Maintaining and cleaning a microwave does not have to be complicated: wipe splashes away straight after every use and give it a thorough clean once a month with steam from water and vinegar or lemon. That is essentially all it takes to keep your microwave hygienic, efficient and in good condition for years. Below you can read exactly how to go about it, step by step.
Why regular maintenance of your microwave matters so much
A microwave may look like an appliance that takes care of itself, but regular maintenance makes a considerable difference, both to its lifespan and to safety. Here are the four main reasons to take this seriously.
Grease splashes and food residue attack the interior wall
Baked-on residue is not just unhygienic, it also attacks the interior lining of the microwave. Most microwaves have an enamelled or painted interior wall that stands up to normal use, but not to prolonged contact with burnt-on grease. Once it is damaged, the lining becomes harder to clean and the appliance works less well.
Built-up dirt can start to smoke or cause a burning smell
Have you ever used a microwave that smelled of burning? That is almost always the result of dried-on food residue that heats up again every time the appliance is used and eventually starts to smoulder. This is not only unpleasant, it is also a safety risk.
A clean microwave heats more efficiently and uses less energy
Deposits and grease on the interior walls absorb part of the microwaves, so the appliance has to work harder to achieve the same result. A clean microwave heats faster and uses less energy, a small gain per use that really does add up over a year.
Regular maintenance prevents costly repairs
A microwave that is never cleaned thoroughly breaks down sooner on average. Repairs are often more expensive than expected, and in many cases almost as expensive as a new appliance. With a simple cleaning routine you avoid unnecessary costs and keep the appliance in service for longer.
How often should you clean a microwave?
How often depends on how heavily you use the microwave, but the guide below works as a practical rule of thumb.
- After every use: wipe visible splashes away straight away with a damp cloth. While they are still warm they are far easier to remove than once they have dried on.
- Weekly: give the interior walls, the roof, the turntable and the lid a quick clean with warm soapy water or a mild cleaning product.
- Monthly: do a thorough clean of the whole interior, the outside, the ventilation openings and the door seal.
- Rule of thumb: the more you use the microwave, for example daily reheating for a family or in a rental property, the more often cleaning is needed.
Step by step: cleaning a microwave with vinegar or lemon
The most effective and safest way to clean a microwave without scrubbing is the steam method. You do not need any aggressive products; water with white vinegar or lemon juice is enough to soak baked-on residue loose.
What you need
- 200 ml of water
- 2 tablespoons of white vinegar or the juice of one lemon
- A microwave-safe bowl or dish
- A soft, clean cloth or microfibre cloth
Method
- Fill the microwave-safe bowl with 200 ml of water and add the vinegar or the lemon juice. If you use lemon, put the squeezed peel in the bowl as well for extra fragrance.
- Put the bowl in the microwave and heat it at the highest power setting for 3 to 5 minutes. The mixture starts to boil and creates steam that spreads over the interior walls.
- Then leave the door closed for 2 minutes. The steam carries on working and loosens baked-on residue without any scrubbing.
- Open the door carefully, as the bowl is hot, and wipe the interior walls, the roof and the floor with a damp cloth. The residue comes off effortlessly.
- Take out the turntable and wash it separately in warm soapy water, or rinse it under the tap. Dry it completely before you put it back.
This is the most widely recommended method for cleaning the inside of a microwave: effective, quick and free of aggressive chemicals.
Cleaning the outside and the door of the microwave
The inside gets most of the attention, but the outside deserves it too, especially the door seal and the control panel.
- Wipe the outside with a slightly damp microfibre cloth. Never spray cleaning products directly onto the appliance; always apply them to the cloth first.
- Clean the door seal (the rubber gasket) gently with a damp cloth. This is a spot where a lot of grease builds up and it is often overlooked.
- Clean the inside of the door glass with a mild all-purpose cleaner on a cloth. That keeps the glass free of haze and deposits.
- Keep the ventilation openings at the side or the back free of dust. Use a dry cloth or a small brush for this. Blocked ventilation leads to overheating.
- Always clean the control panel with a slightly damp cloth. Never hose it down; moisture in the electronics causes faults.
What you should never do when cleaning a microwave
Some cleaning mistakes are harmless, others can damage the appliance or even be dangerous. These are the main things to avoid:
- No abrasive cleaners, steel wool or scouring pads, they scratch the interior wall and damage the coating permanently.
- No bleach or chlorine-based products, these are aggressive to the interior lining and leave dangerous fumes behind that are released when the appliance heats up.
