How to clean the microwave: step by step and tricks that will make a difference

Indispensable in most homes, the microwave is a great ally when heating food or drinks and even when preparing some of them!

However, like other electronics, the microwave requires some special care so that it really does its job well and has a good lifespan. It is worth remembering: keeping it clean goes far beyond the aesthetic issue.

Rose Moraes, personal organizer at Kiiro – Organiza e Simplifica, highlights that the microwave oven needs to be cleaned periodically, so that food and grease residues do not contaminate other foods, and so that this dirt does not become increasingly difficult. to be removed.

Do you have a microwave at home? Do you know how to clean it well, using the right products and without great efforts? Do you also know what type of product and/or utensil cannot be used in this electronics? If you haven’t already, you’ll love the guidelines below!

3 easy ways to clean your microwave

Check out the personal organizer Rose’s guidelines to keep your microwave clean without great efforts and without harming the environment:

with vinegar

White alcohol vinegar combined with water helps a lot in this task. The steam from the vinegar solution makes all the tough dirt go soft and also kills germs.

Step by step

• Take a small glass refractory and add 3 tablespoons of white alcohol vinegar to 200 ml of water.
• Place this container in the microwave and adjust to maximum power, turning the appliance on for 3 minutes.
• When that time is up, you must leave the mixture inside the device for another 3 minutes.
• Then, a clean, damp cloth is enough to easily remove the dirt.

With lemon

Another simple ingredient that can be a great ally in microwave cleaning is lemon. In addition to breaking down fat molecules, it will leave a refreshing aroma inside the device.

Step by step

• Cut 1 lemon into slices and place in a refractory with 200 ml of water.
• Place the refractory inside the microwave, turning the device on at maximum power for 3 minutes.
• Then, leave this mixture inside the device for another 3 minutes.
• Finally, pass a clean, damp cloth on the dirt, which will be easy to remove.

with sodium bicarbonate

Rose explains that bicarbonate can (and should) also be used for cleaning, as it has an antibacterial action and does not harm household appliances. “The result is even better when it is mixed with white alcohol vinegar,” she says.

Step by step

• Take 1 tablespoon of bicarbonate, 1 tablespoon of white alcohol vinegar and 1 small lemon cut into slices. Put everything in a glass container (which can be taken to the microwave) with 300 ml of water, and let it heat up for 5 minutes.
• Let it rest for another 3 minutes inside the appliance, so that the steam helps to soften the dirt.
• Then, pass a clean, damp cloth on the dirt, which will be easy to remove.

“Remember to never cover the container that goes in the microwave, as the expanding water vapor can cause an explosion”, Rose emphasizes.

Tricks to make cleaning easier and keep your microwave in great condition

Check out extra tips from the personal organizer so that cleaning your microwave is never a problem!

Turn off the microwave: first of all, when thinking about cleaning the microwave, it is essential to remove the plug from the socket. This is the first step to avoid any risk of electric shock.

Clean periodically: so that food and grease remains do not contaminate other foods and do not become increasingly difficult to clean, the best tip is not to leave the dirt there for too long.

Pay attention to the product used: for the external cleaning of the appliance, never use toxic products (ammonia, alcohol, removers), or soaps or even steel sponges, as these can damage the microwave.

Nothing beats a damp cloth and soap: to preserve the shine and avoid stains, clean only with a well wrung (and almost dry) damp cloth and 2 drops of neutral liquid soap (which you use to wash dishes). Then wash this cloth and iron it again and, finally, dry it well with a clean cloth or paper towel.

I take care of stainless steel: In stainless steel appliances, it is also recommended to be very careful when cleaning. Never use sponges (of any kind), as these can scratch the layer that gives shine and protects the device.

Wash the plate when it is cold: the turntable can only be washed in running water after it has cooled down, as if washed while still hot, it may crack or even break.

Hydrogen peroxide against yellow stains: to remove yellow stains from the microwave, with a damp cloth add 20 volumes of hydrogen peroxide, only where the stain is, then wipe with a clean, dry cloth.

What never to put in the microwave

According to Rose, when it comes to microwaves, it is still essential to remember what type of utensil cannot be placed in the device:

Plastic: those pots that contain the substance Bisphenol-A (BPA) cannot be used to heat food in the microwave. Many experts, by the way, are of the opinion that no plastic container should be used in the microwave.

Acrylic: when heated with food, they allow bacteria to accumulate at the bottom of the container.

Styrofoam: when subjected to high temperatures, they can melt and release chemicals harmful to health.

Aluminum foil and metal items: The radiation emitted by the microwave can cause the product to overheat, causing sparks and even an explosion.

How to prevent the microwave from getting dirty

To avoid having to always clean the microwave, Rose advises putting a protective lid on whenever you heat food, especially with sauce.

The personal organizer also reinforces that the best tip when it comes to microwave cleaning is not to leave the dirt there for too long: the right thing is to clean the dirt right away!

Now you already have tips and simple steps to clean the microwave without using abrasive cleaning products, which ruin the appliances and can even end up with the softness of your hands.