How to Clean Your Microwave the Right Way, According to Cleaning Experts

Stuck-on mess from exploding leftovers? Grease and grime from splatters? We've asked the experts how to clean a microwave, and their tips and tricks do not disappoint.

Spills and splatters are an inevitable part of owning a microwave. And even if you don’t make it a habit of exploding leftovers or nuking tomato sauce without a cover, you really should know how to clean a microwave properly—and regularly.

“Your microwave can absorb food smells over time,” says Justin Carpenter, owner of Modern Maids, a leading national house cleaning company. In order to neutralize those odors and prevent them from transferring to any new foods or drinks, adding the microwave to your regular cleaning schedule is a must. It’s also important to remove food splatters so they don’t grow mold and bacteria, he adds.

While it’s not hard to figure out how to clean a microwave, there are a surprising number of ways to approach this seemingly simple task. That’s why Reader’s Digest consulted three expert cleaning professionals who collectively have decades of first-hand experience scrubbing microwave ovens inside and out. They’re sharing how they do it, so you can keep that workhorse of an appliance in perfect working order.

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About the experts

  • Justin Carpenter‘s eight years of hands-on cleaning experience led him to start Modern Maids, a leading national house cleaning company in Dallas, in 2017.
  • Iris Rodriguez is the operations manager of TLC Cleaning and a professional deep cleaner with more than 10 years of experience cleaning residential homes.
  • Briana Short is the president of Caliber Cleaning, a residential cleaning service she founded with her mom nearly 20 years ago.

Reviewed for accuracy by: Ann Russell, TikTok’s “cleaning auntie” and the author of How to Clean Everything.

Why should you clean your microwave?

The biggest reason to clean your microwave is pretty straightforward: It gets dirty easily. Food and drinks spill and splatter in the microwave, and before you know it, chunks of last week’s leftovers are stuck on the interior. “Flies and other bugs flock to the food particles,” says Carpenter. And no one wants that in their kitchen, so ridding the area of bacteria and germs is necessary.

There’s another good reason to clean your microwave regularly: It makes the job easier. You’ll regret ignoring caked-on food splatters when you’re cleaning the kitchen top to bottom. But giving it a once-over every week or so will cut down on the effort you have to expend each time, making this job a whole lot easier.

How to clean the inside of your microwave

supplies for cleaning a microwaveTMB studio

Part of what makes cleaning a microwave easier than most other small kitchen appliances is that you can use the microwave’s power to make the cleaning job easier. A combination of water or other liquid and heat can create steam inside the microwave that helps loosen stains and splatters. Then all you have to do is wipe it down.

For an average clean, an all-purpose cleaning solution will work just fine, says Iris Rodriguez, who has spent more than a decade as a professional cleaner and is now the operations manager of TLC Cleaning. If you choose to use any kind of commercial cleaner, just make sure it’s safe to use in your microwave, and always refer to the instructions on the package for use.

To scrub or wipe clean, it’s OK to use a nonabrasive sponge or paper towels, but Briana Short, president of Caliber Cleaning, recommends a microfiber cloth. Here are some expert-approved ways to clean a microwave.

How to clean a microwave with dish soap

Woman hand cleaning microwave oven with spongeMarianVejcik/Getty Images

Rodriguez prefers a mixture of Dawn dish soap and water, which she says is “really all you need” when cleaning a microwave. Carpenter prefers Dawn as well because it’s a degreaser, acts as a disinfectant and helps eliminate odors. (You can also use Dawn Powerwash, which already comes in a spray form.)

Supplies you’ll need

  • Dawn dish soap
  • Water
  • Spray bottle
  • Microwave-safe bowl
  • Microfiber cloth or soft sponge

Directions

  1. Take out the turntable if it’s easily removable and wash it in warm water and dish detergent.
  2. Wipe the interior of the microwave with a damp cloth or wet paper towel to remove leftover crumbs.
  3. For stuck-on mess, you can start with steam. Add a few drops of dish soap to a bowl of water and place the bowl in the microwave. Heat on high for one to two minutes to create steam. Remove the bowl of water.
  4. Then add a few drops of Dawn dish soap to water in a spray bottle. Spray the interior of the microwave with the dish soap solution.
  5. With a microfiber cloth or soft sponge, wipe the inside of the microwave clean. Use a second dry microfiber cloth to dry it.
  6. Repeat if any buildup remains. When it’s clean and dry, return the turntable to the microwave.