- Always clean the microwave switched off and unplugged from the socket, never clean it while the appliance is switched on.
- Never cover the ventilation openings, not even temporarily. This causes overheating.
- Never put the turntable back while it is still wet, this can cause steam, noises and in extreme cases even damage during use.
Tips for keeping your microwave clean for longer
Prevention is better than cure. A few simple habits will keep the microwave considerably cleaner for longer and save you the work of an intensive clean.
- Always use a microwave lid or microwave film when you reheat food, certainly with sauces, soups or dishes with a lot of moisture.
- Never put food with a high moisture content in uncovered at high power; that is when the chance of splashes is greatest.
- Wipe splashes away straight after use. While they are still warm they are gone in thirty seconds; dried on, they cost you ten minutes.
- Keep the microwave in a dry, well-ventilated spot; moisture attracts odours and encourages bacteria to grow.
- Set a fixed cleaning day, for example every Sunday or at the start of the month. A fixed routine is easier to keep up than cleaning as and when.
When is your microwave due for replacement?
Good maintenance extends the life of a microwave considerably, but at some point replacing it is the wiser choice. Look out for the following signs:
- A burning smell that does not go away after a thorough clean; this can point to burnt-on dirt deeper inside the appliance or to damaged components.
- Sparks or arcing during use, this is an immediate safety signal. Stop using the microwave until the cause has been established.
- Uneven heating, if a dish stays cold on one side and is cooked on the other, the magnetron (the element that generates the microwaves) may be reaching the end of its life.
- Visible damage to the interior wall or the door, cracks or flaking coating can compromise safety and are usually not economical to repair.
A microwave older than 8 to 10 years with persistent problems is in most cases more expensive to repair than to replace. At Pro Witgoed you will find affordable Heinner microwaves with a 5 year full warranty, available straight from stock. Have a look at our full range of microwaves or browse all the ovens and microwaves at Pro Witgoed for an overview of the models available.
Frequently asked questions
How do I clean my microwave without scrubbing?
Use the steam method: put a microwave-safe bowl with 200 ml of water and 2 tablespoons of white vinegar or lemon juice in at high power for 3 to 5 minutes. Then leave the door shut for 2 minutes. The steam loosens baked-on residue so that you can wipe it away effortlessly with a soft cloth, without scrubbing.
How often should I clean my microwave?
Wipe splashes away after every use. Do a quick clean of the interior walls and the turntable weekly, and a thorough clean monthly including the outside and the ventilation openings. With heavy use, more often.
Can I put the microwave turntable in the dishwasher?
In most cases, yes. The glass turntable in most microwaves is dishwasher-safe. Do check this in the manual for your model. Always make sure the plate is completely dry before you put it back in the microwave.
My microwave smells burnt, what should I do?
A burning smell from the microwave almost always points to burnt-on food residue. First use the steam method with vinegar or lemon and then wipe all the interior walls thoroughly. Also check the turntable and the bottom of the microwave for baked-on residue. If the smell persists after a thorough clean, there may be a technical problem.
Which cleaning products are safe for a microwave?
White vinegar, lemon juice, mild washing-up liquid and a gentle all-purpose cleaner are safe choices. Always use a soft cloth or sponge. Avoid abrasive cleaners, chlorine-based products and alcohol in high concentrations.
Can I clean a microwave with bleach?
No. Bleach and other chlorine-based products are not suitable for use in a microwave. They can attack the interior lining and give off dangerous fumes when heated. Always use mild, chlorine-free cleaning products.
What if my microwave sparks after cleaning?
Stop using it immediately. Sparks can be caused by metallic residue (such as a forgotten piece of aluminium foil), damage to the interior wall or a faulty turntable. Check the inside thoroughly. If the cause is not clear or the sparking continues, it is sensible to have the appliance checked or to replace it.
Is a Heinner microwave easy to keep clean?
Yes. Heinner microwaves have a smooth interior wall that is easy to clean with the steam method or a damp cloth. The turntable is usually made of glass and easy to take out for separate cleaning. With the maintenance tips in this article you will keep a Heinner microwave in excellent condition for years. Have a look at our range of Heinner microwaves or discover all the cooking appliances at Pro Witgoed for a complete overview.
Conclusion
Cleaning a microwave takes little time and effort with the right approach. The steam method with vinegar or lemon is effective, cheap and safe. Combine that with one simple daily habit, wiping splashes away straight away, and your microwave will stay hygienic and efficient for years. Looking forward to a new, reliable model? Then have a look at our current offers or go straight to the overview of ovens and microwaves for an honest and affordable alternative.