How To Clean A Microwave With Vinegar And Other Hacks - TODAY

If your microwave has remnants from last night's (and last week's) meals, we feel you. And heaven forbid you let it sit for too long; that sticky stuff will attach itself for good. We've all been there!

While there isn't a hard rule on how to clean the inside of a microwave, it's wise to give it a wipe down once a week — or when there are a lot of splatters (we're looking at you, spaghetti sauce). But you don't have to scrub until you work up a sweat.

To help us (and you!) figure out the best ways to clean a microwave, we spoke to cleaning experts Leslie Reichert and Jessica Ek from The Cleaning Institute. Good news — you don't need a lot of cleaning products to get the job done!

What is the easiest way to clean a microwave?

"Clean spills as they happen to avoid getting them baked on, which is harder to remove," Ek explains. "If you catch it quickly, you may just need to wipe it away with a paper towel or cloth."

Even though it may not be ideal, your future self will thank you for catching those spills and splatters when they happen instead of pretending you don't see them and quickly closing the microwave door.

Microwave cleaning products to shop

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Arm & Hammer Pure Baking Soda

$1.59

Target

$1.99

Grove Collaborative

Happy Belly Distilled White Vinegar

$3.59

Amazon

Kitchen Sponges (Set of 12)

$8.99

$12.99

Amazon

Amazon Basics Microfiber Cleaning Cloths (Set of 24)

$9.99

Amazon

Pyrex Mixing Bowls (Set of 3)

$17.99

Amazon

How to clean a microwave with vinegar

Supplies:

• 1/2 cup of water
• 1/2 cup of white vinegar
• A microwave-safe bowl
• Damp sponge or microfiber cloth

Instructions:

1. Place the water and vinegar in a bowl and microwave on high until the mixture comes to a rolling boil and the window steams up.
2. Allow the microwave to cool for a few minutes, then wipe the interior down with the sponge or cloth.

How to clean a microwave with lemon juice

Supplies:

• 1 lemon
• A rag or clean cloth
• A microwave-safe bowl
• Around 1/2 cup of water

Instructions:

1. Squeeze all the lemon juice from your lemon into the bowl and combine with the 1/2 of water.
2. "Heat the mixture for a few minutes and let it sit [in the microwave] before wiping it down," advises Ek. “The steam can help dislodge stuck-on grime.”

Bonus: Your microwave will smell lemony fresh now!

How to clean a microwave with baking soda

Supplies:

• Baking soda
• A rag/clean cloth
• A microwave-safe bowl
• Warm water

Instructions:

1. Add a few tablespoons of baking soda to a bowl of warm water. (The measurements don't need to be exact here, according to Arm & Hammer.)
2. Mix until baking soda dissolves.
3. Place in microwave and run for around three to five minutes, or until the microwave fills with steam.
4. Let the mixture sit in the closed microwave so the steam penetrates the grime.
5. Wipe clean!

Note: You can also just sprinkle baking soda inside your microwave (removing the turntable first) and use a bowl of warm water to scrub the baking soda and then wipe it clean.

Frequently asked questions

How do you clean a microwave filter?

Yes, your microwave has a filter, which means you should be cleaning it from time to time. "Always follow manufacturer instructions to clean the filter," says Ek, as this is the safest route to not damaging the filter.

However, "this can also usually be done with warm or hot water and a little dish soap. Let the filter soak, and then carefully scrub. Let dry before placing it back in the microwave."

Are you also supposed to clean the outside of a microwave?

Yes, Ek advises cleaning both the inside and the outside of your microwave. This includes wiping down the door handle and buttons. You can use your lemon juice or vinegar mixture, or a little dish soap and water.

How do you clean the turntable in a microwave?

“For the turntable, you can remove it and wash it in the sink with soapy water, or even just stick it in the dishwasher if it’s dishwasher-safe,” says Ek. “Just make sure the turntable is cool before washing and dry it before returning it to the microwave.”

How we chose the best products for cleaning your microwave

TODAY.com spoke to experts about the best practices for cleaning your microwave. Based on the guidance they provided, we found affordable and fan-favorite products to help you get the job done.

Meet the experts

• Leslie Reichert, also known as the “Green Cleaning Coach,” is an author, TV personality and cleaning expert. She has previously spoken with TODAY.com about how to clean washing machines and your pillows.
• Jessica Ek is the senior director of digital communications at the American Cleaning Institute. She’s previously spoken with Shop TODAY and TODAY.com about why you shouldn’t be using dryer sheets, how to clean puffer jackets and how to clean your phone screen.