Amazing Guide: How to Clean a Microwave Oven Step by Step in 2025

I used to think cleaning the microwave was a boring chore — until I learned how to clean a microwave oven step by step the easy way. One little spill can turn into a sticky, smelly mess faster than you’d expect! I’ve picked up a few simple tricks over the years that save both time and effort. In this guide, I’ll show you exactly what I do at home, from start to finish, using safe methods that really work. Let’s make your microwave fresh, clean, and ready for your next meal!

Why Regular Microwave Cleaning Matters

I still remember the day I opened the microwave and was hit by a smell so strong, I thought something had gone off in the fridge! Turns out, a little bit of soup had splashed the week before. I hadn’t noticed at the time, but once it baked onto the walls, it became a sticky, smelly nightmare. That was the moment I realised — leaving splatters to sit only makes cleaning harder later on.

Keeping your microwave clean isn’t just about looks — it’s about hygiene, too. Food spills and steam create the perfect place for germs to grow. A quick wipe, even once a week, can stop smells and stop bacteria from building up. Regular cleaning also helps your microwave run better and last longer, saving you from surprise repairs or replacements.

The best part? Once you know how to clean a microwave oven step by step, the whole job takes just a few minutes. You’ll notice your food tastes fresher and your kitchen smells nicer, all with barely any effort. Clean appliances work better — and make your cooking feel easier, too!

What You’ll Need to Clean a Microwave

Before we jump into how to clean a microwave oven step by step, let’s get your cleaning kit ready. The right tools make the job quicker, easier, and a lot less messy — trust me, I’ve learned this the hard way!

Here’s what I always gather before I start:

Microfibre cloths or soft sponges — These are your best friends for wiping away grime without scratching the surface. I keep a few clean cloths on hand, so I’m not spreading dirt around.
A bowl of water — Simple tap water works just fine. This is the base for the steam that helps loosen stubborn food splashes stuck to the inside walls.
White vinegar or lemon juice — Both are natural cleaners that break down grease and leave your microwave smelling fresh. I tend to grab whatever’s closest, but lemon gives a lovely clean scent!
Baking soda (optional) — If you’re dealing with burnt-on mess or lingering smells, a pinch of baking soda can help scrub things clean without damaging the surface. It’s gentle but powerful.
Mild washing-up liquid — For the turntable and any microwave-safe parts, a tiny drop of washing-up liquid lifts away food residue with ease. Always rinse well to avoid soap traces in your next meal.
Gloves (if preferred) — Not a must, but if you’ve got sensitive skin or just prefer to keep your hands dry, gloves make the task more comfortable. I pop mine on when I’m using vinegar, as the smell can linger on your hands.

Step-by-Step Guide to Clean a Microwave Oven

Ready to learn how to clean a microwave oven step by step? Once you get into the habit, it’s a five-minute job that makes your kitchen feel fresher instantly. Here’s exactly how I do it at home — no fancy gadgets, just simple steps that actually work.

Step 1 – Preparation

Before you grab the cloth, hit the off switch! Unplugging the microwave is the safest way to avoid any electrical mishaps while you clean. Safety first — especially if water’s involved.

Next, take out the turntable, roller ring, and any other removable bits. You’ll clean these separately, which makes it much easier to reach every corner inside the microwave.

Step 2 – Steam Cleaning the Interior

Now for the trick that changed microwave cleaning for me! Fill a microwave-safe bowl with water and add a splash of white vinegar or a few slices of lemon. Pop it in the microwave and heat it for about 3-5 minutes, depending on how stubborn the stains are.

Once it’s done, leave the door shut for another couple of minutes. The steam softens dried-on food, making it easy to wipe away — no elbow grease needed! I usually go for lemon when I want a fresh, zesty smell afterward.

Step 3 – Wipe Down and Scrub

When the steam’s done its magic, grab a soft sponge or microfibre cloth. Wipe down the inside walls, the roof, and especially the door seals — it’s amazing how much gunk can hide there!

If any stubborn spots remain, dip your cloth in warm soapy water and gently scrub until it’s clean. I always check the top corners, as splatters love to hide out of sight.

Step 4 – Clean the Turntable and Accessories

Take your turntable and roller ring to the sink and wash them like you would a plate, using warm water and mild washing-up liquid. Rinse well, so there’s no soapy residue next time you reheat leftovers.

I like to let mine air dry on the rack while I finish the rest of the microwave.

