Keeping your microwave clean and grime-free not only ensures you end up with tasty food, it also means your machine will stay in good working order for longer. Failing to regularly clean your microwave can cause a number of problems, with the most obvious being the fact it may simply stop working.
If it's been a while since you gave your microwave a good clean, it could look like a bit of a challenge. However, it is worth dealing with it sooner rather later, not least because it will make ongoing maintenance easier.
So what are the best ways to clean your microwave? Here are some ways to make it much easier using just everyday things, which will mean you have no excuse not to clean it regularly:
Window cleaner
Spray window cleaners are formulated to get rid of grease and leave glass sparkling, which makes them ideal for using to clean your microwave. Just remember to unplug your microwave before using them.
Remove the plate from your microwave - you can clean this separately with warm water and washing up liquid - and then spray the window cleaner on every surface of the microwave interior, including the inside of the door.
Leave for a few minutes before using a clean, dry cloth to wipe your microwave down, including any vents. Use a fresh cloth dipped in warm water to clean away any chemical residue left from the window spray.
You can then use the cleaner on the outside of the microwave to remove dust and dirt.
Lemons
This is one of the easiest ways to get your microwave sparkling and to have it smelling fresh.
Simply cut a lemon in half and squeeze some of the juice into a microwavable bowl that is half filled with water. Put the two halves of the lemon in the bowl with the water and juice and microwave it on high power for three minutes.
Remove the bowl and unplug your microwave. Use paper towels to wipe away dirt and grime, which will be an incredibly easy job.
Vinegar
Another natural cleanser for your microwave is vinegar. In fact, this is usually included in chemical window cleaners as it has such great cleansing abilities.
Add a tablespoon of white vinegar to a microwavable bowl that is half filled with water and microwave for between four and five minutes - higher power microwaves will need less time. Keep an eye on it the first time you try this so you can stop the microwave if the water starts boiling.
The steam will help to loosen dirt and grease inside your microwave, allowing you to wipe it away easily and quickly with a paper towel once the timer goes off. Just be sure to unplug the microwave before wiping it out.
© Axonn 2015