5 Ways to Clean the Inside of Your Microwave + Golden Tips

The microwave is one of the most-used appliances in the kitchen, from reheating dinner to defrosting frozen food. But with every use, splatters of sauce, grease and food particles settle on the walls and ceiling. Left alone, they cause odors, encourage bacteria and make the appliance work less efficiently.

The good news is that cleaning the inside of a microwave takes just a few minutes. Below you'll find 5 simple methods, safety tips and maintenance habits, plus the household cleaning products that make the job easier.

Why is cleaning the microwave important?

• Better hygiene: food residue is a breeding ground for bacteria, and regular cleaning lowers the risk of contaminating your meals.
• No bad odors: burnt food and old grease leave lingering smells that transfer to the next dish.
•  Longer appliance life: baked-on stains and grease slowly damage internal parts.
• Better performance: a clean cavity distributes heat more evenly.
• A fresh look: your microwave looks as good as new.

Before you start: safety tips

• Turn the microwave off and unplug it.
• Use only microwave-safe bowls (glass or ceramic without metal trim) for steaming.
• Never mix vinegar or any other cleaner with bleach; the combination releases toxic fumes.
• Be careful when removing hot bowls, and consider wearing disposable gloves while cleaning.

5 ways to clean the inside of a microwave

1. Clean with lemon

Lemon is a natural cleaner that loosens grease and leaves a pleasant scent.

1. Squeeze the juice of 2–3 lemons into a microwave-safe bowl and add some water.
2. Place the bowl in the microwave and run it for 2–3 minutes.
3.  Wait 5 minutes so the steam can loosen the stains.
4. Wipe the walls and ceiling with a damp cloth.

2. Clean with white vinegar

Vinegar is excellent for hardened grease and stubborn odors.

1. Mix one cup of water and one tablespoon of white vinegar in a microwave-safe bowl.
2. Heat for 3–5 minutes.
3. Wait 5 minutes, then carefully remove the bowl.
4. Wipe the interior with a soft, damp cloth.

3. Clean with baking soda

Baking soda works well on tough stains and bad smells.

1. Dissolve two tablespoons of baking soda in one cup of water.
2. Heat the bowl for 3–5 minutes.
3. Once steam has formed, wipe the walls with a damp cloth.

4. Clean with a cleaning liquid or gel

For thick, old grease, put a little cleaning liquid or cleaning gel on a damp sponge and wash the interior surfaces. Then wipe several times with a clean damp cloth to remove all foam, and dry thoroughly with a towel. For very old stains, a cleaning cream with gentle abrasion can help; always read the label and keep it away from vents and heating elements.

5. Clean with a damp paper towel or wipes

This is the quickest method for everyday cleaning. Soak a paper towel, place it in a bowl of water and run the microwave for 1–2 minutes. The steam softens the splatters so you can wipe them away with the same towel. Keep some cleansing wipes nearby for quick spills.

How to clean the outside of the microwave

The exterior collects grease and fingerprints from constant contact. Unplug the appliance first, then apply a cleaning or glass-cleaning spray to a soft cloth (not directly onto the microwave, so moisture doesn't get inside) and gently wipe the outer surfaces and the door glass. Finish with a dry cloth.

Golden tips to keep your microwave clean

• Cover food before heating to prevent splatters.
• Wipe the interior with a damp cloth after each use.
• For odors, leave a bowl of baking soda inside for a few hours or add some activated charcoal.
• Heat a few drops of vanilla extract in water for a pleasant scent. For the rest of the kitchen, try an air freshener.
• Never run the microwave empty; always keep a bowl of water inside.

How often should you clean your microwave?

• After each use: wipe up right away if you heated greasy or saucy food.
• Weekly: do a full clean with one of the methods above if you use it regularly.
• Every two weeks: enough if you use it only occasionally.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best way to remove microwave odor?

Steam with water and vinegar or lemon usually does the job. For stubborn smells, leave a bowl of baking soda inside for several hours.

Can I use a cleaning spray inside the microwave?

It's better not to spray directly inside. Spray onto a cloth, then rinse-wipe with water so no residue stays on the walls.

Is it safe to clean a microwave with vinegar?

Yes, as long as you use a microwave-safe bowl and never mix vinegar with bleach.

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