Though cleaning the microwave can be a relatively simple task, the mundane scrubbing of the activity sometimes deters homeowners from completing the job. Shockingly, it’s estimated that around 80% of people never clean their microwaves.
Since their invention almost 100 years ago, microwaves have made our lives significantly easier. Their possible applications are endless and they are now in 90% of people’s homes.
Your microwave needs cleaning
Our homes are a hotbed of germs and bacteria. On the microwave, it’s not even the surfaces you have to worry about, but don’t worry, they are filthy too. Recent studies have suggested that the machine’s radiation doesn’t actually sterilize the environment. Gross!
That leads to the question of how to properly sanitize your microwaves to ensure they still produce yummy food without health detriments.
The paste method
Delah Gomasi from MaidForYou, a large cleaning service based out of Australia, suggested using a paste made from baking soda and water.
“Place it on food that’s stuck to the hardened surfaces and let it set for 5 minutes,” one person wrote. “This solution makes it super easy to remove old food stains and it can be done with common kitchen items that you can find in your fridge.”
She added: “Once all the hard food stains have been removed, you can use a solution of vinegar and water to wipe down the remaining leftover food particles.”
Lemonade out of lemons
Elizabeth Shields, Operations Manager of Super Cleaning Service Louisville, told The Focus that the basis of any successful microwave clean is everyone’s favorite sour fruit.
She said: “You can put a microwave-safe bowl filled with water and lemon slices inside, and heat it up for a couple of minutes. The steam from the lemon slices will soften the grime and make it easier for you to wipe clean.
“Don’t have lemons? No problem! Just wet some paper towels, put them in the microwave on high for five minutes, and let them cool down before using them to wipe down your microwave.”
Don’t forget the other parts
Cleaning the plate and its surrounding walls is, of course, a mandatory step of the microwave cleaning process. However, some other areas also need your attention.
Cleaning Expert Ken Doty told The Focus: “Unplug the microwave. Microwaves either have grills on top or on the sides. Use hot water and soap to clean the vents and scrub, scrub, scrub! If some stains are too hard to get out with soap and water, consider adding a little bit of baking soda and scrubbing some more. This will loosen the stains up a little bit and allow you to clean better.
“Return the vent to the machine once you are done and have let the vent dry. Cleaning these vents will help ensure that the fans continue to work effectively and will improve the lifetime of your microwave.”
