as described, white vinegar is a safe and effective cleaner and deodoriser for microwaves.
  • What if my microwave still smells bad after cleaning? Try the overnight baking soda or coffee grounds trick again. Ensure you’ve cleaned everywhere, including the turntable ring and door seals. Airing it out helps too. If a burnt smell is really strong and won’t go, check you haven’t missed a hidden burnt patch.

Ready for a Sparkling Clean Microwave?

So there you have it. Cleaning a dirty microwave doesn’t need to be a nightmare. With basic items like vinegar, lemon, or baking soda, you can easily tackle everyday grime and even tougher spots. Remember the steam trick for general cleaning, the baking soda paste for stubborn bits, and always clean the turntable and door.

Prevention is key – grab a microwave cover! But when messes happen, you now know exactly what to do. Pick the method that suits you and give it a try. You’ll appreciate that fresh, clean space next time you heat something up.