Q&A for How to Clean a Microwave

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Question

How do I get a burnt smell out of my microwave? Someone overcooked something and it still smells.

Community Answer

Try using a combination of water and baking soda (a cup water on top of two tablespoons of baking soda). Microwave on high for two minutes. Wipe afterwards with a clean cloth or sponge. Deodorize with one teaspoon lemon juice in a microwavable bowl of one cup of water. Microwave two minutes on high. Wipe it down and leave the door open for a few minutes.

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Question

Can I use apple vinegar to clean the microwave?

Community Answer

Apple cider vinegar would be fine. It will react the same as white vinegar in this case.

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Question

Do I need a microwave?

Community Answer

No, microwaves are conveinences, not necessities, but you do need a microwave to clean one.

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Question

Do I need to preheat a microwave?

Community Answer

Microwaves do not need preheating, that function does not exist. A microwave works by exposing the atoms to microwave radiation in the electromagnetic spectrum. This means that it instantly heats the object, usually from the inside out.

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Question

How do I clean the outside glass of the microwave door?

Community Answer

I find using an ammonia-free glass cleaner (like Sparkle) with a micro-fiber cloth works miracles on all sorts of surfaces, especially "shiny" ones.

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Question

How do I clean the leftover spill particles inside the door panel (the glass part) of the oven?.

Community Answer

Try rubbing the inside of the microwave door with a paper towel on which you've put a little bit of olive oil. It worked like a charm for me. Then use warm water and soap to get the oil off.

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Question

Can you use oven cleaner in a microwave?

Community Answer

No.

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Question

Do I actually start the microwave or let it sit?

Community Answer

"Turn on for 5 minutes," step 3. You turn on (start) the microwave.

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Question

How do I remove yellow stains from the inside of my microwave?

Community Answer

Try placing a bowl of vinegar water in the microwave, and microwaving it for 1 to 2 minutes. The vinegar steam will soften/dissolve any stains, which can then be wiped away with a dishcloth. Keep in mind that some stains, especially old ones, can be permanent.

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Question

How do you remove oil stains?

Community Answer

Apply some lemon juice along with vinegar leave for 5 minutes. Then gently scrub and the stain will automatically remove.

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Question

How do I clean the trim that has turned yellow on the outside of a microwave?

Community Answer

Mix 2 tbsp of baking soda, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and some vinegar into a bowl until it becomes a paste. Spread the paste on the stain with a sponge, and wipe it off.

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Question

Can you use these cleaning methods on a stainless steel microwave?

Community Answer

No. Instead, you can fill a zip-lock bag with dish soap and a dash of butter with lemon drops to clean your microwave. Set the time to 1-2 minutes on high Your microwave will be clean like it was brand new. Be sure to close the bag.

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Question

I charred a pork chop in my microwave. The pork chop literally melted. How do I rid my microwave of the smell?

Community Answer

Put a bowl of water and lemon in the microwave and run it for several minutes. It worked for me. Lemony-fresh!

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Question

I have stubborn stains under my microwave plate, and the lemon method didn't work. How do I get rid of the stains?

Community Answer

Remove the plate and the little round plastic frame with 'wheels' that allow the turntable to operate. Try again with either the lemon or vinegar and water to 'steam' the microwave. You may need one of those green sponges to scrub the bottom.

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Question

Do I need to keep the microwave door open even if I'm not using it?

Community Answer

No, you can close it. I usually leave mine closed all of the time. You do not need to have it opened.

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Question

Is it safe to turn my microwave upside down so that I may put on some grunge cleaner to soak and then clean off?

Community Answer

No, it is not safe. There are holes in the top of your microwave, hence soaking and/or leaving liquids on the top will result in a broken or unsafe microwave. Use the vinegar steam method.

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Question

Can I use wall glide cleaner in a microwave?

Community Answer

No, I would advise against that. Since it is designed for a different purpose, you may not get the results you desire.

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Question

Can I turn a microwave on its side?

Noel Posicion

Community Answer

You should not turn it on its side, especially when transporting. You may tilt it very carefully, but as a general precaution, avoid overturning it or putting it sideways. The magnetron inside is quite heavy and there's no way to know how well it is fixed or mounted inside. There is also a sign in the packaging, and sometimes in the unit itself, to "keep it upright."

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Question

Can I spray a mix of vinegar and water directly on the inside surface of the microwave?

Community Answer

I don't see why not. You may want to add a couple of drops of dish washing liquid to cut any grease.

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Question

Is it safe to use a microwave that has previously been used to "melt" illicit drugs?

Community Answer

Yes, but only if you have made sure to clean it thoroughly. It might be better to purchase a new microwave if that's possible for you, but if not, then cleaning and sanitizing the microwave should be enough.

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