Step 5 – Exterior Cleaning

The outside matters just as much as the inside! Wipe the door, handle, and control panel with a damp (but not dripping) cloth. Avoid getting water near buttons or vents, as moisture and electronics aren’t the best of friends.

If your microwave has fingerprints or smudges, a quick wipe with a soft cloth works wonders — especially on stainless steel models.

Step 6 – Dry and Reassemble

Once everything is clean, give the inside a final dry with a cloth or let it air out with the door open for a few minutes. Make sure the turntable and roller ring are fully dry before putting them back in place.

Finally, plug the microwave back in — and just like that, it’s as good as new and ready for your next meal!

What Is the Best Way to Clean the Inside of a Microwave?

I’ve tried plenty of ways to clean a microwave over the years, and honestly? Nothing beats the old steam trick. If you’ve ever spent ages scrubbing dried-on food, you’ll know what a pain it is — but a simple bowl of water, vinegar, or lemon makes the job almost effortless.

Let me break down the top three methods I’ve used and why each one works.

Vinegar: The Classic Cleaning Hero

If you want results without hard work, vinegar is your best mate. I usually add about two tablespoons to a bowl of water and microwave it for 3–5 minutes. The steam loosens all the grime, and the vinegar helps break down any stubborn grease.

One thing to know: your microwave will smell a little vinegary at first, but the smell fades fast — especially if you leave the door open for a few minutes after cleaning.

Lemon: Fresh, Fragrant, and Gentle

When I’m in the mood for a fresh-smelling kitchen, lemon always wins. Just slice a lemon, squeeze a bit of juice into the water, and drop the slices in too. Microwave for 3–5 minutes, let the steam settle, and wipe away the mess.

It’s the same easy process as vinegar, but the bonus is your microwave smells like you’ve just cleaned the whole house. Lemon’s natural oils also help cut through light grease, making it perfect for weekly cleans.

Baking Soda: The Backup Plan for Stubborn Stains

Sometimes, even steam isn’t enough — especially if I’ve let a spill bake onto the walls (we’ve all been there). That’s when baking soda comes to the rescue.

I mix a tablespoon of baking soda with a little water to make a paste. Then I dab it onto the stubborn spot, leave it for a few minutes, and gently wipe it away with a damp cloth. It’s like giving your microwave a spa treatment!

My Go-To Method

If you’re wondering which one I use most — it’s hands down the lemon steam clean. I love how it clears food splatters and leaves the microwave smelling so fresh. But if I’ve been lazy (or if soup has exploded — again), I start with steam, then spot-treat any leftover grime with baking soda.

It’s such a simple routine, but it saves time and stops the mess from getting out of hand later.

That’s really the secret: once you know how to clean a microwave oven step by step, the job becomes quick and stress-free. Whether it’s vinegar, lemon, or baking soda, these natural cleaners do the heavy lifting — no fancy sprays or harsh chemicals needed.

How to Properly Clean a Microwave Oven: My Dos and Don’ts

When it comes to microwave cleaning, I’ve learned the hard way that a little know-how can save you a lot of frustration. Over the years, I’ve had my fair share of sticky messes, burnt-on food, and even one microwave that almost gave up on me — all because I didn’t clean it properly.

So let me save you the trouble! Here are the simple dos and don’ts I swear by. These tips will help you clean your microwave safely, keep it running longer, and avoid costly mistakes.

Cleaning Dos :

Use natural, non-toxic cleaners.
The safest way to clean your microwave is by using natural ingredients like vinegar, lemon juice, or baking soda. These household staples are gentle on surfaces, kind to your health, and surprisingly powerful against grease and grime.

I used to reach for commercial sprays, but once I discovered how well steam and natural cleaners work, I never looked back. Your microwave heats your food — so the fewer chemicals, the better!

Wipe spills as soon as possible.
If I could give just one piece of advice, it would be this: clean up splatters straight away! Fresh spills are easy to wipe, but once they dry, they turn into stubborn, baked-on nightmares. I’ve learned to treat microwave messes like coffee spills — the sooner you deal with them, the easier your life will be.

Quick wipes also stop smells from settling in, which means no more mystery odours every time you open the door.

What Not to Do When Cleaning a Microwave

Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach.
This one’s important: never use strong chemicals like bleach or oven cleaner inside your microwave. Not only can the fumes linger, but any residue left behind can get into your food the next time you reheat a meal.

I learned this lesson early on when a friend used bleach to clean their microwave — the smell clung to everything for days, and it was impossible to fully rinse away. Stick with food-safe, natural options, and your microwave will thank you.

