5 Microwave Cleaning Hacks You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner
These easy and natural microwave cleaning tricks will change the way you do kitchen clean-ups. Keep your appliances fresh without heavy scrubbing.
By:
The Good Home Daily
Posted on August 12, 2025
Microwaves are one of the most commonly used kitchen appliances, yet also one of the most overlooked when it comes to cleaning. But here’s the problem: when spills and splatters are ignored, they tend to harden and stick to the interior, making them tough to remove. That is why finding effective ways to easily clean a microwave matters more than most people realize.
In a recent study, researchers discovered 747 different types of bacteria inside microwave ovens. These include Klebsiella and Brevundimonas, which are linked to foodborne illnesses.
The good news is that there is more than one effective microwave cleaning hack you can try at home. In fact, some of these cleaning methods only use items already in your kitchen.
In this guide, we’ll show you some of the easiest ways to clean your microwave using simple steps and common household items.
How to Clean a Microwave Quickly: 5 Tricks That Actually Work
Since microwaves can be germ hotspots, cleaning them properly helps keep your kitchen healthier. There is no single way to do it, but some methods work better depending on the mess.
Here are a few of the most effective microwave cleaning hacks you can try at home.
1. Clean Your Microwave with Vinegar
Vinegar is among the most popular cleaning agents, and for good reason. Multiple studies have shown that vinegar can kill certain types of bacteria and fungi with enough contact time. In fact, a laboratory study even found that it could eliminate Mycobacterium tuberculosis after just 30 minutes of exposure.
Vinegar’s germ-fighting power comes from its volatile organic compound acetic acid. What’s more, it also contains other helpful compounds like minerals, amino acids, and polyphenols.
Because it is non-toxic, using vinegar is one of the safest and best natural ways to clean microwaves.
Here’s how to use vinegar to clean your microwave effectively:
Step 1: Mix 1 cup of water with 1 cup of white vinegar in a microwave-safe bowl.
Step 2: Heat on high for 5 minutes or until the water boils
Step 3: Let it sit for 2 more minutes before opening the door.
Step 4: Carefully remove the bowl and wipe the inside clean.
The hot steam helps loosen hardened stains, while the acetic acid in vinegar works to kill bacteria lingering inside your microwave.
2. Use Lemon to Freshen Your Microwave
Another favorite natural ingredient for cleaning is lemon. If you often deal with unpleasant smells, lemon is the perfect natural cleaning agent for you.
Lemon is not only effective at cutting grease and removing stains but also leaves your microwave smelling fresh, with its bright, zesty scent.
Lemon has natural antimicrobial properties, thanks to its vitamin C, citric acid, and other phytochemicals. Its high acidity helps dissolve soap scum and break down stubborn grime. In fact, one study found that lemon juice can inhibit the growth of diarrhea-causing bacteria.
Here’s how to clean your microwave with lemon:
Step 1: Cut a lemon in half and place it in a bowl filled with water.
Step 2: Microwave for 3–5 minutes until steaming.
Step 3: Let it sit for another minute, then wipe down the inside.
3. Baking Soda Scrub for Stubborn Stains
For particularly stubborn spots that steam alone cannot remove, the baking soda paste comes in handy. Baking soda acts as a gentle abrasive, making it ideal for scrubbing dried spills without damaging the microwave surface.
Baking Soda can also act as a deodorizer. In fact, the Food Safety and Inspection Service from the USA recommends the use of baking soda to clean and remove odors from fridges and freezers. Research from 2015 found that 50g of baking soda can reduce odor concentration by 70%.
Here’s how to clean your Microwave using baking soda:
Step 1: Mix baking soda with a bit of water to form a paste.
Step 2: Apply it to stubborn spots and let it sit for 5–10 minutes.
Step 3: Scrub lightly with a sponge and wipe clean.
4. The Damp Paper Towel Method
If you are pressed for time, the damp paper towel method is perfect for you. Similar to the principles of other cleaning methods mentioned above, it uses steam to clean the interior of the microwave. This steam softens and loosens dried-on food and grease stuck on the walls or ceiling.
Here’s how to quickly clean your microwave using only a damp paper towel:
Step 1: Soak 3 or more paper towels in water.
Step 2: Gently squeeze them to remove excess water (they should be moist, not dripping).
Step 3: Lay the damp paper towels flat on the microwave turntable.
Step 4: Microwave on high for about 1–2 minutes to let them steam.
Step 5: Keep the microwave door closed for about 30 seconds after heating to let the steam work.
Step 6: Use the warm paper towels to wipe the inside surfaces (be careful, they might be hot).
Since the paper towels are already inside, they help trap the loosened debris, making it easier to wipe down afterward. This microwave cleaning hack is especially useful for small messes and doesn’t require any additional ingredients.
Optional step: You can squeeze fresh lemon juice onto the towels or add a few thin slices before heating to boost cleaning power and leave a fresh, zesty scent in your microwave.
5. Use Natural Oil for Stubborn Spots
For those stubborn spots, one of the best natural ways to remove them is by using oil. Natural oil is excellent at loosening stuck-on grease and food splatters.
Grease attracts more grease, so when you apply a thin layer of oil to these spots, it helps dissolve and soften hardened residues, making them easier to wipe away.
Here’s how to clean your microwave using oil:
Step 1: Choose a natural oil. Coconut oil, olive oil, or sunflower oil work well because they are safe for food surfaces.
Step 2: Dip a clean cloth or paper towel into a small amount of oil.
Step 3: Gently rub the oil onto hardened splatters or stains inside the microwave.
Step 4: Allow the oil to sit for 5–10 minutes.
Step 5: Wipe off the loosened residue with a damp cloth.
Keep in mind that you only need a light coating of oil to clean a microwave effectively. If you use too much or fail to wipe it away thoroughly, it can leave a greasy film inside.
After removing the stain, we recommend following up with another method from above, such as the vinegar or lemon method. This ensures no oil residue remains and leaves your microwave smelling fresh.
FAQ on Natural Microwave Cleaning
How often should I clean my microwave?
We recommend giving it a quick wipe once a week to prevent buildup. However, if you notice spills after every use, give it a quick wipe so food debris will not accumulate or harden. This small habit can save you from tougher scrubbing later.
Will these methods remove strong odors?
Most of them will. We suggest using lemon or vinegar for odors, as both are effective natural deodorizers.
Can I mix these microwave cleaning methods?
Yes, you can. For example, steam clean first using a mix of lemon and vinegar in water to loosen grease and odors. Then, tackle stubborn spots with baking soda for a fresh, deep clean.
How to Clean a Microwave Filter?
Before removing the filter, check your microwave’s manual for the correct and safe way to take it out. Once removed, wash it with warm water and a mild dish soap. You can also use baking soda or vinegar if you prefer a natural cleaner. Let it dry completely before reinstalling. This helps your microwave run efficiently and stay odor-free.
