If you are like us, then you’re sick of using harsh chemicals to clean your microwave (it makes your food taste weird right?!). It’s time to go green – and there’s plenty of eco-friendly alternatives to keep it looking and smelling fresh without relying on skin-stripping sprays.
Not only are these green methods better for the environment, they’re also healthier for your family and often cheaper too! So if you’re ready to ditch the toxic cleaners and get your microwave sparkling the natural way – all for less than $1 – then keep reading …
In this article:
- Items Needed
- Option 1: Baking Soda Method
- Option 2: White Vinegar Method
- Option 3: Lemon Juice Method
Depending on the cleaning method you choose, you will need:
- Baking Soda
- White Vinegar
- Lemon (or Lemon Juice)
- Microwave-Safe Bowl
- Kitchen Sponge or Clean Cloth
- Kitchen Paper Towel
Method 1: Baking Soda
Measure 1/4 cup of baking soda – add more for more stubborn stains or especially dirty microwaves 
Mix this with 1 cup of warm water in a non-metallic bowl 
Place this in the microwave and heat on full power setting for 5 mins 
Carefully remove the bowl using a dishcloth or oven gloves 
Wipe down the microwave using a clean damp cloth
Baking soda is Superman (or Woman) of the natural cleaner world! It can help scrub away stubborn, baked-on food and grime, leaving your microwave sparkling clean.
Start by mixing a 1/4 cup of baking soda with a cup of water in a small non-metallic bowl. Place the bowl in the microwave, and heat it on high for about five minutes. The steam from the water will help loosen any stuck-on food, while the baking soda will help neutralize any odors.
Carefully remove the bowl from the microwave (it will be hot!), and use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe away the dirt and grime.
For any stains or odors that refuse to be shifted, you can make a thicker paste by adjusting the formula a little, cutting back on the water and adding more baking soda.
Method 2: White Vinegar
Baking soda’s partner in crime, this method is just swapping in white vinegar.
Start by mixing a cup of water with a quarter cup of white vinegar in a microwave-safe bowl. Then heat for 5 minutes and wipe down. The acidity of the vinegar helps to kill the bacteria. If you’re not a fan of the vinegar smell, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the mixture to give it a more pleasant scent. Spot test the oil on the surface to make sure it does not stain.
Method 3: Lemon Juice
The acidity of lemon juice makes it nature’s own degreasing agent, cutting through grime with ease and leaving a pleasant citrusy after scent.
To clean your microwave with lemon juice, just mix a cup of water with a 1/4 cup of lemon juice in a microwave-safe bowl. Either fresh lemon juice or the cheaper bottled alternative work just fine. Then heat for 5 minutes and wipe down using the same process as above.
