How to clean a microwave: 5 methods in under 10 minutes

Tomato sauce on the ceiling, dried soup on the turntable, a smell of last week's fish: the microwave is one of those appliances that get used every day and cleaned far too rarely. The good news is that it's one of the quickest jobs in the kitchen. To clean a microwave properly, you mostly need steam, a cloth and a few minutes.

Here are five methods – all doable in under 10 minutes of actual work.

Why you should clean a microwave regularly

Food splashes dry on and get reheated with every use. Over time they burn onto the walls and cause lingering smells. The Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office points out in its food hygiene advice that germs spread via surfaces, utensils and cloths – keeping appliances where you heat food clean is part of good kitchen hygiene.

Before you start: unplug the microwave or make sure it's switched off when wiping inside, and check the manufacturer's instructions, especially for combination microwaves with grill or oven functions.

1. Lemon steam: the classic

This method is odourless and leaves a fresh smell.

1. Fill a microwave-safe bowl with about 250 ml of water.
2. Add the juice of half a lemon, plus the squeezed halves.
3. Put a wooden spoon or wooden skewer in the bowl – it helps prevent sudden boiling over.
4. Heat on full power for 3–5 minutes until the water boils and the window steams up.
5. Leave the door closed for another 3–5 minutes so the steam can work.
6. Carefully remove the bowl with oven gloves and wipe the inside with a soft cloth or sponge.

2. Vinegar steam for grease

Vinegar is better at cutting through greasy splashes.

1. Mix water and household vinegar about 1:1 in a microwave-safe bowl.
2. Heat for 3–5 minutes with a wooden spoon in the bowl.
3. Leave the door closed for a few minutes.
4. Wipe the inside, including the ceiling and the door.
5. Air the kitchen – the smell disappears quickly.

Consumer advocates list vinegar and citric acid among the simple household cleaning remedies that can replace many special products.

3. Baking soda paste for burnt-on spots

When steam alone doesn't remove everything:

1. Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with a little water into a paste.
2. Apply it to the stubborn spots on the floor and walls.
3. Leave for 5 minutes.
4. Wipe off with a soft damp sponge, working in small circles.
5. Wipe again with clear water to remove any residue.

Don't apply paste to the waveguide cover – the small plate, usually on a side wall, that covers the microwave opening. Just wipe it gently with a barely damp cloth, and never remove or soak it.

4. Turntable, ring and door

• Turntable: Take it out once it has cooled and wash it in warm soapy water. Many glass plates are dishwasher-safe – check the manual.
• Roller ring: Wash separately and dry well; wipe the track underneath.
• Door inside: Wipe the glass and especially the door seal area, where splashes collect.
• Door outside and handle: Wipe with a damp cloth and a little washing-up liquid – handles get touched with greasy fingers.
• Control panel: Barely damp cloth only, no liquid in gaps.
• Vents: Dust vents on the outside regularly, but don't spray anything into them.

5. Get rid of stubborn smells

If a smell remains after cleaning:

• Repeat the lemon steam method once.
• Leave a small bowl of baking soda in the closed microwave overnight to absorb odours (remove it before using the appliance).
• Leave the door open for a few hours to air it out.
• Check under the turntable and in the corners for forgotten food residue.

Common mistakes when cleaning a microwave

• Steel wool or scouring pads: Scratch the interior coating, which can lead to rust.
• Oven spray: Too aggressive and can damage the interior and seals.
• Spraying cleaner into vents: Liquid can reach the electronics.
• Running it empty: Can damage the appliance.
• Removing the waveguide cover: Leave it in place; only wipe it gently.
• Waiting weeks: Splashes burn on harder with every use.

If your oven needs attention too, our guide on cleaning an oven with home remedies shows how, and the fridge is next on the list.

Priority Clean editorial teamOur cleaning team from Alberswil, Canton of Lucerne, shares hands-on experience from move-out, house, office and window cleaning across Central and Northwestern Switzerland.