How to Clean a Microwave, Inside and Out

Photos by Joe Lingeman / Apartment Therapy

Let’s face it: It doesn’t take much for your microwave to get dirty. An overfilled bowl of soup or spaghetti can quickly turn the inside of your microwave into a disaster zone (and it’s often easier to close the door on than to clean up). Fortunately, cleaning your microwave is much simpler than it looks.

Follow this goof-proof guide to transform your greasy, splatter-ridden microwave into a sparkly fresh kitchen appliance in no time. 

How to Steam Clean a Microwave with Vinegar

You know what’s great at dislodging stubborn grime? Steam. You know what can make steam? Your microwave. Here’s how to harness your microwave’s own magic to get it sparkling clean with vinegar.

• A glass measuring cup or other small microwave-safe cup or bowl
• Distilled white vinegar
• A sponge or dishcloth
• A clean, dry cloth or rag

1. Mix 2 cups of water and 2 tablespoons of distilled white vinegar into a microwave-safe measuring cup or bowl.
2. Place the cup or bowl inside your microwave and heat on high power until the liquid comes to a boil. 
3. Let stand for 3 minutes, so that the steam trapped inside has time to loosen up all the caked-on food gunk.
4. Open the door, and then slowly and carefully remove the measuring cup or bowl, as well as the turntable or plate (if your microwave has one).
5. Starting with the ceiling and then the sides, use your sponge or dishcloth to wipe the inside of your microwave clean.
6. Don’t forget the edges and the inside of the door!
7. Wipe down the turntable and put it back in (if you took it out).
8. Grab a clean, dry cloth or rag and give your entire microwave—ceiling, sides, door, turntable—a final wipedown and voila: it’s good to go! 

How to Clean Microwave Doors and Exterior

It’s great when the inside of the microwave is clean, but you also want the outside to shine. Here’s what to do.

• Detail scrub brush, or cleaning toothbrush
• A sponge or dishcloth
• Distilled white vinegar
• A cleaning cloth (like microfiber) or paper towels
• Rubbing alcohol
• Baking soda

1. Use a detail brush to clean the rubber gasket or seal around the edge of the door, dislodging any dried-on food or other debris you see. Introduce water or a water-vinegar mixture as needed for extra cleaning power. Don’t forget to clean the hinge area thoroughly!
2. Use a damp sponge to wipe down the inside of the door. If you need extra grease-busting power, dampen your sponge with a half-vinegar, half-water mixture, or follow the steps above to steam clean the inside of your microwave.
3. Make a mixture of half water and half rubbing alcohol, use the mixture to dampen a cloth or paper towel, then wipe and buff the outside of the microwave door, and the entire microwave exterior. Be careful around mesh and vents to make sure no moisture is getting through to your microwave’s inner workings.
4. If any stubborn stains remain on the microwave door glass, make a paste of baking soda and water and spread it across the door (you may need to unplug and set your microwave on its side so the paste stays in place). Let the mixture sit for a few hours, then return and wipe clean with a rag or sponge.

For as often as we use our microwave ovens, it’s only fair to give them some TLC from time to time. So, instead of putting off cleaning your microwave and making things even worse, just follow these foolproof steps to score a fresh-looking one in minutes. 

Caroline Biggs is a writer living in New York City. When she’s not covering art, interiors, and celebrity lifestyles, she’s usually buying sneakers, eating cupcakes, or hanging with her rescue bunnies, Daisy and Daffodil.