A clean microwave is not only possible without harsh chemicals, which can contaminate our food, but it’s also easier than you might think. Yes, if you’ve been procrastinating cleaning the microwave with lemon, this natural lemon hack will make you jump for joy.
Cleaning the Microwave With Lemon
To start, pour half a cup of water into a bowl or measuring cup. Next, cut your lemon in half and add its juice to the mix along with both halves of the fruit. After that’s done, put the microwave safe bowl into the microwave and set it for 3 minutes or until the water boils. Once it has finished boiling, leave the bowl inside for another 5 minutes so that stains can loosen and dissolve in the acidic lemon and steamy washing up liquid.
After 5 minutes have passed, take the bowl out of the microwave and set it close by. The lemon will have done most of the work at this point; you’ll only need to wipe it down.
To clean your microwave, start by wiping down the turntable with paper towel. You should be able to remove it and wipe it down separately. Then work your way inward from the ceiling and sides to the bottom, finishing with the microwave door. If you notice a few pesky spots left behind, damp cloth into some lemon water and scrub until they’re removed.
How Do You Clean a Microwave With Vinegar and Water?
In addition to baking soda and lemon, vinegar and water is another way to clean your microwave.
The vinegar-to-water ratio is adjustable according to your needs. Always mix the two together first before applying them to the fabric; this will cut down on the potency of the vinegar. If you’re treating easy stains, aim for a 1:1 mixture of each. But if that’s not effective, try increasing the amount of vinegar you use. For more detailed instructions on cleaning various appliances, see our guide on how to clean a kitchen sink and how to clean a refrigerator.
If regular vinegar and water solutions aren’t working to clean your microwave, go ahead and try upping the ratio of vinegar to water (⅓ cup water to ⅔ cup vinegar). This is most commonly used for tough grease and mold. However, one-to-one dilutions or more heavily diluted solutions are typically better options for cleaning your microwave overall.
How to Remove Stubborn Stains in Microwave?
If you need extra cleaning power for tough stains, make a baking soda paste by mixing it with water. Rub the stained areas with the cloth dipped in the paste. For further tips on tackling tough stains, check out our guide on how to clean red wine from carpet.
How to Get Burnt Smell Out of Microwave?
Use a combination of water, baking soda, and bottled lemon juice or extract. The baking soda will absorb the odors while the lemon acts as a deodorizer. You can also leave a bowl of baking soda in the microwave with the door closed to help absorb smells without any scrubbing required. For more advice on natural cleaning solutions, see our article on DIY cleaning solutions.
How to Deodorize Microwave?
If you’d like to use a natural extract or citrus peel as a microwave deodorizer, lemon is a great option. You can add lemon to the above steam-cleaning process, or if you’re using baking soda (to remove bad odors), simply add a few drops of an extract or citrus peel to the bowl. Other extracted scents that work well include lime and orange.
What Is the Best Way to Clean the Inside of a Microwave?
All you need to clean the interior of your microwave is one lemon, a heat-resistant dish, water and a cloth! Let the microwave do the work for you by running it with these ingredients inside – then microwave wipe it down. Any method you use – whether it’s lemon, baking soda, vinegar or dish soap – should be effective in getting rid of tough stains. Just remember to follow the tips laid out in this article for shiny results.
Tips on Cleaning the Microwave With Lemon
- If you want your microwave to stay in good condition, it’s best to clean it once a week. But if you don’t use it very often (like me), then cleaning it once a month is probably sufficient.
- If you have older lemons that you don’t want to eat but feel wastefully tossing, this method is perfect for you.
- If your microwave is caked in grime, it may be best to use both lemon juice and vinegar.
Super-heated water happens when water is heated to a temperature beyond its boiling point without bubbles present, which can make your container burst. To prevent super-heating and possibly exploding, place a wooden skewer (or spoon) in the water while it’s heating up. The skewer will allow for bubble formation around itself, thus releasing built-up air pressure.
Final Thoughts on Cleaning the Microwave With Lemon
Cleaning a microwave can be a chore, but it’s definitely worth doing regularly to maintain its condition and keep your food free of any odors or residue. Whether you’re using lemon juice or other natural ingredients, the important thing is to experiment with different methods to find out what works best for you and your kitchen. Happy cleaning!
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