Never soak electrical parts.
It’s tempting to give your microwave a really thorough clean, but soaking parts — especially around buttons, vents, or the door seal — is a no-go. Water and electronics are a risky mix, and too much moisture can cause damage or even short circuits.

When I’m cleaning, I always make sure my cloth is damp, not dripping, especially around the control panel. A little care here goes a long way toward keeping your appliance safe and sound.

Don’t scrape with sharp tools.
I know the feeling — you spot a dried-on chunk of food, and the first instinct is to grab a knife or scraper. I’ve done it too, once or twice, but the risk of scratching the microwave’s interior isn’t worth it.

Those scratches can damage the protective coating and create weak spots, which may affect cooking or even lead to rust over time. Let steam do the hard work instead. If it doesn’t wipe off easily, apply a baking soda paste and let it soak — it’s much safer for your microwave’s finish.

My Golden Rule

At the end of the day, learning how to clean a microwave oven step by step is about working smarter, not harder. The right method keeps your microwave clean, your food tasting fresh, and your appliance running better for longer.

When in doubt, treat your microwave like you’d treat your best frying pan — gentle, regular care always beats last-minute scrubbing marathons!

Can You Use a New Microwave Right Away?

Technically, yes — you can use a new microwave straight out of the box. But I always recommend giving it a quick clean first. It’s a simple step that can save you from odd smells or dust ending up in your first meal!

When I bought my last microwave, I was so excited to try it out that I nearly skipped the cleaning part altogether. It looked spotless — shiny, sleek, and ready to go. But the moment I opened the door, I noticed that classic “new appliance” smell. You know the one — a mix of plastic, cardboard, and something you can’t quite name. That’s when I remembered: factory-fresh doesn’t always mean food-safe.

A gentle wipe-down with a damp cloth, or even better, a quick steam clean (the same method I use for regular cleaning), clears out any lingering dust or packaging residue. It only takes five minutes, but it gives you peace of mind knowing your new microwave is ready for real cooking — not mystery particles!

First-time use tip: After your wipe-down, run the microwave empty with just a bowl of water and lemon slices for about 3 minutes. This not only freshens the inside but also helps to remove any plastic-like scent left from manufacturing. I do this every time I set up a new appliance, and it makes a world of difference — your food won’t pick up any odd aftertastes.

So, while the answer is yes, you can use it straight away, giving it a quick clean first is one of those small jobs that make a big difference. Think of it like washing new clothes before wearing them — it’s always worth doing, even if they look clean on the surface.

Conclusion

And there you have it — that’s how to clean a microwave oven step by step!

It’s funny, really. What used to feel like a boring chore now takes me just a few minutes, and the payoff is huge. A clean microwave isn’t just nicer to look at — it keeps your food tasting fresh, stops nasty smells, and helps your appliance last longer. A little effort now saves a lot of hassle later!

Over the years, I’ve learned that regular cleaning isn’t about perfection — it’s about making life easier. Once you get into the habit, wiping away spills and doing a quick steam clean becomes second nature. It’s one of those “small jobs” that quietly make your kitchen run smoother and your day feel a bit lighter.

So the next time your microwave looks a little grubby, don’t put it off. Grab a cloth, pop in some lemon water, and give it five minutes. Your future self (and your next meal) will thank you!

FAQs:

What is the best way to clean the inside of a microwave?

The easiest and safest way is steam cleaning with vinegar or lemon. Just microwave a bowl of water with a splash of vinegar or a few lemon slices for 3–5 minutes. The steam softens dried food, so you can wipe it away without scrubbing.

I’ve used this method for years, and it never fails — especially after soup explosions or pasta sauce splatters!

Can you use a new microwave right away?

Technically yes, but it’s always best to clean it first. Wipe the inside with a damp cloth or run a quick steam clean (water and lemon) before your first use. This clears out any dust, packaging residue, or new-appliance smells.

I always treat new microwaves like new mugs — even if they look clean, a rinse makes them truly ready for use.

What not to do when cleaning a microwave?

Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach or oven cleaner, never soak electronic parts, and don’t scrape dried food with sharp tools. These habits can damage your microwave or leave behind chemical traces.

A soft cloth, warm water, and natural cleaners are all you really need. Simple, safe, and effective!

How often should you clean your microwave?

Ideally once a week, or immediately after spills. Quick wipe-downs stop smells and make deep cleans easier later.

I used to wait until something smelled odd — now I do little cleans regularly and the job takes no time at all!