How to Clean a Microwave with Baking Soda

Grease and food pile up that is one of the drawbacks to using a microwave to do your cooking. While it is a very convenient appliance to use and it cooks fast, all the dishes you cooked can remain behind in some form and pile up on you.

While those spills, particles, and grease remains may not influence the taste of your current dish, they can become set. When that takes place the interior of the appliance will be difficult to clean when you get around to cleaning your microwave.

To learn how to avoid this problem just continue to read our article. It shows you how cleaning with baking soda regularly will make all your cleaning times go a lot easier and faster.

2 Ways to Clean with Baking Soda

1. Direct Application

The first step in this method is to remove all removable parts so that they are not in your way. Once those items are removed, you can soak them in your sink or apply some baking soda directly to them to cut out any odors or stains.

Leave those items where you put them and turn back to your microwave. The second step will have you taking the box of baking soda and sprinkle some of the contents over the floor of the microwave.

You do not have to be too conservative in this step, but you shouldn’t be too liberal either.

Step number three has you taking a clean soft, non-abrasive cloth or sponge and moistening it. There is no need to get it soaking wet.

Once the sponge or cloth is ready, start wiping the interior of your microwave. Start where you sprinkled the baking soda, then make your way up the three walls until the ceiling is the final spot left to clean.

Be thorough and apply the right amount of pressure to make sure all the stains and grease are removed.

The final step is the rinse stage. Either use a new clean cloth or sponge or thoroughly rinse the one you used to clean with.

When it is ready, moisten and then wipe the interior until you have removed all evidence of the baking soda. Once you are done, let the microwave dry before returning the removable items to their proper place.

2. Make a Baking Soda Paste

This method requires you to mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with 1 cup of water. Place the mixture into a microwavable container and do not cover it. Next, turn the microwave on high for 3 to 5 minutes and wait.

The solution will begin to steam, and the baking soda will start to absorb odors while the steam does the cleaning. Also, the steam should loosen tough, stubborn stains from the walls of the appliance.

Once the timer goes off, let the container cool down just a little before emptying it into your sink. You want to avoid burning your fingers as it should be quite hot. When you have removed the container, moisten a clean cloth.

Then use that cloth to wipe down the walls, floor, and ceiling of the microwave after you have removed the platter and ring. While you wipe, you can soak those two items in some baking soda and water in your sink.

Once you are done, wipe the platter and ring down and let everything dry. When they are dry, put the platter and ring back into place and get ready to make your next microwave meal.

A Word of Warning

When you are cleaning a microwave, never use a metal container for any of the steps. The metal in the container can damage your microwave and ruin it. That means you have to save up some money and buy a new appliance.

Of course, that might be a good thing if your microwave is old and you have been wanting a new one for some time. In general, though, you should make sure you do not scratch the interior of the microwave with abrasive cleansers or cleaning tools or use metal items for cleaning.

Some Final Words

Cleaning microwaves do not have to be a dreary chore. As you can see, using baking soda will speed up the process and make sure you get those stubborn stains. Plus, when you use baking soda, you can clean out any fragrances you do not like.

That makes for a win-win situation, and you can be proud of your cleaning accomplishment.