Looking for the easiest way to clean a microwave? I’m just gonna say it: this chore sucks It’s one of those chores that sneaks up on you until one day you’re reheating leftovers and realize the inside looks like a Jackson Pollock painting made entirely of spaghetti sauce.
I used to avoid this job for weeks (okay, months) until the smell got so bad I couldn’t ignore it anymore. Then I’d spend like 45 minutes scrubbing and accomplishing basically nothing. Turns out, I was doing it completely wrong.
Here’s what actually works.
Learn more: How to Choose a Microwave
The Only Method You Really Need: Steam + Vinegar
Forget everything else for a second. This is the one that changed my life, and I’m not being dramatic.
You need:
- A microwave-safe bowl (I use a Pyrex measuring cup)
- Water
- White vinegar
- That’s literally it
Here’s what you do:
Fill your bowl with about a cup of water and dump in 2-3 tablespoons of vinegar. Doesn’t have to be exact – I usually just eyeball it.
Stick it in the microwave and run it for 5 minutes on high. Yeah, 5 full minutes. Your kitchen’s gonna smell like a salad for a bit, but trust me on this.
When it beeps, DON’T open the door yet. This is the part everyone messes up. Let it sit there for another 3-5 minutes with the door closed. The steam needs time to work its magic on all that crusty stuff.
Now open it up (careful, the bowl is HOT – use oven mitts or a towel). The inside should look like a sauna. Take a cloth or sponge and just wipe. Everything should come off stupidly easy. If you’ve got a spot that’s being stubborn, dip your cloth in the hot vinegar water and that usually does the trick.
Pull out the turntable and wash it in the sink like a normal dish. Done.
The whole thing takes maybe 10 minutes, and most of that is just waiting around.
“But I Hate the Smell of Vinegar”
Yeah, I get it. Use lemon instead.
Cut a lemon in half, squeeze the juice into your bowl of water, then throw the lemon halves in there too. Same process – 5 minutes on high, let it sit, wipe down. Your kitchen will smell like a cleaning commercial instead of a salad bar.
Honestly though? The vinegar smell goes away in like 15 minutes and it works slightly better. But the lemon thing is totally fine if vinegar makes you gag.
What About Baking Soda?
Sure, if you want. It’s good for smells more than anything else.
I keep a small open box of baking soda in my microwave between cleanings – it helps with odors. For actual cleaning, you can make a paste (baking soda + a little water) and scrub it on really stubborn spots. It works, but I rarely need it if I’m doing the steam method regularly.
Some people microwave a bowl of baking soda water for deodorizing. I’ve tried it. It’s fine. Vinegar or lemon works better in my experience.
How Often Should You Actually Do This?
Real talk: I do the steam method maybe once a month, or whenever I notice it’s getting gross. In between, I just wipe up obvious spills when they happen. If you let something explode in there, clean it that day while it’s still soft. Future you will be grateful.
If you use your microwave a lot (like multiple times a day), maybe bump it up to every 2-3 weeks. But weekly? Come on.
The Door and Outside Part
The inside gets all the attention, but the door is usually nasty too. All those fingerprints and mysterious sticky spots.
For the glass part of the door, I use the same vinegar-water solution. Spray it on (or wipe with a damp cloth), then dry with a clean towel so it doesn’t streak.
The control panel is tricky because you don’t want water getting into the buttons. I barely dampen a cloth and wipe gently. For the gunk around the buttons, a Q-tip with a tiny bit of rubbing alcohol works great.
If you’ve got a stainless steel microwave, there are special cleaners for that. Or just use a little dish soap and water, then dry it off so it doesn’t spot. Always wipe in the direction of the grain if it’s stainless.
When Nothing Works: The Stubborn Stain Emergency Protocol
Sometimes you’ve got something that’s been there so long it’s become part of the microwave. I once had a turmeric stain that I swear was there for six months.
Here’s the nuclear option:
- Do the steam method to soften everything
- Make a thick paste of baking soda and water
- Slather it on the problem area and let it sit for 20-30 minutes
- Come back and scrub with a non-scratch sponge
If it’s STILL there, repeat. I’ve had to do this twice for really bad spots.
For burnt popcorn smell (the worst), the lemon steam helps, but you also need to leave the door open for a few hours. I usually do it before bed and let it air out overnight. Some people swear by leaving a bowl of vanilla extract and water in there overnight too. Haven’t tried it myself but apparently it works.
Things I’ve Learned NOT to Do
Through trial and error (mostly error):
Don’t use steel wool or those abrasive scrubby pads on the inside. I scratched mine once and regretted it immediately.
Don’t spray cleaner directly on the control panel. I shorted out a microwave this way in college. Spray your cloth instead, not the microwave.
Don’t use harsh chemicals like oven cleaner or bleach inside. The fumes get trapped and then you’re basically microwaving poison into your food later. Not smart.
Don’t run your microwave empty to “burn off” smells. That’s a great way to break it. Always have water or food in there when it’s running.
My Current Routine (That Actually Works)
I’m not going to pretend I’m some clean freak who does this perfectly. But here’s what I actually do:
- Wipe up fresh spills immediately when I notice them (this is the big one)
- Use a paper towel or microwave cover over stuff that might splatter
- Do the vinegar steam method once a month or when it looks gross
- Wash the turntable whenever I remember, usually weekly-ish
That’s it. It stays pretty clean and I’m not spending my life scrubbing.
The Real Secret
You know what the actual secret is? Using a microwave cover. I resisted this for years because I’m lazy and didn’t want another thing to wash.
But it’s a game changer. Those plastic covers or even just a paper towel over your plate catches like 90% of splatters. I still have to clean my microwave, but it’s SO much easier now.
You can get a cheap plastic cover for like ten bucks. Worth every penny.
Conclusion
Cleaning a microwave doesn’t have to be this horrible thing you avoid for months. The steam method takes 10 minutes and actually works. Do it semi-regularly and you’ll never have to do the death-scrub again.
And if your microwave is currently disgusting? Start with the vinegar steam tonight. Five minutes from now you could be done with this chore. You’re welcome.
FAQs
How do you clean a really dirty microwave?
Steam method – microwave a bowl of water and vinegar for 5 minutes, let it sit for 3 minutes with the door closed, then wipe. The steam softens everything. For stubborn spots, use a baking soda paste.
What is the fastest way to clean a microwave?
Vinegar steam method takes 10 minutes total. Most of that is just waiting – actual wiping takes about 2 minutes.
Can I use lemon instead of vinegar?
Yes. Lemon works just as well and smells better. Squeeze half a lemon into water, throw the halves in, and microwave for 5 minutes.
How often should you clean your microwave?
Once a month is fine. Wipe up spills immediately and do a steam clean when it looks gross.
How do you get rid of burnt smell in microwave?
Steam lemon water for 5 minutes, then leave the door open for several hours or overnight.