An unkempt microwave is never a pleasant sight. Food remnants and grease are hard to remove and almost impossible to keep at bay. Let’s face it, we all wish there were an easier way to avoid scrubbing away in vain with a sponge or scouring pad. Fortunately, there is.
The solution lies in a simple household product you probably already have on hand: baking soda.
Here’s how to clean microwave with baking soda.
Mix a cup of water with two tablespoons of baking soda in a microwave-safe bowl. Place the solution into your dirty microwave unsealed and microwave for five minutes on high. Remove from microwave and wipe clean with a damp cloth.
In today’s post, we’ll delve deeper into these steps and explain why they work so well. We’ll also address some common questions to help you get the most out of your next microwave cleaning session. So, let’s begin by looking at what makes baking soda such an effective cleaner.
What Makes Baking Soda Such An Effective Microwave Cleaner?
Baking soda has long been hailed as one of nature’s finest cleaning products. It cuts through grime like a hot knife through butter and eliminates odours faster than most commercial air fresheners.
Here are a few reasons why it works so well:
1. Neutralizes Acids
One of Baking Soda’s greatest strengths is its ability to neutralize acids found in food spills and other everyday household messes. This includes things like vinegar, wine, coffee, and fruit juices.
When combined with water, baking soda creates a chemical reaction that effectively breaks down acidic compounds, making them easy to rinse.
2. Non-toxic
Because baking soda is non-toxic, it can be used safely around pets and children without worrying about harmful side effects.
That said, while baking soda is completely safe for humans and animals alike, using too much may cause mild irritation to sensitive skin. If you notice any redness or discomfort following a cleaning session, simply cut back on your usage until symptoms subside.
3. Absorbs Odors
Baking soda is one of the best natural odour absorbers there is. Its porous structure attracts and traps unwanted smells, leaving your home smelling fresh and clean. Unlike many commercial deodorizers that tend to cover up odours with strong fragrances, baking soda actually gets rid of them.
It eliminates foul smells on contact and prevents future odour build-up by absorbing moisture and eliminating excess humidity.
4. Fire -Extinguishing Properties
It is one of the properties that make baking powder so effective in cleaning microwaves. As we know, microwaves are prone to overheating, leading to fires.
When heated, baking soda produces carbon dioxide and water vapours. Since carbon dioxide is heavier than air, it displaces oxygen while the water vapour cools and quenches any fire.
5. Versatile
Baking soda is also an incredibly multi-purpose cleaning agent. Aside from being a powerful odour and stain remover, it’s also an effective deodorizer, polisher, rust remover, and mould killer.
It can wash your dishes, sanitize your floors, whiten your laundry, deodorize your microwave, etc. And, it’s so easy to use. Just mix with water, and you’re ready to go.
6. Cheap and Easy to Find
Another great thing about baking soda is that it’s inexpensive, widely available, and easy to find. You can pick up a box of Arm and Hammer brand baking soda at any grocery store, drugstore, or large online retailer.
And if you’re ever in a pinch, you can always make your baking soda substitute with a mixture of salt and lemon juice.
Now that we’ve taken a closer look at baking soda’s incredible cleaning powers let’s take a moment to discuss how you can harness its power to clean your microwave.
5 Easy Steps to Clean Your Microwave Using Baking Powder
Cleaning your microwave is one of those chores you can’t get around to. Well, there’s no better time than now. Here are five easy steps to clean your dirty microwave using baking soda.
What You’ll Need
- A microwave-safe bowl
- Baking soda
- Water
Step 1: Switch Off Your Microwave
Before you start cleaning, please turn off your microwave and unplug it. This will prevent any accidental cooking or electrical shock from occurring while you’re in there. Also, ensure that nothing is inside of your microwave before proceeding.
Step 2: Remove All Microwaves Components
Now that you’ve turned off the microwave and unplugged it removes all components from inside it. These include plates, trays, bowls, and covers. You can do so by pulling them out by hand or using a screwdriver to pry them loose.
