The microwave oven has long become our daily assistant, like a kettle, iron and other household appliances. Why waste time and dirty dishes while heating food when you can do it in minutes and effortlessly?
However, this device also needs care, and many housewives probably want to know how to clean the microwave from old fat at home without much effort. If you need to quickly remove grease from your microwave oven, follow the tips and advice provided by our experts.
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The most effective methods
If you think that you can only clean the microwave using detergents, then this is far from the case, although this method is also on the list of the most effective. It is worth noting that even if there were no special substances at hand to wash the microwave from fat and other contaminants, you can resort to the help of funds that are likely to be found in every home. So, the most effective ways:
- steam;
- lemon acid;
- using soda and vinegar;
- detergents.
With steam
To quickly clean the inside of the microwave with steam, you need no more than half a liter of water, as well as a container for it. Be sure to use a container with a wide diameter (bowl, glass saucepan, etc.) so that the water evaporates as much as possible. How to perform the cleaning procedure without chemicals:
- Place a container of water in the microwave.
- Run the appliance for 15 minutes at the highest power.
- After the time has elapsed, do not rush to immediately take out the vessel - let the steam that settles on the walls work for a few more minutes (it will be easier to clean the surfaces).
- It remains to get a container of water and wipe the surfaces from dirt yourself using a sponge.
Tip: The steam method is suitable for light soiling. If the plaque is more serious, the water should be heated for 2-3 hours at an average microwave power.
With citric acid or vinegar
Vinegar and citric acid effectively soften the layers of grease and dirt. Cleaning the microwave with vinegar is the fastest way compared to other methods. It only takes 2 tbsp. vinegar and half a liter of water. Then you proceed, as in the case with the steam method, after adding vinegar to the water. This method allows you to clean the microwave at home in 5 minutes. However, be prepared for the pungent vinegar smell. If you choose to clean your microwave with vinegar, it's important to ventilate the area well after completing the procedure.
Citric acid is considered to be a good vinegar substitute. With the same efficiency, its vapors do not have a pungent odor. The essence of the procedure is the same as with vinegar, but instead dissolve one sachet of citric acid in 250 ml of water (as a rule, its weight is 25 g).
Soda as the best housewife assistant
Another tool you can use to clean the microwave in 5 minutes and get rid of the smell of food and fat is ordinary baking soda:
1. Take 1 tbsp. soda and dissolve it in 500 ml of water.
2. Place a container of water inside the microwave oven and turn it on at maximum power.
3. Leave the device for a few minutes after it stops working.
4. Try cleaning the microwave with baking soda by rubbing the inside with a sponge.If there are areas that are difficult to clean, soak the sponge in the same baking soda solution and easily remove the dirt.
Using detergents
Do not forget about the products that are specially designed to quickly clean the microwave or other appliances. However, we will use them in a slightly different way. A regular dishwashing sponge and a few drops of good detergent (like Fairy) will help you clean the microwave from grease and other dirt:
1. Moisten the sponge abundantly with water and, without wringing it out, drip a little detergent to form a coin-sized drop on the surface of the sponge.
2. Squeeze the sponge several times to create a good lather.
3. Place the sponge in the microwave oven.
4. Set the time to 30 seconds and the lowest power. Make sure that the sponge does not get too hot and does not start to melt.
5. Open the door and try to wash the inside of the microwave using the same sponge.
If you want to clean the device with a detergent, then it is worth recalling such a wonderful assistant in this matter as laundry soap. It copes well with various dirt, helps to get rid of burning inside. To clean with laundry soap, you need to thoroughly lather the sponge and actively clean the inside of the microwave with it. Leave the appliance in this state for a few minutes to allow the soap to take effect. Then it remains only to wipe the heavily soiled areas on your own and rinse off the product with a clean sponge. It is recommended to thoroughly clean the soap stains, otherwise unpleasant odors may occur when using the microwave for the first time.
How often to wash the microwave inside
The question is quite controversial. It would seem that this procedure is required as soon as the microwave becomes dirty or if food is burnt in it. It should be noted that in these cases, cleaning is mandatory - if you ignore it, it will not be easy to clean up serious dirt in the future. However, even when it seems that the inner surfaces of the device are absolutely clean, it is necessary to regularly carry out "water procedures". During the operation of the microwave, strong odors are absorbed into its walls (for example, from fish), and also as a result of evaporation, small particles of fat accumulate on the surfaces. It is also recommended to clean the inside of the appliance with a damp sponge after each use.
Tip: To avoid cleaning the microwave oven too often, cover the dishes with food during heating with a special plastic hood, glass lid, film or parchment paper.
Conclusion
Now you know how to quickly and easily clean the microwave from minor residues of grease and carbon deposits, without using a lot of time. We looked at various methods, including household chemicals and folk remedies. It is up to you how to clean the device and how to do it. The main thing is to get into the habit of regularly cleaning the device. In this case, the operating life of the microwave oven will be much longer.
