How often & how do you clean your microwave oven ?

Question

I know the obvious answer is when it gets dirty. I know one method of cleaning the microwave - I put 1 Tablespoon of vinegar, one cup of warm water and 1 or 2 drops of dish soap in a small microwave safe bowl. Put it in the microwave on high for 3-4 minutes and let stand for 15 minutes. Then wipe the microwave out with a damp sponge. The steam and use of vinegar loosens up the build up in the microwave.
How do you clean your microwave?

Answer 1

I clean my microwave at least once a week, or as needed. However, I just use 1 tbs. bleach to 2 cups warm water. I have a spray bottle used only for bleach solutions. I spray, wait 3 minutes and wipe. I use bleach often in the kitchen, nothing kills those germs better!!

Answer 2

Hot water to clean microwave - Fill a bowl with water, put in microwave, turn on microwave, allow water to become very hot, allow the steam from the hot water to fill the microwave. Then take the bowl out, wipe microwave down with a cleaner ... the steam will loosen all the food.

Answer 3

I clean mine everyday with Antibacterial dish soap and a rag. That way there is no build up. But I do like the Idea of using the vinegar and the dish soap. Will have to try that the next time my kids leave a mess and I don't know about it. Thank you for the tip.
Oh I don't use sponges they harbor bacteria.

Answer 4

I use industrial microwave and i clean it everyday by simply spraying some water in it (all over top/sides/bottom) and running it for a 30-45 seconds and then just wipe it off with damp cloth.

I have been using this method forever and it works perfect for me.

Answer 5

I use the Mr. Clean microwave cleaning wipes. You nuke one in the microwave for about a minute, then let it sit for a few minutes while the steam loosens the baked-on dirt. Then you let it cool for a few minutes, then wipe! Nothing could be easier!

Answer 6

How dirty is your microwave? I clean mine each time I use it with hot water, mild soap, and a capful of bleach, which is how I wash my dishes that don't go in the dishwasher. No need to let it sit in the microwave. No need to make a big deal out of it. Clean it when you use it with the water you use for your family's dishes.

Answer 7

if you give the microwave a quick wipe with a cloth every day or two, you will never need to bother with vinegar etc.

Microwaves are notorious for accumulating bacteria, because people neglect to clean them or they don't realise it is necessary. Studies have shown there a more bacteria in an unclean microwave than on your kitchen floor.

Answer 8

Safer method, and nicer smelling:
*3/4 cup of water
*1/4 cup lemon juice

Cook for 2 minutes, then leave in for 10, everything will simply wipe straight off.

Answer 9

I take about 2 cups of water, a half lemon and nuke it in a glass bowl for about 10 minutes. The steam loosens the grime, the lemon leaves a fresh scent.

Bonus Plan: You take the boiled lemon half and put it down your garbage disposal. It makes that smell better, too!

Answer 10

Having a 7 year old grandson who loves to use the microwave necessitates me cleaning it almost everyday (that's how often it is dirty!) I do what you do only I only use water. To get out the tougher stains I use baking soda on a damp sponge.