How to clean a microwave with vinegar

spray microwave with vinegarTMB studio

You likely already know that regular white vinegar has a ton of household uses—and cleaning a microwave is yet another one of them. If you prefer to clean with a natural homemade cleaner, follow these steps to clean your microwave with vinegar.

Supplies you’ll need

  • Vinegar
  • Water
  • Spray bottle
  • Microwave-safe bowl
  • Microfiber cloth or soft sponge

Directions

  1. Remove the turntable if it’s easily removable and wash it in warm water with dish detergent.
  2. Wipe the interior of the microwave with a damp cloth or wet paper towel to remove leftover crumbs.
  3. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle or in a shallow microwave-safe bowl.
  4. Spray the interior of the microwave with the vinegar solution and let the solution sit for 10 minutes; alternately, place the bowl of vinegar solution in the microwave and heat on high for two minutes, then let it sit inside the microwave to cool an addition two minutes.
  5. Remove the bowl of water and vinegar, if using.
  6. With a microfiber cloth or soft sponge, wipe the inside of the microwave clean. Use a second microfiber cloth to dry it.
  7. Repeat if any buildup remains. When microwave is clean and dry, return the turntable to the microwave.

How to clean a microwave with lemon

Rdigital Hubcleaning Microwave 012 Clean Your Microwave The Right Way JveditTMB studio

You can also use lemon juice to naturally clean your microwave. Short says this mixture works especially well for microwaves that have a lot of buildup and stuck-on mess. “The water (neutral pH) mixed with the lemon (acidic pH) makes a very effective steam that loosens buildup from the ceiling and walls of the microwave,” Short says. Lemon also has a pleasant citrusy scent some people prefer.

Supplies you’ll need

  • One lemon
  • Water
  • Spray bottle
  • Microwave-safe bowl
  • Microfiber cloth or soft sponge

Directions

  1. Remove the turntable if it’s easily removable and wash it in warm water with dish detergent.
  2. Wipe the interior of the microwave with a damp cloth or wet paper towel to remove leftover crumbs.
  3. Mix 3/4 cup of water and the juice of one lemon in a spray bottle or in a shallow microwave-safe bowl.
  4. Spray the interior of the microwave with the lemon solution and let the solution sit for 10 minutes; alternately, place the bowl of lemon solution in the microwave and heat on high for two minutes, then let it sit inside the microwave to cool an additional two minutes.
  5. Remove the bowl of lemon water, if using.
  6. With a microfiber cloth or soft sponge, wipe the inside of the microwave clean. Use a second microfiber cloth to dry it.
  7. Repeat if any buildup remains. When microwave is clean and dry, return the turntable to the microwave.

How to get the burnt smell out of your microwave

Who hasn’t burnt a bag of popcorn in the microwave? Accidents happen, but that burnt smell can linger. For minor odors or burning smells, Carpenter says washing the inside of your microwave with hot water and a small amount of vinegar can fade them.

For more persistent odors, you may have to bring in baking soda. In a shallow, microwave-safe bowl, mix some baking soda with water. Place in the microwave and heat on high for two minutes, then let it cool an additional two minutes. Baking soda absorbs odors, so when you remove the bowl and wipe down the interior, the smell should disappear.

How to get stuck-on food out of your microwave

It can be tempting to scrub the interior of a microwave if you have stubborn stains that won’t come off, but Short advises caution. “Do not use any abrasive scours or scrubbing pads,” she says. “Appliances are easily scratched, and this includes the interior of your microwave.”

Rodriguez turns to a microfiber cloth and steam for stubborn food residue. “If you have a lot of buildup of burnt-on food, you can take a damp microfiber cloth and set it inside the microwave,” she says. “Heat it for one minute to soften the buildup. Then carefully [making sure the cloth is cool enough to handle], use the hot microfiber cloth to wipe most of it away.”

