How to Clean a Microwave Fast
Splattered sauce, baked-on popcorn, a smell that won't quit? Let steam do the hard work, then wipe it all away in a few minutes. No scrubbing marathon needed.
Steam first, wipe second
Heating a bowl of water with a little lemon juice or vinegar fills the microwave with steam. The steam softens dried-on food so it wipes off instead of needing a scrub. You'll need:
- A microwave-safe glass or ceramic bowl (not metal, not a takeout tub)
- 1 cup of water plus 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar (or half a lemon, sliced)
- A soft cloth or sponge, a little dish soap, and oven mitts
Safety: the bowl and water will be very hot. Plain water heated in a smooth, clean container can superheat: it gets hotter than boiling without bubbling, then erupts when you move it. Don't heat longer than you need, and wait a few minutes before opening the door.
TOOLSteam-clean timer
Set your mix and your microwave's power, start your microwave, then start this timer at the same moment. It walks you through each stage so you don't open the door too soon.
FIXClean your microwave
Do them in order. Unplug the microwave or turn on Control Lock before you wipe the keypad.
- Mix 1 cup of water with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar in a microwave-safe bowl. Dropping in a few lemon slices or a microwave-safe wooden spoon gives bubbles somewhere to form, which lowers the superheating risk.
- Heat on high for about 3 to 5 minutes, until the water boils and the window fogs up. Use less time in a powerful microwave.
- Leave the door closed for about 5 minutes. The steam keeps working, and the bowl cools a little.
- Open the door, stand back from the steam, and lift the bowl out with oven mitts.
Use the timer above to walk through these stages hands-free.
- Wipe the ceiling first, then the walls, then the floor, so drips land on parts you haven't cleaned yet.
- Use a soft cloth dipped in warm water with a teaspoon of dish soap per cup or two of water.
- Don't forget the inside of the door and the edges where the door seals. Grime there can stop the door from closing tightly.
- Wipe again with a cloth dampened in plain water, then dry with a clean towel.
Go gently around the small panel on the inside wall (the waveguide cover). Don't scrape it or soak it, and don't spray cleaner into any holes or vents.
- Let the glass tray cool completely first. Cold water on a hot tray can crack or shatter it.
- Lift out the tray and the roller ring underneath it.
- If your manual says the tray is dishwasher-safe, put it in the dishwasher. Otherwise, wash it by hand in warm, soapy water with a soft sponge.
- Wipe the floor of the microwave under the tray, where crumbs collect.
- Dry both pieces and put them back before you use the microwave. The tray should sit flat and turn freely.
- Steam again. A second round softens spots the first one missed.
- Make a paste of baking soda and a little water. Spread it on the spot, wait 5 minutes, then wipe it off with a damp, soft cloth.
- For dried sauce on the ceiling, hold a hot, wet cloth against it for a minute before wiping.
- Rinse with a clean damp cloth so no paste is left behind.
Never use steel wool, scouring pads or harsh abrasives. The U.S. FDA warns against them: scratches can damage the interior coating and the door seal.
- Burnt popcorn or fish? Steam with lemon slices, then wipe every surface, including the door seal.
- Still smells? Heat 2 tablespoons of baking soda stirred into 1 cup of water for 2 to 3 minutes, then wipe.
- Overnight fix: leave an open box of baking soda inside with the door closed. Take it out before you turn the microwave on.
- Over-the-range microwave? The smell may be in the vent's grease filter. See the next step.
- Turn on Control Lock (see your manual) or unplug the microwave so you don't start it by accident.
- Spray cleaner onto the cloth, not onto the keypad or vents, so liquid doesn't seep inside.
- Wipe the handle and keypad with mild soapy water, then dry. On stainless steel, wipe with the grain.
- For the window, spray glass cleaner onto a paper towel and wipe.
- Over-the-range models: slide out the metal grease filter underneath about once a month and wash it in hot, soapy water (many are dishwasher-safe). Charcoal odor filters can't be washed; replace them as the manual says.
Repeat the steam and baking soda paste a couple of times; old grease can take a few rounds. If you see sparks, peeling paint inside, a burned spot on the waveguide cover, or the door won't close firmly, stop using the microwave and contact the manufacturer or a repair service.
AVOIDWhat never goes in a microwave
Metal and foil
Pans, foil trays, twist ties and dishes with metallic trim can spark and damage the oven. Only use foil if your manual says it's OK.
Containers not labeled microwave-safe
Margarine tubs, yogurt cups, thin plastic bags and takeout tubs can melt, warp or leach chemicals into food.
Paper bags and newspaper
Brown paper bags and newspaper aren't made for microwave heat. Use plain white paper towels or a microwave-safe lid.
Eggs in the shell and sealed jars
Steam builds up inside with nowhere to go, and they can burst. Pierce film lids and vent covers.
Nothing at all
Don't run the microwave empty. With nothing to absorb the energy, it can damage the oven.
Plain water for too long
Follow the heating times in your manual. Stir in instant coffee or sugar before heating, or let the cup stand before lifting it out.
FAQCommon questions
Lemon or vinegar: which works better?
Both work the same way: the steam does the cleaning. Vinegar is a little better on grease; lemon leaves a nicer smell. Plain water works too, just with less smell-fighting power.
How often should I clean my microwave?
Wipe up splatters the day they happen and do a quick steam clean about once a week if you use it daily. Fresh spills come off in seconds; baked-on ones take steam and patience.
Can I use bleach or oven cleaner inside?
No. Harsh chemicals can damage the interior coating and leave fumes that heat up the next time you cook. The FDA recommends water and a mild detergent.
Is the turntable dishwasher-safe?
Many are. Look for a dishwasher-safe symbol on the glass or check your manual. If in doubt, hand wash it, and always let it cool first.
What is superheated water, and how do I avoid it?
Water heated in a very clean, smooth cup can go past boiling without bubbling. When you bump it or add something, it can boil violently and scald you. Don't overheat water, add lemon slices or a wooden spoon when steam cleaning, and wait before opening the door.
My door seal is cracked. Is it safe to use?
The FDA says not to use a microwave if the door doesn't close firmly or is bent, warped or damaged. Contact the manufacturer about repair.