How to Clean a Microwave With a Lemon

Step 1: Make lemon water

Fill a microwave-safe bowl with about 1 cup of water. Cut a lemon in half, squeeze the juice into the water and drop the halves in. No lemon? Use 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or a squeeze of bottled lemon juice.

Put a wooden spoon or toothpick in the bowl. It gives the water a surface to bubble on. The FDA warns that plain water heated alone in a clean cup can become “superheated” and erupt when you move it.

Step 2: Heat until it steams

Microwave on high for 3 minutes, or until the window fogs up and the water is boiling. Very dirty or large microwaves may need 4 to 5 minutes.

Step 3: Do not open the door

This is the step most people skip. Leave the door closed for 3 more minutes. The steam keeps working on the splatters, and the bowl cools a little so it is safer to handle.

Step 4: Wipe

Using oven mitts, take out the bowl. Remove the turntable and wash it in the sink like a plate. Wipe the inside walls, ceiling, floor and door with a cloth or sponge. Everything should come off easily. For a stubborn spot, dip the cloth in the warm lemon water and rub.

Step 5: The outside and the keypad

Dampen a cloth with the leftover lemon water (not dripping wet) and wipe the door, handle and keypad. Never spray liquid directly on the control panel.

For really bad stains

• Repeat the steam once more.
• For yellow stains on the floor, make a paste of baking soda and water, rub it on, then wipe with a damp cloth.
• Do not use steel wool or abrasive powders. They scratch the interior coating and can damage it.

How to keep it clean

The same steam trick sanitizes a wet kitchen sponge; here is how to clean a kitchen sponge safely in the microwave. And if the whole kitchen still smells, check the dishwasher filter.

• Cover food with a microwave splatter cover, a paper towel or an upside-down plate.
• Wipe up spills while they are still fresh.
• Do the lemon steam once a week. It takes less time than your coffee.

Your microwave is done. Want to tackle the oven next? Our overnight oven trick uses just baking soda.