How to Clean Microwave Exterior

Why the Microwave Exterior Gets So Grimy

The outside of your microwave takes a beating — fingerprints on the handle and door, grease splatters from the stovetop (especially for over-the-range models), dust on the top, and food smudges around the control panel. A clean exterior makes your whole kitchen look more polished, and regular wiping prevents grease from baking onto the surface and becoming harder to remove over time.

Know Your Exterior Finish

• Stainless steel: Most common on modern microwaves. Shows fingerprints easily but cleans beautifully with the right product. Always wipe in the direction of the grain.
• Black or white painted finish: Wipe with a damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid abrasive scrubbers that can scratch the paint.
• Black stainless: Similar to regular stainless but with a darker coating. Use a gentle cleaner — harsh products can strip the coating.

What You'll Need

• Microfiber cloths
• Mild dish soap and warm water
• Stainless steel cleaner (for stainless exteriors)
• White vinegar (for glass door)
• Old toothbrush (for control panel buttons)

For stainless steel microwaves, the Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaner Kit — which includes spray, wipes, and a polishing cloth — removes fingerprints, grease, and streaks beautifully while leaving a protective finish. Use microfiber cloths for all exterior surfaces — they clean without scratching and leave no lint.

Step-by-Step: How to Clean a Microwave Exterior

Step 1: Unplug the Microwave

Unplug before cleaning, especially around the control panel. This prevents accidental activation and protects the electronics from moisture.

Step 2: Wipe the Top

The top of the microwave collects dust and grease (especially if it's near the stovetop). Wipe with a damp microfiber cloth and a little dish soap. For greasy buildup, spray with a diluted solution of white vinegar and water, let sit for 1 minute, then wipe clean. Dry immediately.

Step 3: Clean the Sides

Wipe the sides with a damp cloth and mild soap. Rinse with a clean damp cloth and dry. For stainless steel sides, follow with a stainless steel cleaner wipe in the direction of the grain.

Step 4: Clean the Front Panel and Handle

The front panel and handle are the most touched areas and accumulate the most fingerprints and grease. Wipe with a damp microfiber cloth and a small amount of dish soap. For the handle, pay attention to the underside where hands grip — this area gets particularly grimy. Rinse with a clean damp cloth and dry.

Step 5: Clean the Control Panel

The control panel requires extra care — moisture can seep into the buttons and damage the electronics. Apply a small amount of dish soap to a barely damp cloth (not wet) and wipe the panel surface. Use a dry toothbrush to clean around and between the buttons where grease and crumbs accumulate. Wipe with a barely damp cloth to rinse, then dry immediately with a dry cloth. Never spray liquid directly onto the control panel.

Step 6: Clean the Door Glass (Exterior)

Spray a microfiber cloth with a 1:1 solution of white vinegar and water and wipe the exterior of the door glass. This removes fingerprints and grease streaks for a clear, streak-free finish. Dry with a clean dry cloth.

Step 7: Polish Stainless Steel (If Applicable)

For stainless steel exteriors, apply the Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaner spray to a microfiber cloth and wipe in the direction of the grain — never in circles. This removes fingerprints, adds a light protective coating, and gives the surface a polished look. Buff with the included polishing cloth for a streak-free finish.

Step 8: Clean the Ventilation Grilles

Use a dry soft brush to remove dust from the ventilation grilles on the sides or back of the microwave. Never spray liquid into the grilles.

Tips for Keeping the Microwave Exterior Cleaner

• Wipe the handle and front panel daily — it takes 30 seconds and prevents grease from building up.
• For over-the-range microwaves, wipe the underside and sides weekly since stovetop cooking deposits grease on these surfaces constantly.
• Apply stainless steel cleaner monthly to maintain the protective coating and make future cleaning easier.

Final Thoughts

A clean microwave exterior makes your whole kitchen look more put-together. With the right cleaner for your finish and a weekly wipe-down routine, keeping it spotless takes almost no effort at all.