Microwaves are a kitchen workhorse, but they're notorious for accumulating splatters, food residue and odours. Harsh chemicals may get the job done, but they can leave behind odours and raise concerns about food safety. For a natural and effective cleaning solution, look no further than your kitchen cupboard. That's right, you can clean a microwave using a lemon, white vinegar* and/or bicarbonate of Soda**. All cheap solutions that can transform your grimy microwave into a sparkling appliance.
Lemons possess natural cleaning powers thanks to their citric acid content. Citric acid acts as a degreaser and disinfectant, breaking down stubborn grime and leaving a fresh citrus scent. White vinegar is a natural deodorizer and can help to loosen dried-on food particles.*
• Gather your supplies: You'll need a lemon, white vinegar*, a microwave-safe bowl, water, and a clean sponge or cloth, such as a microfibre cloth.
• Prepare the lemon solution: Cut the lemon in half and squeeze the juice into the bowl. Add about a tablespoon of white vinegar* and half a cup of water.
• Microwave the solution: Place the bowl in the microwave and heat on high for 3-5 minutes. The steam from the lemon and white vinegar mixture will permeate the interior, softening and loosening stuck-on food.
• Wipe down the microwave: After letting the microwave cool slightly, remove the bowl (careful; it will be hot!) and wipe the interior with your sponge or cloth. The grime should easily come off.
For a gentler cleaning method or to tackle a less messy microwave, try this lemon-only approach:
Slice the lemon: Cut a lemon into thin slices and place them in a microwave-safe bowl with a small amount of water.
Microwave with the slices: Microwave the bowl with the lemon slices on high for 2-3 minutes or until the water is boiling and the microwave is steamy.
Wipe and enjoy: Allow the microwave to cool slightly, then wipe down the interior as before. Your microwave should smell fresh and clean!
If your microwave has lingering strong odours, you can use baking soda** to try and remove them. Mix 3 spoonful’s of baking soda in warm water and place this in the microwave. Turn it on and let your microwave run for 5 minutes, allowing the microwave to fill with steam. When it’s finished, keep the door closed and leave it for a further 15 minutes. Wipe down your microwave with a cloth to remove any remaining residue. If you have any remaining solution, you can dip your cloth in that and wipe down the outside of your microwave too.
Once you’ve made your natural cleaning solution, the other essential products you will need are a couple of microfibre cloths and potentially a scourer for tougher mess. To level up your microwave cleaning routine, why not try these products below:
• Marigold Squeaky Clean Flexi Microfibre Cloth – it can be used wet or dry and is perfect for leaving streak-free results on shiny surfaces. Ideal for cleaning stainless steeal microwaves and will leave your microwave window sparkling.
• Marigold Let It Shine! Microfibre Cloths – these microfibre cloths remove dirt, grease and dust with ease. They can be used wet or dry and can remove over 99% of bacteria with just water***.
• Marigold Cleaning Me Softly Non-Scratch Scourers – perfect for those tough, stubborn marks such as burnt food residue. It is scratch-free, so it can remove dirt with ease, without scratching delicate surfaces.****
• Marigold Fresh Feel Household Gloves – to keep your hands clean, dry, fresh and comfortable, why not try these rubber gloves. They stop your hands from feeling sweaty and protect from warm and cold temperatures. They can even be recycled with TerraCycle®.
Cleaning your microwave with lemon and/or white vinegar** is a simple, and effective way to remove food splatters and leave your kitchen smelling fresh. Cleaning your microwave with baking soda is a great way to remove strong odours. Ditch the harsh chemicals and give a natural method a try.
For the best range of high-quality cleaning products to help keep your kitchen and home spotless, visit us at Marigold!
* If using white vinegar to clean, remember never to use on porous stone or ceramic surfaces.
**If using bicarbonate of soda, remember to never use it on aluminum and certain ceramics.
***Removes E. coli & S. aureus from laminate countertops & ceramic tile as tested at a 3rd party lab.
****Use only when wet and test first on an inconspicuous area first. Do not use the harsh chemicals and bleach, dry powder or abrasive detergents.
