How to Clean Microwave with Vinegar [Easy Steps to Follow]

How to Clean Microwave with VinegarAccidental spills and splatters are a common occurrence when using your microwave. The grime, grease, and food particles that accumulate later can sometimes prove difficult to remove.

Fortunately, there are simple ways to clean your microwave without harsh chemicals or scrubbing for hours.

One such method is using vinegar; it not only cleans but also sanitizes and disinfects.

Here’s how to clean microwave with vinegar.

In a microwave-safe bowl or container, blend two tablespoons of white vinegar with two cups of water. Place it in your microwave for five minutes on high heat, unsealed. Allow it to sit for another 3 minutes before removing it from your microwave. Wipe down your microwave interior and dry it off with a paper towel.

Voilà! Your microwave should be as good as new.

In today’s post, we will take you through each step of cleaning your microwave with vinegar. We’ll also explain why it works and what makes it so effective. Let’s dig right in.

What Makes Vinegar Such An Effective Microwave Cleaner?

How to Clean Microwave with VinegarWhen it comes to microwave cleaners, there are many different options that all claim to do a good job. However, vinegar is one of those rare cleaning products that actually live up to its hype. The following are six reasons why:

1. Natural Deodorizer

One of the vinegar’s best qualities is that it is a natural deodorizer. Unlike many commercial cleaners, it doesn’t mask odors with a different scent. Instead, it gets rid of odor-causing elements through its powerful antibacterial qualities.

This makes vinegar an effective deodorizer for your microwave and other areas in your home that need freshening up.

2. Non-Toxic

A microwave is one of your most frequently used appliances. Therefore, it is imperative to ensure that your cleaning products are safe for you and your family.

Vinegar is an all-natural cleaner, making it a great choice if you have children or pets in your home. In fact, many people use vinegar in their kitchens as a general-purpose cleaner. Therefore, it’s no surprise that you can use vinegar to clean your microwave without posing any health risks or concerns.

3. Contains Antifungal Properties

The antimicrobial properties of vinegar make it a valuable disinfectant for your microwave. It will kill most germs, bacteria, and fungi like yeast and mold that can grow in most parts of your microwaves.

Vinegar’s antifungal properties are due to acetic acid, which, like bleach, effectively kills mold on hard surfaces such as shower curtains and bathroom tiles.

4. Versatile

There are many different types of vinegar with varying acidity levels (i.e., apple cider vinegar, white distilled vinegar, etc.). This allows you to choose the type that best suits your needs.

You can use any type to clean your microwave, but some are better suited than others. For instance, white vinegar is highly acidic and works best on removing stains, while apple cider is milder and works best on odor removal.

5. Inexpensive and Easy to Find

Last but not least, vinegar is inexpensive and readily available, making it an excellent microwave cleaner. You can purchase a bottle of vinegar for cash at any grocery store, making it easy to stock up on when needed.

And, because vinegar comes in various types and flavors (red wine vinegar, white wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar), you’re sure to find one that suits your needs.

A Guide on How to Clean Microwave with Vinegar

How to Clean Microwave with VinegarNow that we’ve established why vinegar is such an effective microwave cleaner let’s get into the specifics of cleaning your microwave.

What You Need

  • White vinegar
  • A sponge
  • A microwave-safe bowl or container
  • A clean, dry towel

Step 1: Make a Solution with Vinegar and Water

Mix 2 tablespoons of vinegar with 500ml of water in your microwave-safe bowl or cup. Whisk until vinegar dissolves completely.

You can use any vinegar, but white distilled vinegar works best for cleaning microwaves due to its high concentration of acetic acid.

Acetic acid is an effective disinfectant and antimicrobial agent that will kill 99% of all bacteria found on food containers. Since it’s also an oxidizing agent, it will remove stains caused by grease deposits inside your microwave.

Step 2: Place Your Bowl or Cup inside Your Microwave

Place your bowl or cup in your microwave and turn it on for 5 minutes. Heat at full power for the solution to reach the boiling point. Ensure not to cover the bowl with a lid to allow steam to vent out of your microwave.

