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How to Clean a Microwave in 5 Minutes

November 14, 2015 by Sarah

We’ve all been there.  You put some leftovers in the microwave, set the timer, and then walk away.  After the bell goes off,  you open it up and realize that you forgot to cover your plate.  You have splatters all over the place!  If that scenario has ever happened to you, then read on because I’m going to share the best way to achieve a clean microwave.

Check out this trick to clean a microwave in 5 minutes.  It's so easy!

{Note:  This post contains affiliate links.  Read disclosure here.}

I don’t know about you, but cleaning a microwave is one of my least favorite things to clean.  I try to keep it clean by using paper towels to cover the items I’m heating, so that I can prevent the chore altogether, but it’s inevitable that it will eventually get gross.

This tip may be old news to some, but I was ecstatic when I discovered it and have been doing it ever since!  This takes very little time and I can almost guarantee that you have everything you need, so no need to keep any special cleaners or rags on hand.

What you need:

white vinegar

water

microwave-safe bowl

Directions:

1.  Combine 1 T. of white vinegar with 1 C. of water in a microwave-safe bowl .  I just use my Pyrex measuring cup*.

2.  Microwave for 5 minutes on high.

3.  Wipe down the microwave!  The steam loosens everything up, so wiping it down should be really quick and easy.

Here’s a before picture.  Yes, it was pretty bad!

And now, here’s after.  Just like new!

See some of my other cleaning related posts here:

Homemade Glass Cleaner

The Secret to a Sparkly Shower

Homemade Wood Floor Cleaner

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How long does it normally take you to clean your microwave?

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Filed Under: Cleaning, Simple Home Tagged With: Tips & Tricks

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Comments

  1. Danielle says

    September 15, 2016 at 12:06 pm

    My microwave was way worse! I had to dip thr washcloth in the boiling water for just one spot. The rest came off like a breeze:) thanks for sharing

    • Sarah says

      September 15, 2016 at 8:50 pm

      I had to chuckle at your comment! Microwaves can get bad very quickly, right?! I’m glad it worked for you!! Have an awesome day! –Sarah 🙂

  2. Becky says

    December 11, 2016 at 10:14 am

    I had no idea you could do this! I have it try this today! Thanks for the help!!!

    • Sarah says

      December 11, 2016 at 2:48 pm

      I hope it works for you as well as it does for me!! It’s made cleaning the microwave so much easier!! –Sarah 🙂

  3. Jeannine says

    April 17, 2017 at 10:04 am

    I tried this today. While the 5 minutes wasn’t quite long enough to totally steam all the gunk out of my microwave. I tried another 2 minutes and my water exploded in the microwave and blew my door open. Who knew?. My microwave is very clean now. Next time I will definitely stick to the 5 minutes

    • Sarah says

      April 17, 2017 at 1:11 pm

      Oh no!! If you do heat it longer, perhaps in increments of 30 seconds would help? At least it’s clean now though!! –Sarah 🙂

Meet Sarah

Hey, I'm Sarah (a.k.a. The Teacher's Wife)! Wife to a history teacher and mom of 5 kids (2 in heaven). I'm a coffee addict, budget nerd, who's obsessed with good chips and salsa. I love finding ways to organize & manage my home and life...all on a budget! I'm thrilled you stopped by and I hope you'll find something inspiring! Read More…

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