Low‑effort microwave cleaning: Lemon, vinegar and more

Keeping your microwave clean regularly not only prolongs its life but also enhances safety by eliminating bacteria and unpleasant odours. With simple tricks, you can achieve this quickly and effectively.

Every home cook should know the magical power of lemon. This citrus fruit not only adds flavour to dishes but also works brilliantly as a cleaning agent. Cleaning the microwave with lemon is very straightforward. Simply cut a lemon in half, squeeze the juice into a bowl of water, and place it in the microwave for a few minutes. When the water starts to steam at the microwave's highest setting, the lemon particles will soften dried grease and food residues.

This cleaning technique not only removes dirt but also eliminates unpleasant odours. Moreover, it is a completely natural method, free from chemicals, making it safe for the environment.

Vinegar is another indispensable helper in the fight against dirt. How to clean the microwave with vinegar? The method is very simple. This kitchen staple has disinfecting and grease-dissolving properties, making it an ideal product for cleaning microwaves. Mix a cup of vinegar with an equal amount of water in a heat-resistant dish. Place it in the microwave, set it on the highest setting, and let the mixture work for about five minutes.

The circulating steam from the vinegar effectively dissolves grease and removes food residues. After the cycle is finished, wipe the interior of the microwave with a soft cloth to remove dissolved dirt and grease. However, remember that vinegar has a strong smell, so it’s advisable to ventilate the kitchen for a moment after cleaning.

You can also clean the microwave using bicarbonate of soda. It’s a versatile agent you can find in the kitchen. Its abrasive and odour-neutralising properties make it an ideal solution for cleaning microwaves. Prepare a paste from a few tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda and a bit of water for thorough cleaning of the appliance's interior. Apply the paste to a soft sponge and wipe the microwave's interior carefully.

You can also leave the paste on the surface for several minutes to dissolve tough stains. Then wipe the appliance with a damp cloth, removing paste and dirt residues. Bicarbonate of soda not only cleans the interior of stains but also effectively neutralises unpleasant odours.

Few people know that you can clean the microwave using a dishwasher tablet. Although dishwasher tablets are intended for washing dishes, you can utilise their cleaning potential for the microwave as well. How to clean the microwave with a dishwasher tablet? Dissolve one tablet in a cup of hot water and place the solution in the microwave for about 5 minutes, setting the appliance to medium power. The steam from the dissolved tablet effectively dissolves grease and other stains.

After the cleaning cycle, wipe the microwave's interior with a damp cloth to remove any cleaning agent and dissolved dirt residues. This method is fast and effective, and additionally, dishwasher tablets often contain polishing agents, making the microwave’s interior shine like new.

Remember to clean the appliance regularly, preferably after each use, to prevent hard-to-remove stains. A clean microwave not only looks better but also ensures that the food we heat in it is free from additional impurities and odours.