How to clean a microwave
From splatters to smudges, it’s easy to make a mess inside or outside your microwave. You should inspect your microwave after each use to see if it is dirty and make cleaning this heavily used appliance part of your regular post-meal cleaning routine.
This article will guide you through the steps of cleaning your microwave so that it’s spotless and ready to defrost, cook or reheat whenever you’re preparing your next meal or snack.
Select from the sections below to navigate to a specific topic that covers how to easily clean a microwave.
Steps to clean a microwave
It only takes a few simple steps to get your microwave clean and sparkling inside and out. Follow these directions to learn how to expertly clean your microwave’s interior, exterior and turntable.
Start by gathering these supplies:
Supplies
- Water
- Soft cloth or sponge
- Microwave-safe container
- Dish soap
- Stainless steel cleaning spray (optional)
- Vinegar (optional)
- Lemon juice (optional)
- Baking soda (optional)
Clean the microwave’s interior
Performing a deep clean on your microwave simply means cleaning all residue and splatters.
Here are the steps and tips to clean a microwave:
Step 1: Soften heavy build-up (optional)
This is an optional step but necessary for any microwave with heavy build-up.
To soften heavy build-up, add 1 cup of water to a microwave-safe container and heat it for 3 to 4 minutes. The steam produced may help loosen build-up and grime. Additionally, you can add 1 tablespoon of vinegar to the water to heighten the cleaning power.
Step 2: Use dish soap to clean your microwave
Add dish soap to a damp soft cloth and wipe clean the interior. Always rub in the direction of the metal’s grain on stainless steel microwaves.
Step 3: Rinse and dry
The last step is to rinse the microwave with clean water and then dry every inch with a soft, lint-free cloth.
Cleaning tip: Instead of scrubbing the interior, you can use the Steam Clean setting available on select Whirlpool® Microwaves. Place 1 cup of water in the microwave, press the Steam Clean button, and once the cycle is complete, wipe with a paper towel or damp sponge.
Clean the microwave’s turntable
From eggs to sauces, your microwave turntable is the target of a lot of spills and splatters. Clean all spills and splatters immediately and regularly to keep your microwave clean.
Step 1: Make sure the turntable is cool
Always allow your turntable to cool before cleaning. A warm or hot turntable can shatter if placed in water.
Step 2: Wash by hand or in the dishwasher
You can hand wash your turntable or place it in the dishwasher if it’s dishwasher-safe. To hand wash, use soapy water and a dishcloth or non-abrasive scouring pad. If your turntable is dishwasher-safe, consult your microwave’s owner’s manual for instructions before cleaning it in your dishwasher.
Step 3: Dry and put it back in your microwave
Once the turntable is clean, dry it and return it to its place in your microwave. It’s recommended to never use a microwave without the turntable securely in place.
Clean the microwave’s exterior
Learn the steps to clean smudges, fingerprints and grease that make your microwave’s exterior look messy.
Step 1: Activate the control lock if applicable
On select models with touch controls, press the control lock to prevent accidentally pressing a button and activating a setting as you clean.
Step 2: Wipe and dry exterior
Apply dish soap and water or affresh® Stainless Steel Cleaning Spray1 onto a sponge or soft cloth. If your model has glass controls, opt for a glass cleaner instead. Next, dry with a soft cloth and then turn off the control lock.
How often does a microwave need to be cleaned?
How often you need to clean your microwave depends on how frequently you use it. A good rule to follow is to clean your microwave weekly. Regular cleaning helps prevent messes from hardening and becoming more difficult to clean and makes each cleaning easier. It’s recommended to always clean your microwave right after any large messes happen.
Should a microwave be cleaned before its first use?
New microwaves don’t require a thorough cleaning before their first use, but you should wipe down the interior before heating any items.
Before you use your new microwave for the first time, clean the interior, including the ceiling, floor, walls and turntable with a soft, damp cloth.
Using baking soda to clean a microwave
Typically, cleaning a microwave with baking soda is an effective and convenient alternative to other methods. To clean with baking soda, sprinkle several tablespoons of it into a small, microwave-safe container filled with water. Microwave the water for 5 minutes but be sure to let the dish cool before removing it. Use a soft cloth or sponge to remove stuck-on food from your microwave’s interior.
How to clean a microwave using a natural method
You can clean a microwave with baking soda, vinegar or lemon juice if you prefer more natural products.
To perform a more natural clean, fill a microwave-safe bowl with 1 cup of water and then mix in 1 tablespoon of vinegar, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or several tablespoons of baking soda. Heat this solution in your microwave for 2 to 5 minutes and then let the dish cool before removing it. Lastly, use a damp cloth to wipe the microwave
Looking to add a new microwave to your kitchen? Browse countertop models from Whirlpool® or all Whirlpool® Microwaves to find the right model for your kitchen and household.
Learn more about Whirlpool® microwaves
-
How to Replace Your Microwave Filters Need help replacing the charcoal filter for your microwave? This guide will show you how to maintain your Whirlpool microwave’s filter systems. -
How To Buy A Microwave There are lots of kitchen microwaves, but which is right for you? Learn how to choose a microwave that’s the best fit for your family and lifestyle. -
Microwave Safe and Unsafe items Wondering what you can and can't put in the microwave? Styrofoam? Glass? Plastic? Find out which items are safe and which are not.
Appliance IQ
Want more answers to your kitchen and laundry questions?
Was this article helpful? Pass it on
1. affresh® brand products and the recommending brands’ products are all owned and distributed by Whirlpool Corporation.