Two things will happen at this juncture:

  • The solution will begin to boil and turn into steam.
  • The steam created will then loosen any food deposits inside your microwave, while vinegar’s acetic acid will kill 99% of all bacteria present on these deposits.

Step 3: Allow the Bowl to Stand For 2-3 Minutes

After 5 minutes, turn off your microwave and let the solution in your microwave stand for another 2-3 minutes. This will allow the steam to soften any remaining food deposits inside your microwave.

Step 4: Gently Remove the Bowl or Cup from Your Microwave

It’s important to use oven mitts when removing your bowl or cup from your microwave, as it could still be hot. Also, don’t forget to remove the turntable if you have one in your microwave.

Step 5: Wipe Both the Microwave and Turntable Clean

Use your sponge or paper towel to wipe the walls of your microwave, and its turntable. Make sure that you have removed any stain caused by grease deposits. Remember to wipe down the microwave door as well, as it is one of the parts that is frequently overlooked. 

Final Step: Wipe Your Microwave Dry

How to Clean Microwave with VinegarUsing a dry paper towel, wipe your microwave and turntable dry. This will prevent moisture from building up inside your microwave, leading to mold and mildew growth. Alternatively, you can use a microfiber cloth to absorb any excess moisture left in your microwave.

Once completely dry, place your turntable back into place. And that’s it! You’ve successfully cleaned your microwave.

Faqs About How to Clean Microwave with Vinegar

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

Using natural ingredients is the best way to clean your microwave. They include vinegar, lemon juice, and baking soda. All you need to do is make a solution and microwave it for about 5 minutes. Unlike most commercial cleaners, these three options are non-toxic and won’t leave any harsh residue.

2. Is it safe to clean a microwave with chemicals?

The answer is no. Most chemicals are not safe for use in or around food, so it’s good to steer clear of them when cleaning your microwave. Instead, consider using all-natural cleaners that will leave your microwave clean and smelling fresh.

3. How do I clean the front of my microwave?

Unplug your microwave and switch it off. Mix a solution of 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup vinegar, and two tablespoons lemon juice in a bowl or spray bottle.

Spray or wipe down your microwave’s front panel with a clean rag or sponge dipped in that solution. Allow it to stand for about 5 minutes, then using dampened paper towels, wipe away any remaining grime.

4. Is it safe to microwave vinegar?

Yes, microwaving vinegar is safe. It’s non-toxic and non-corrosive, meaning it won’t cause damage to your microwave or leave any harmful residue behind.

5. Is white vinegar the same as distilled vinegar?

White vinegar and distilled vinegar are both types of vinegar. However, white vinegar has a high percentage of acetic acid (the active ingredient in vinegar), whereas distilled vinegar is less acidic.

Therefore, white vinegar is more potent than distilled vinegar, making it better for cleaning purposes. Distilled vinegar is best used as a condiment or in recipes.

6. Can I use apple cider vinegar to clean my microwave?

How to Clean Microwave with VinegarYes, you can use apple cider vinegar safely on microwaves. To do so, simply fill a bowl halfway with water and add a cup of apple cider vinegar. Place your microwave-safe dish inside, then microwave for five minutes. Wipe down your microwave with a damp cloth after removing it from the microwave.

7. How long do you put vinegar in the microwave to clean it?

Approximately 5 minutes. The vinegar will steam and loosen up stuck-on food and grime, making it easier to wipe away with a sponge or cloth.

Furthermore, add another 2-3 minutes for the steam to loosen any remaining debris before opening your microwave door. Opening too soon can result in a nasty burn from hot steam.

Bottom Line

Like other all-natural cleaning products, vinegar has severally proved effective and safe when it comes to cleaning your microwave. It is non-toxic, inexpensive, doesn’t leave a strong odor or chemical residue behind, and will not harm your health.

Cleaning your microwave with vinegar does not take much effort either; you just need to mix equal parts of water and vinegar, put them into a microwave-safe bowl, heat for five minutes and wipe off. That’s it!

So, if you’re looking for an easy, natural, and effective way to clean your microwave without spending a fortune on expensive cleaners, look no further than vinegar.

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