At a Glance:
Pros of Keeping Your Microwave Clean
Simple Tips for a Spotless Microwave
Don’t Forget Your Microwave Filter
Microwaves can get messy. Stuck-on foods, odors, and grease might make you want to keep your microwave door shut and avoid it altogether, but don’t despair! Cleaning your microwave is easier than you think. With a few simple tips, your microwave can be sparkling clean in no time.
In this article, we will provide tips for exterior and interior cleaning — several tried and true methods for cleaning your microwave, and four of our favorite microwaves from John’s Appliance & Bedding.
Explore Microwave Deals
Discover microwaves from today’s best brands, including KitchenAid and GE Profile!
MicrowavesPros of Keeping Your Microwave Clean
Did you know that keeping your microwave clean will help it last longer? It is also safer because odors and stuck-on food can contaminate what you’re heating up, and too much built-up food poses a fire hazard.
Exterior vs Interior Cleaning
Cleaning the inside and outside of your microwave are both important, but you’ll tackle each a little differently.
Exterior
Whenever you wipe down your kitchen countertops, wipe down the exterior of your microwave as well. Building it into your daily routine will eventually make this a habit you don’t have to consciously think about. When you’re cleaning the exterior, spray an all purpose spray onto your washcloth or get a washcloth damp with warm water and dish soap, but make sure not to spray cleaner directly onto your control panel.
Interior
Remembering to clean the inside of your microwave may take more effort, but Real Simple recommends cleaning it at least once a month. Homes & Gardens recommends weekly cleaning. Whatever you decide, you can set a reminder on your calendar so you won't forget. When you clean the interior, remove the turntable so you can thoroughly clean under the turntable and the turntable itself.
Simple Tips for a Spotless Microwave
There are a few simple preventative measures you can take to keep your microwave spotless for longer:
- Cover your food
- Clean up spills when they happen
- Only use microwave-safe containers and dishes
- Wipe down immediately after heating greasy foods like bacon and popcorn
- If you have a stainless steel microwave, check your owner’s manual to make sure you’re using appropriate cleaning solutions
4 Microwave Cleaning Methods
Here are four tried and true ways to clean your microwave with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry or cleaning caddy. We love these easily accessible and inexpensive solutions.
Except for the baking soda method, all the other methods utilize steam. With each method, make sure to wash your turntable in the sink with dish soap.
-
The Baking Soda Method: Baking soda is your go-to for stubborn stains and spills that you can’t simply wipe up. Sprinkle baking soda on the affected spots and spray a mixture of water and white vinegar, or make a paste out of baking soda and water and let it sit on the spot for several minutes. Then wipe down with water.
-
The Dish Soap Method: Pour one cup of water and one teaspoon of dish soap into a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave it for two minutes and let it sit for three additional minutes to trap the steam. With oven mitts, or once everything is cool, remove the bowl and wipe down the interior of your microwave. Remove the turntable and wash it in the sink with dish soap.
-
The Lemon Method: Pour three to four cups of hot water and one cut-up lemon into a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave it for three to five minutes, and leave the door closed for an additional five minutes to trap the steam. Then use a wet washcloth to wipe out your microwave.
-
The Vinegar Method: Fill a microwave-safe bowl with two cups of water and two tablespoons of vinegar. You can add a few drops of essential oil or lemon juice to mask the vinegar smell if you’d like. Microwave the bowl of water and vinegar for three minutes, then leave the door closed for fifteen minutes to trap the steam. Once things have cooled down, remove the bowl and the turntable. Wash the turntable in the sink with dish soap and water. You can use the leftover bowl of vinegar and water as a cleaning solution for the exterior of your microwave.
Don’t Forget Your Microwave Filter
If you have an over-the-range microwave, it is critical that you don’t forget to wash your microwave filter. Remove it by popping it out and then soak it in a large bowl of very hot, sudsy water. If the filter looks greasy, add ¼ cup baking soda to the bowl. Let the filter soak for fifteen minutes before scrubbing off the grease in the sink. For safety purposes, be sure to rinse and thoroughly dry your filter before putting it back in your microwave.
4 Favorite Microwaves
Keep reading for four of our favorite countertops, built-in, and over-the-range microwave picks.
Best Countertop Microwave
For those who prefer a freestanding microwave that can be placed anywhere in the kitchen, take a look at our best countertop model from GE Profile.
GE Profile 2.2 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Countertop Microwave
The GE Profile 2.2 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Countertop Microwave utilizes sensor controls to automatically adjust time and power for delicious cooking results. If you are looking for a microwave with fine-tuned defrosting features, this GE Profile microwave is right for you. We also love the warming oven feature that keeps your food hot and ready to serve.
