How to clean a countertop microwave & tips for maintenance

If you’ve ever opened your microwave door to the sight of splatters and crumbs, don’t worry. It happens to the best of us. If you’re wondering how to clean a countertop microwave, you’re in the right place. We’ve got some super simple tips and tricks here to help you keep your microwave looking new and smelling fresh month after month.

If you find out that you need any replacement parts for your microwave, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.

Important: The information in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for all types of appliances, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in cleaning recommendations. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the use and care manual for your specific appliance model.

Why should you clean your countertop microwave?

It may seem like just one more thing you have to keep clean in a never-ending list of household chores, but regularly cleaning your countertop microwave serves some important purposes, such as:

1. Improved hygiene: Food spills and splatters can harbor bacteria and mold, which can pose various health risks.
2. Odor control: Residue from food can lead to unpleasant smells, which can transfer to other dishes.
3. Better heating: A clean microwave operates more efficiently.
4. Longer lifespan: Regular cleaning can prevent damage and extend the life of your microwave.
5. Safety: Leftover food particles can catch fire if they overheat inside the microwave cavity.
6. Better aesthetics: A clean microwave looks better in your kitchen and is more inviting to use.

Read more:  9 safety tips for using a microwave

What you’ll need

• Dish soap
• White vinegar
• Water
• Baking soda
• A soft sponge or microfiber cloth
• Microwave-safe bowl
• Toothbrush or small brush for corners
• Lemon (optional for deodorizing)
• Paper towels

How to clean your countertop microwave

1. Unplug the microwave from the power outlet.
2. Remove the microwave’s turntable and the roller ring (if your microwave has one).
3. Wash the turntable and/or roller ring with warm water and dish soap in the sink to scrub away any food particles. Allow them to dry completely before putting them back in the microwave.
4. Use a soft sponge or microfiber cloth to wipe down the microwave’s interior, including the ceiling and door.
5. Lightly dampen a soft cloth or sponge with soapy water and wipe down the outside of the microwave, including the control panel and handle. Be careful around the vents, and avoid getting any water inside the control panel. If you have a stainless steel microwave, use a stainless steel cleaner or a mixture of vinegar and water for a streak-free finish. Always wipe in the direction of the grain.
6. For lingering odors in your microwave, place a bowl of baking soda or a few slices of lemon inside the microwave and leave it overnight to absorb the smell.

Once everything is clean and dry, replace the turntable and roller ring, then plug the microwave back in.

How to remove stains from your microwave

1. Steam cleaning method

What you need

• Water
• Lemon juice or vinegar

1. Fill a microwave-safe bowl with 1 cup of water.
2. Add a few tablespoons of lemon juice or vinegar to the water (both act as natural cleaners).
3. Microwave the bowl on high for 3-5 minutes. The steam will loosen tough food stains and grease.
4. Carefully remove the bowl (it may be hot).
5. Wipe down the interior of the microwave with a soft, damp cloth or sponge to remove the loosened stains.

2. Baking soda paste method

What you need

• Baking soda
• Water

1. Unplug the microwave from the power outlet.
2. Mix baking soda with a small amount of water to form a thick paste.
3. Apply the paste to the stained areas in the microwave.
4. Let the paste sit for 5-10 minutes to break down the stain.
5. Use a non-abrasive sponge to gently scrub out the stains.
6. Wipe away the leftover paste with a damp cloth.
7. Dry the microwave with a clean towel.

3. Vinegar and baking soda solution

What you need

• Vinegar
• Baking soda
• Water

1. Unplug the microwave from the power outlet.
2. Sprinkle baking soda on the stained area(s).
3. Spray or gently pour vinegar over the baking soda. It will start to fizz, which helps lift the staining.
4. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes.
5. Scrub the stains with a soft sponge.
6. Wipe the area with a damp cloth to remove any residue, then dry with a towel.

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How to remove odors from a countertop microwave

If your microwave is emitting a foul odor, it’s best to use natural or mild cleaning methods since they’re safest for the microwave interior. Avoid abrasive cleaners like bleach and scouring pads, which can damage the interior and exterior finishes of your unit.

Use baking soda

Baking soda naturally absorbs odors and can make your microwave smell fresh again.

1. Place an open box of baking soda or a small bowl of baking soda inside the microwave.
2. Let the baking soda sit overnight or for a few hours.
3. Remove the baking soda and wipe down the microwave.

Use activated charcoal

1. Place a few pieces of activated charcoal or an open container of activated charcoal inside the microwave.
2. Leave it for 24 hours to absorb strong odors.
3. Remove the charcoal and wipe the microwave clean.

Air out the microwave

After using any cleaning or deodorizing method, leave the microwave door open for several hours or overnight to let it air out. This helps to eliminate any remaining smells.

Microwave maintenance tips

Keep your countertop microwave in good shape by following these tips.

• Wipe down the interior walls and floor of the microwave with a damp cloth or sponge. Pay special attention to the corners. Never use a glass cleaner on the inside since this may leave chemical fumes that can enter food as it’s cooking.
• Wipe down the control panel with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid using too much moisture around buttons, and never spray cleaner directly onto the panel.
• Use mild soap and water to clean the door and handle. Pay attention to the area around the door seal to prevent a build up of grease and dirt, which can affect how the door closes.
• Remove the turntable/tray and wash it by hand in warm soapy water. Make sure it’s completely dry before replacing it.
• Inspect the microwave’s vents for dust and grease buildup. Use a soft cloth or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove debris that could block airflow and reduce performance.
• Make sure the microwave door closes properly. A faulty door seal can lead to poor heating and energy loss.
• Avoid slamming the door to prevent damage.
• Never run the microwave while it’s empty, since this can damage the magnetron. Avoid overheating foods and using metal containers or utensils, which can cause sparks and damage the unit.
• Only use microwave-safe containers to prevent damage to the microwave and keep it safe for cooking. Avoid using metal or non-microwave-safe plastics, which can melt or release harmful chemicals. Always check the bottom of containers for a microwave-safe symbol or text.
• Make sure there’s enough space around your microwave for proper ventilation. Microwaves can overheat if they’re placed too close to walls or other appliances.
• Replace the charcoal filters (if applicable) every 6 months to a year, depending on the amount of use.
• Wipe down the exterior glass windows with a glass cleaner or other mild cleaner.
• Polish the exterior if you have a stainless steel model.

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More for you

Thank you for reading!

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