How to Clean a Microwave Inside and Out

A dirty microwave is one of the most common kitchen eyesores — splattered food, grease buildup, and lingering odors make it unpleasant to use. The good news is that microwaves are one of the easiest appliances to clean when you use the right technique. Here's how to clean the inside and outside of your microwave quickly and effectively.

Why Microwaves Get Dirty So Fast

• Food splatters every time you heat liquids or sauces without a cover
• Steam from heated food condenses on the interior walls
• Grease from heated foods coats the interior surfaces
• Spills that aren't cleaned immediately bake on with subsequent use

What You'll Need

• White vinegar
• Dish soap
• Baking soda
• Lemon (optional)
• Microfiber cloths
• Microwave-safe bowl
• Rubber gloves

Recommended: white vinegar, baking soda, and microfiber cloths.

Method 1: Steam Clean with Vinegar (Easiest — Try This First)

1. Fill a microwave-safe bowl with 1 cup of water and 1 cup of white vinegar.
2. Place in the microwave and heat on high for 5 minutes. The mixture will boil and create steam that loosens baked-on food and grease.
3. Leave the door closed for 3–5 minutes after the microwave stops — the steam continues working.
4. Carefully remove the bowl (it will be hot).
5. Remove the turntable and wipe the interior with a damp microfiber cloth — food and grease should wipe away easily.
6. Wipe the ceiling, walls, and floor of the microwave.
7. Wash the turntable in warm soapy water, rinse, and replace.

Method 2: Steam Clean with Lemon

1. Fill a microwave-safe bowl with 1 cup of water.
2. Cut a lemon in half and squeeze the juice into the water. Drop the lemon halves in.
3. Microwave on high for 3–5 minutes.
4. Leave the door closed for 5 minutes.
5. Remove the bowl and wipe the interior clean.

Lemon juice cuts through grease and leaves a fresh citrus scent. Ideal for microwaves with lingering food odors.

Method 3: Baking Soda Paste (For Stubborn Baked-On Food)

1. Mix baking soda with a small amount of water to form a paste.
2. Apply to stubborn baked-on food spots inside the microwave.
3. Let sit for 5–10 minutes.
4. Scrub gently with a damp cloth and wipe clean.
5. Rinse with a clean damp cloth to remove baking soda residue.

Cleaning the Microwave Exterior

1. Spray the exterior with a diluted dish soap solution or all-purpose cleaner.
2. Wipe with a microfiber cloth.
3. Pay attention to the control panel — use a barely damp cloth to avoid moisture getting into the buttons.
4. Wipe the door handle and door edges.
5. Clean the door seal with a damp cloth — food residue accumulates in the seal and can affect the door's seal integrity.
6. Dry with a clean cloth.

Cleaning the Microwave Door

1. Clean the inside of the door with the same vinegar steam method.
2. Clean the door window with a vinegar-water spray and microfiber cloth for a streak-free finish.
3. Clean the door frame and the area around the door seal with a toothbrush dipped in soapy water.

Removing Microwave Odors

• Vinegar steam: the most effective odor eliminator; the steam neutralizes odors throughout the interior
• Lemon steam: leaves a fresh citrus scent
• Baking soda: place an open box of baking soda inside the microwave overnight to absorb lingering odors
• Coffee grounds: place a bowl of dry coffee grounds inside overnight to absorb strong odors

How Often Should You Clean a Microwave?

• Quick wipe after spills: immediately — fresh spills wipe away in seconds; dried spills require steam cleaning
• Interior steam clean: weekly
• Exterior wipe: weekly
• Deep clean including turntable and door seal: monthly

Preventing Microwave Messes

• Always use a microwave cover – a vented microwave cover prevents splatter and is the single most effective prevention habit
• Use lower power settings – heating at 50–70% power reduces splatter from liquids and sauces
• Wipe spills immediately – fresh spills take 10 seconds to wipe; dried spills require steam cleaning
• Leave the door open briefly after use – allows steam to escape and reduces condensation buildup

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I remove burnt smell from a microwave?

Steam clean with lemon juice and water, then place an open box of baking soda inside overnight. For very strong burnt smells, repeat the lemon steam treatment and leave a bowl of white vinegar inside overnight.

Can I use commercial oven cleaner in a microwave?

No — oven cleaners contain harsh chemicals that are not safe for microwave interiors. Use only food-safe cleaners: vinegar, dish soap, baking soda, or lemon juice.

How do I clean a microwave that hasn't been cleaned in years?

Start with the vinegar steam method — heat for 5 minutes and leave the door closed for 10 minutes. Wipe what you can, then apply baking soda paste to stubborn spots and let sit for 15 minutes before scrubbing. Repeat the steam treatment if needed. Multiple sessions may be required for very heavy buildup.

Final Thoughts

The vinegar steam method is the easiest and most effective way to clean a microwave — 5 minutes of heating and the interior wipes clean with minimal effort. The key to a consistently clean microwave is using a cover every time you heat food and wiping spills immediately before they dry and bake on. A weekly steam clean takes 10 minutes and keeps the microwave hygienic and odor-free.