Next, wet and wring out a Magic Eraser and use that on any remaining stains, she says. Start on the ceiling of the microwave and work your way down, rinsing out your Magic Eraser as needed. Once you feel everything has been scrubbed off, use a microfiber cloth and a generic all-purpose cleaner to wipe everything down once more. Then dry it with a clean microfiber cloth.

How to clean the outside of your microwave

Gettyimages 1459389701 Clean Microwave Jv CropLorena Garibo/Getty Images

Your microwave’s exterior can get pretty grimy too. You’ll want to wipe that down regularly, at least once a week. Here’s how to clean the outside of your microwave effectively, according to Carpenter.

Supplies you’ll need

  • Dish soap
  • Water
  • Bowl
  • Microfiber cloth or soft sponge

Directions

  1. Mix a few drops of Dawn dish soap with water in a bowl.
  2. Dip a nonabrasive cloth or sponge into the soapy water and wring it out. You want it damp, not dripping.
  3. Gently wipe the exterior of your microwave, making sure to get the glass, handle, buttons and sides.
  4. Dry with a clean microfiber cloth.

How to clean your microwave’s filters

Not everyone is aware that microwaves can have vents and filters, and these components also need to be cleaned regularly. If your microwave has filters, they should be cleaned at least once a month, Rodriguez says.

“The ones that are hung above stoves most likely have one or two vents underneath that help with your stove top cooking, as well as one on top to keep the interior microwave mechanism aired out,” says Rodriguez. “If you don’t maintain either of these vents, you risk overheating the microwave or possibly starting a grease fire from the buildup.”

If you have an over-the-range style microwave and aren’t sure where the vents or filters are, consult the manual that came with your appliance. Filters are often on the bottom of the microwave, just above the cooktop. The manual will tell you how to properly remove the filter, which is usually metal and slides out. Rodriguez cleans microwave filters by holding them over a sink, spraying with a degreasing spray like Dawn Powerwash, and scrubbing with an old toothbrush. She recommends wiping the brush  clean after each swipe to pull out the grease that accumulates. She cleans microwave vents the same way.

In addition to a grease filter, some microwaves also have a charcoal filter to help minimize odors. These generally cannot be cleaned and need to be replaced every six months or so. Consult your microwave’s manual for details.

How often should you clean your microwave?

a woman's hand washes a microwave with a rag, cleanliness and hygiene in the kitchenYana Tikhonova/Getty Images

Cleaning experts say this depends on how often it’s used. “If you are using your microwave daily, I would suggest wiping it out with a damp cloth once per week,” Short says. “If you use your microwave less than once per day, wiping it once every two weeks should be sufficient for keeping buildup at bay.”

Rodriguez says once a week is her minimum for regular cleanings, but it’s also a good idea to do a deep-clean once a month or so.

How to keep your microwave clean

Short recommends using food splatter covers. “Using a cover every time you use the microwave will keep your microwave very clean,” says Short, which also means you’ll only need a quick wipe-out occasionally. If you don’t have a cover, you can place a paper towel over the food you’re microwaving, she says. Another good rule of thumb is to wipe up spills and splatters as they happen, to avoid buildup and odors.

Things you shouldn’t use to clean your microwave

There are several products you should never use when cleaning a microwave. They include:

  • Bleach. This cleaning chemical can produce toxic fumes and is best avoided around food.
  • Old sponges. These may harbor grease or bacteria.
  • Abrasive sponges can scratch the interior of the microwave or glass door.
  • Metal. You never want to heat metal or foil in a microwave, so make sure you’re using a bowl and cloths or sponges that are microwave-safe and do not contain any traces of metal.

Why trust us

At Reader’s Digest, we’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field, in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. For this piece, we relied on reputable primary sources, including three cleaning professionals. Then cleaning expert Ann Russell, author of How to Clean Everything, gave it a rigorous review to ensure that all information is accurate and offers the best possible advice to readers. We verified all facts and data and backed them with credible sourcing, and we will revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.

Sources:

Kelly Kuehn
Kelly Kuehn is a former editor for Reader’s Digest who covered entertainment, trivia and history. When she’s not working you can find her watching the latest and greatest movies, listening to a true-crime podcast (or two), blasting ‘90s music and hiking with her dog, Ryker, throughout the Finger Lakes.