What Customers Are Saying:
-
"I realize my old microwave was 10 years old, but I couldn't believe how great this microwave is. The 2.2 is huge and I can put large meat packages in to defrost without cutting off the corners which is handy. I love that it defrosts in an overall fashion, without the edges beginning to cook while the interior of the meat is still frozen. It defrosts just like you've let it sit in the fridge for several days to thaw naturally."
-
"The features are awesome. I especially enjoy the sensor feature for reheating my food. It always knows how long to reheat to perfection leaving all guess work out of the equation. Very attractively designed also."
Best Built-In Microwave
Now, if you are looking to save on counter space, consider this built-in microwave from Frigidaire Gallery that can be installed anywhere in your kitchen, whether it's the cabinetry or the walls, to achieve a more sophisticated look.
Frigidaire Gallery 2.2 Cu. Ft. Smudge-Proof Stainless Steel Built-In Microwave
The Frigidaire Gallery 2.2 Cu. Ft. Smudge-Proof Stainless Steel Built-In Microwave is perfect for reheating your leftovers. Sensor Reheat automatically adjusts the temperature and time for perfectly heated results. If you’re baking, the Melt Feature easily melts butter or chocolate. We love the convenient quick start options for added convenience, and prepping for dinner is a breeze with the defrost features on this Frigidaire Gallery Microwave.
What Customers Are Saying:
-
"Absolutely love our new Frigidaire microwave. Installed in less than 15 minutes & it looks fantastic. Easy to operate & it actually thoroughly cooks whatever food you select. First microwave we ever owned that cooks whole potatoes perfectly. Clean-up is easy. Expect to enjoy this appliance for many years."
-
"Our first built in Microwave and this unit does not disappoint! A powerhouse and energy efficient to boot. Great clean lines that match all the other Frigidaire Gallery appliances in our Modern kitchen."
Best Over the Range Microwaves
If you are in need of some ventilation while you cook your favorite, you can't go wrong with the classic over the range microwaves! Take a look at some of our favorite models from GE and Hotpoint.
GE 1.6 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Over the Range Microwave
The GE 1.6 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Over the Range Microwave utilizes a two-speed venting system to remove smoke, steam, and odors. You can choose a pre-programmed defrost setting or manually choose your favorite setting for defrosting your family’s favorites. This GE microwave is a budget-friendly over-the-range microwave option.
What Customers Are Saying:
-
"I have been purchasing GE Appliances ever since I purchased my first home in 1974. I am satisfied with the quality and affordability of GE Appliances."
-
"We have had this microwave in 3 other houses. So when we remodeled the kitchen in our "forever home", it was an easy decision regarding the replacement for the microwave. This is a tried and true workhorse GE model. We love it and especially the Express time feature."
Hotpoint 1.6 Cu. Ft. White Over the Range Microwave
The Hotpoint 1.6 Cu. Ft. White Over the Range Microwave is another affordable over-the-range microwave option. It features a two-speed venting system to remove smoke and steam while cooking on the stove. When you want to defrost, enter the weight of the food, and this Hotpoint microwave oven will automatically set the optimal defrosting time and power level.
What Customers Are Saying:
-
"The appliance looks sleek and compliments other appliances in the household. Easy to use and works great."
-
"Replaced broken microwave with this model. Easy installation, simple operation and works well for our needs."
Microwaves make life easier, from defrosting frozen meat to prep for dinner to reheating leftovers. It’s hard to match the convenience and speed of a microwave. Keeping your microwave clean is important if you want to make your microwave last for the long haul and enjoy a more pleasant day-to-day experience. Whether you choose the lemon or baking soda method, make microwave maintenance part of your cleaning routine. If you’re in the market for a new microwave, visit us in person to compare over-the-range and countertop microwave styles at John’s Appliance & Bedding.
Why Trust John’s Appliance & Bedding?
Our family-owned and operated store started with a pick-up truck and a dream. When John Hinton Jr. first opened his storefront in 1972, he never envisioned that over the next 50 years, he would outgrow his flagship location and need to open several other locations. However, that’s just what he did.
Thanks to John and his team, John’s Appliance & Bedding has been able to provide our customers with the best appliances, mattresses, and cabinet solutions in South Florida. We view our customers as an extension of our family and seek to provide the best service and expertise that we always have.
Shop Microwaves at John’s Appliance & Bedding
At John’s Appliance & Bedding, we provide high-quality, name-brand products for the best possible price. Shop microwaves online or visit one of our four South Florida showrooms and experience world-class customer service. Our friendly product experts are always happy to help you find the right microwave for your kitchen — whether you call us, use our online chat feature, or visit us in person.