How to Clean With Vinegar and Water in the Microwave

Microwave oven

If you open the door to your microwave and it looks as though it belongs in a college dorm, it is time to give it some TLC. Cleaning the microwave is easy. All you need is water and vinegar--no harsh chemicals.

Things You'll Need

• White distilled vinegar
• Microwave-safe bowl
• Sponge

Instructions

1. Open the microwave and remove the bottom tray. If there is no bottom tray, continue on to Step 3.

2. Wash the turntable in the sink. If it's exceedingly dirty, just wipe it and replace it in the microwave. The vinegar-and-water method explained here will loosen hardened food.

3. Wipe out the inside of the microwave with a damp paper towel. No need to scrub--just get the easily removed food crumbs out of the microwave.

4. Mix a solution of 1 cup white distilled vinegar and 1 cup water in a microwave-safe bowl and place the mixture in the microwave.

5. Heat the water-vinegar mixture to boiling.

6. Remove the bowl and wipe down the microwave with a sponge. Food splatters will easily wipe off the walls of the microwave, and the vinegar will help the microwave smell fresh.

Tips & Warnings

• Clean with the water-and-vinegar mixture once a week for a sparkling microwave.

References

• Natural Home Magazine: A Fresh Start, Natural Spring Cleaning
• VinegarTips: Cleaning
• Home Ever After: How to clean a microwave with vinegar