This will create more room for you to clean even the hard-to-reach areas of your microwave and allow steam to spread out evenly. Place these cooking peripherals on a clean countertop or table to clean later on.
Step 3: Fill Bowl with Water and Add Baking Powder
Fill a microwave-safe bowl with 100ml of water, and then add a tablespoon of baking powder. Mix the concoction using a spoon until thick paste forms, or use an immersion blender if you have one available.
Note that, the amount of water and baking soda used here are not exact amounts. Feel free to experiment until you find what works best for your microwave.
Step 4: Put Bowl inside Microwave and Close Door
Place your bowl with the baking soda and water solution inside your microwave. Set the microwave to high power for at least five minutes. During this period, three things will happen.
- The baking powder will bubble and create steam, which will spread throughout your microwave, even the hard-to-reach areas.
- The steam will loosen any grime on your microwave’s interior walls. It will also cause any food particles left inside your microwave to soften, making them easier to remove later on.
- Any remaining smells from previous cooking sessions in your microwave should also dissipate.
Step 5: Turn Off Your Microwave and Let It Stand for At Least 15 Minutes
Once the 5 minutes are over, please turn off your microwave and let it stand for at least fifteen minutes. This will allow any remaining steam to dissipate before opening your microwave door.
Next, carefully remove your bowl from the inside of your microwave using oven mitts or gloves and pour the solution down the sink.
Step 6: Wipe Down Your Microwave with a Damp Towel
Once your microwave has cooled, wipe it down with a damp towel. Wipe in straight lines from top-to-bottom and left to right. This way, you’ll ensure you don’t miss any spots. Allow your microwave to air dry for at least fifteen minutes before returning its components.
Faqs About How To Clean Microwave with Baking Soda
1. Can you use baking soda to clean a microwave?
Yes, baking soda can clean your microwave. Simply make a paste out of baking soda and water and microwave it for about five minutes. The steam will loosen up caked-on food so you can wipe it away with a sponge or paper towel.
2. What is the easiest way to clean a microwave?
If you want an easy, effective way to clean your microwave and keep it odour-free, try cleaning it with baking soda. It’s inexpensive, simple and takes just minutes.
3. How do you clean a dirty microwave with vinegar?
Add two tablespoons of vinegar and a mug of water into a microwave-safe bowl. Put the formulated solution in the microwave and power on high for 5 minutes. The steam will loosen up any stuck-on food. Afterwards, wipe down your microwave using a sponge or paper towel.
4. How do you clean a microwave with baking soda and lemon?
Prepare two tablespoons of baking soda and squeeze half of a lemon into it. Put your concoction in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in the microwave for 5 minutes. Then, wipe down your microwave with a sponge or cloth dipped in warm water.
5. What happens when you microwave baking soda?
When baking soda heats up in a microwave, it releases carbon dioxide. Since CO2 is heavier than air, it gets trapped in your microwave and creates a layer of carbonic acid on all surfaces, which neutralizes any odours lingering inside.
6. How do you clean a smelly microwave?
To clean out your smelly microwave, start by removing all of its contents, including bowls, trays, and silverware. In a medium bowl or container, blend 1⁄4 cup of baking soda with two water tablespoons mix briskly until thick paste forms.
Heat in a microwave for five minutes on high. After 15 minutes, remove the bowl from the microwave and wipe it down with a sponge or rag dipped in warm water (not hot). Wipe dry when finished.
Closing Thoughts
Like most kitchen appliances, microwaves get dirty over time and may even begin to stink. Fortunately, it’s easy to clean your microwave using simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. It’s just a matter of knowing how to use them correctly.
Baking powder is one such ingredient that you can use to remove tough stains from your microwave while freshening up its scent. It’s also safer than other available options for purchase in stores.
So, if you’re looking for a quick and easy way to clean your microwave, consider using baking soda.
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