Here are 4 easy ideas to get a clean microwave naturally.
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Microwaves can get really dirty! Even if yours is currently really bad, these microwave cleaning hacks will get it looking better without much work. Plus, these diy microwave cleaners are made from safe natural ingredients.
This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my full disclosure for more details.
How Do I Clean My Microwave Without Scrubbing?
I used to work really hard to clean my microwave. Until someone told me (probably my mom!) that I really didn’t have to scrub that much. That is when I found out about the power of steam.
If you heat water in the microwave, it makes steam. If you add a few natural ingredients to the water, you get a super powered steam that helps the gunk to come off your microwave easily!
Plus, the natural ingredients are completely non toxic-which I think is really important since you don’t want chemicals in a microwave.
Important Note-Some times liquids can get superheated and explode in the microwave. Bubbles can’t form on really smooth surfaces, which can cause it to boil into an explosion when the bowl is suddenly moved. This happens if the container is completely smooth (which is often not the case). As a precaution though, you can always add a toothpick to your mixtures to help keep this from happening. Bubbles will form on the toothpick, letting it boil without exploding.
I have never had a problem with this. But wanted to mention it since some people have.
Microwave Cleaning Hack #1-How to Clean a Microwave with Lemon Juice
Even though vinegar can be an effective cleaner for your microwave, some people prefer not to use it. If you want to clean your microwave without vinegar, you can use lemon juice.
Supplies Needed:
- Lemon juice
- Water
- Large bowl or measuring cup
- Dishcloth or clean rag
Step 1 – Mix Lemon Juice and Water
Put 3/4 cup of water and 1/4 cup lemon juice into a large microwave safe measuring cup or bowl. Make sure the bowl or cup is large so that the lemon and water mixture won’t overflow in your microwave.
Step 2 – Heat Mixture
Microwave for 3-10 minutes. This depends on how quickly your microwave heats. Don’t open the door for at least 15 minutes. You want there to be some steam in the microwave. This helps to make the gunk come off easily without scrubbing.
Step 3 – Wipe Down Microwave
Carefully remove the cup using an oven mitt to protect your hands. Wipe down the microwave with your dishcloth or clean rag.
If there are some places in the microwave that are still dirty, use some of the solution directly on your cleaning rag.
Microwave Cleaning Hack #2-Use Vinegar
One of the easiest ways to clean a microwave naturally is to use vinegar and water. This is similar to the lemon juice method except you will use vinegar instead.
Supplies Needed-
- White vinegar
- Water
- Large measuring cup or bowl
- Dishcloth or clean rag
Step 1 – Mix Water and Vinegar
Put 3/4 cup of water and 3/4 cup vinegar into a large microwave safe measuring cup or bowl. Make sure the bowl or cup is large so that the vinegar and water mixture won’t overflow in your microwave.
Step 2 – Heat Mixture
Microwave for 3-10 minutes. This depends on how quickly your microwave heats. Don’t open the door for at least 15 minutes. You want there to be some steam in the microwave. This helps to make the gunk come off easily without scrubbing.
Step 3 – Wipe Down Microwave
Carefully remove the cup using an oven mitt to protect your hands. Wipe down the microwave with your dishcloth or clean rag.
If there are some places in the microwave that are still dirty, use some of the solution directly on your cleaning rag.
Microwave Cleaning Hack #3-How to Clean a Microwave with Lemons
Lemons are another natural way to clean your microwave. The acid in lemons is antiseptic and antibacterial. Lemons can help to neutralize odors.
Supplies Needed:
- 1-2 lemons
- Water
- Vinegar
- Large Bowl or large measuring cup
- Dishcloth or clean rag
Step 1-Slice Lemons
Cut lemon into 1/4 inch slices.
Step 2 – Add Lemons and Vinegar to the Measuring Cup. Cover Lemons with Water.
Put 3/4 cup of vinegar into the bowl. Add the lemons. Cover the lemons with water.
Step 3 – Heat Mixture
Microwave for 3-10 minutes. This depends on how quickly your microwave heats. Don’t open the door for at least 15 minutes. You want there to be some steam in the microwave. This helps to make the gunk come off easily without scrubbing.
Step 4 – Wipe Down Microwave
Carefully remove the cup using an oven mitt to protect your hands. Wipe down the microwave with your dishcloth or clean rag.
If there are some places in the microwave that are still dirty, use some of the solution directly on your cleaning rag.
Microwave Cleaning Hack #4-Deodorize Microwave with Natural ingredients
Sometimes your microwave has a smell that you really want to get rid of. Here is a hack to make your microwave smell really nice.
Supplies Needed:
- Vanilla
- Cloves
- Water
- Large measuring cup or bowl
STEP 1 – MIX WATER, Vanilla Extract, and cloves
Add two teaspoons vanilla extract to a cup of water. Use a large measuring cup or a bowl so the mixture does not overflow when heated. Add a tsp. of cloves.
STEP 2 – HEAT MIXTURE
Microwave for a few minutes. Leave the bowl sitting in the microwave for at least 30 minutes.
More DIY recipes
If you liked these natural microwave cleaning recipes, you should check out Merissa’s book Little House Living: The Make Your Own Guide to a Frugal, Simple, and Self-Sufficient Life. This book has recipes for DIY cleaners like furniture polish as well as recipes for sunscreen, taco seasoning mix, and lemon poppy hand scrub.
Click here to check out the 130 practical, simple DIY recipes and gorgeous full-color photographs.
You May Also Be Interested In These Natural Cleaning Posts:
Free Printable Cleaning Schedule
Natural Living Without the Stress
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Great tips! Thanks so much for sharing them! 🙂
You are welcome Raia!