The microwave is one of the most commonly used appliances in the kitchen. With its frequency of use, this kitchen appliance can become a goldmine for food splatters, spills, and strong odors.
Because we are constantly in and out of microwave reheating food, it’s easy to overlook the food build-up and caked-on splatters happening over time. However, neglecting to clean the microwave oven reduces its efficiency and can become a breeding ground for germs.
Therefore, regularly cleaning the microwave is important to help control small messes that can turn into big ones and eliminate food, grease, and grime build-up on its surfaces.
Here’s a quick and easy way to clean your microwave.
What You’ll Need
You will need lemon or lime and a small bowl.
Step 1 – Prep The Bowl
Lemon and lime are known for being key ingredients in many recipes – but they can also be a natural yet effective cleaning agent.
Start by filling a microwave-safe bowl with a half cup of water. Then, cut 1-2 lemons or limes in halves and squeeze them into the water. Add the remaining halves to the water and place it in the microwave.
Step 2 – Place The Bowl Into Microwave
After you’ve set the bowl in the microwave, simply run the microwave for approximately 4 minutes to allow the mixture to heat up. The mixture should boil and let off a significant amount of steam.
Step 3 – Let It Sit
Allow the mixture to stay inside your microwave oven for 3-5 minutes to help soften the caked-on food with its steam.
Step 4 – Wipe Down The Microwave
Remove the mixture and wipe down the insides of the microwave with a damp cloth. Be sure to get every nook and cranny of the microwave, including the walls, ceiling, inside of the glass door, and the outside of the microwave.
Clean the microwave turntable separately by washing it just like you would a dirty plate. Place the glass plate back into the microwave, and your microwave should now be sparkingly clean.
The lime will leave a beautiful aroma that helps to eliminate bad smells and lingering odors.
This article originally appeared on The Thrifty Apartment.
Tamara White is the creator and founder of The Thrifty Apartment, a home decor and DIY blog that focuses on affordable and budget-friendly home decorating ideas and projects. Tamara documents her home improvement journey, love of thrifting, tips for space optimization, and creating beautiful spaces.
