Microwave maintenance
We’ve all been there. After a long day, all that you want to do is reheat your leftovers. Instead of your mouth-watering, you’re hit by a wave of disgust as you open your microwave. It’s been yucked.
Today we’re going to take 5 to clean your microwave and then find ways to keep it clean and working for years to come.
Grab a lemon if you have one — and some vinegar if you don’t — plus a large microwave safe bowl and a cleaning cloth to complete this task.
WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU LEMONS
No matter how careful you are, microwaves can get dirty. A splatter here and a splatter there that’s not immediately cleaned up can quickly get baked on. Add in a careless housemate and you can be in a gross situation fast! Today we’re going to use microwave power and steam to loosen up the grime and make it easy for you to get this helpful appliance squeaky clean.
Gather your supplies and then head to the kitchen to give your microwave a quick scrub. Place one cup of water in a large microwave-safe bowl or measuring cup — make sure that it is big enough to not let the water boil over. Cut a lemon in half and squeeze the juice into the water then toss in the lemon. If you don’t have lemons on hand, add a tablespoon of white vinegar instead.
Put your bowl in the microwave and heat it on high for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the microwave to get nice and steamy. Let the microwave cool for a few minutes before very carefully removing the bowl of water. Now it’s time to grab your rag and scrub!
The baked-on grime should be loosened significantly by the steam power, allowing you to wipe off old pasta sauce from days past easily. Carefully remove the turntable from the microwave and give it a good rinse and wipe down before drying and returning.
KEEP IT WORKING
Now that your microwave is spic and span, you probably want to keep it working for years to come. Thankfully, microwaves are typically low-maintenance appliances but there are a few things that you can do to extend its useful life.
One of the most important tasks that you can do is keep it clean. Give yourself a pat on the back. You’re ahead of the game! The grime that can get baked on your microwave can absorb energy which leads to burn spots and can damage components. A clean microwave is a long-lasting one.
It’s very important to make sure that you only use microwave-safe bowls and plates when heating up your food. If you ever see sparks in your microwave, stop it immediately and never use that dishware in the microwave again. If you notice that your plate is hotter than your food, that’s a sign that you shouldn’t use that dishware in the microwave too.
Be mindful as you open and close your microwave, as door damage is one of the leading reasons why this appliance stops working. Opening the door while the microwave is still going can lead to blown or broken safety fuses. Slamming the door shut can damage the complex safety latches that most modern microwaves have. Be gentle with your machine.
PREVENT THE YUCK
Now that your microwave is clean, you probably want to keep it that way. One of the easiest ways to do so is to simply cover your bowls and plates as you microwave your food. A paper towel is great in a pinch, but a glass microwave splatter guard is a long-lasting solution that can also be run through your dishwasher.
Great job cleaning your microwave! It’s a yucky task, but now you have a sparkling clean appliance and know how to keep it that way.
While you’re there, you can add this hardworking appliance to your Househappy account. Here’s how!