Don’t you just hate it when your food splatters all over the inside of your microwave?
When this occurs, forget about hard scrubbing; there is an easier way.
Using a natural ingredient like apple cigar vinegar will have your microwave looking spic and span in no time.
The spills and stains will vanish, and doing this often will ensure you never have to deal with stains and odors again.
This process will work even on the food particles that have been left for a few days and are now rock hard. Steam and apple cider vinegar to the rescue!
Table of Contents
How To Clean a Microwave With Apple Cider Vinegar?
To clean your microwave with apple cider vinegar place half a bowl of water in the microwave with a quarter of a cup of apple cider vinegar. Heat on high for 4 minutes or until the water is boiling. Leave the door closed for 10 minutes to allow everything to soften.
Microwave Wattage
Microwave Wattage Reference
600 watts – 4 minutes
700 watts – 3 minutes
800 watts – 2 ½ minutes
1000 watts- 2 minutes
1200 watts – 1 ½ minutes
There is a slight risk of bubbling the boiling water. It is recommended to place a wooden spoon or a skewer if you have one into the water so the bubbles can latch onto this so the built-up air can release.
Removing The Bowl Of Vinegar
Once you have let the steam and apple cider vinegar do their thing, you can then open the door and use oven mitts or a towel to remove the hot water.
Using a clean damp cloth, quickly rub over the inside of the microwave, and food should come away easily.
Take out the turntable and give it a good wash. Some turntables can go in the dishwasher, and this is a good idea every so often to give it a good clean-over.
Once the inside of your microwave is clean, give it a good dry and place the turntable back inside.
The vinegar should have done the job, but if you find there is still baked-on food, you can repeat the process with fresh water and vinegar.
Cleaning A Microwave With Fresh Lemon
Depending on the type of apple vinegar you use, there might be a lingering vinegar smell.
This doesn’t last long and won’t affect the food, but if you don’t like it, you can use lemon.
You can squeeze the lemon juice into half a cup of water. You can do it the same as the vinegar and boil it in the microwave if you still have lingering food particles.
Otherwise, you can just dip your cloth in the lemon water and wipe off the inside of your microwave.
The lemon trick also works if you have a lingering smell of food like seafood or pasta that you cannot get out. If steaming with lemon has not worked for the food smells, you can mix a cup of water and juice of a lemon.
Add some grated peel and some cloves to a bowl.
This solution can be placed into the microwave and cooked until it is boiling and letting off steam.
Again, you want to allow the mixture to sit in the microwave for a little while to do its job. Now you can wipe over the inside with a clean, soft cloth.
Cleaning The Exterior
Did you know that handles on a microwave are actually overlooked all the time, along with the touchpads?
Dirt and grime accumulate here all the time and should be washed every few days.
For a quick clean, you need to add some apple cider vinegar with water into a spray bottle.
Spray the front of your microwave and wipe over with a clean cloth.
If you have vents or openings, it is a good idea to spray onto a cloth first to avoid any liquid getting inside the mechanical works.
If your microwave has a filter, this will need to be removed and washed.
Once you remove it, place it into the sink with a cup of apple vinegar and a squirt of dish liquid and let it soak for a few minutes.
Give it a good wash and then rinse well and shake off any excess water. Wipe over with a dry cloth and put it back on.
Cleaning Stainless Steel Microwaves
Once you have cleaned your stainless microwave with the above instructions, you might need to go over it with rubbing alcohol to help get the shine back.
You just need to dampen a clean, soft cloth with the alcohol and rub it over the front of your microwave, including the handle.
It is best to wipe with the grain, so you capture any lingering particles or fluff.
You need to check your owner’s manual before you clean the exterior.
Some models have different finishes, and certain products need to be used.
Another thing people often forget to do when they are cleaning their microwave is the surface underneath.
This is where the crumbs, bits of food, and dust all accumulate.
To clean this area just unplug your microwave and slide it across. Clean the area with your cloth dampened with your vinegar solution. Now dry it and place it back.
Ensure you dry the area as underneath the microwave doesn’t have much airflow, so any moisture can turn to mold very quickly.
It can be a shock when you first do it. You will wonder how all the mess got under there.
Conclusion
Microwaves are used at least once a day, sometimes more. It is fair enough that they can get pretty messy, especially if food is placed inside without a cover on top.
Food and sauce can splatter, and your microwave ends up in a huge mess.
No more harsh cleaning chemicals, just some apple cider vinegar, steam, some cleaning cloths, and your all set.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning with Apple Vinegar
What Happens If I Over Boil The Apple Vinegar?
If you cook the vinegar for longer than the time recommended, it can explode and splash everywhere. This is not common but can happen. Once you open the door and pull the bowl out it can splatter everywhere, causing bad burns to your skin. Stick to the recommended times.
I Don’t Have Apple Vinegar Can I Use White Vinegar?
You can use white vinegar, although apple cider vinegar cleans and disinfects better than white. If you need to use white, then distilled white vinegar is best.