I love cooking and trying out new recipes, but there’s one thing that I don’t particularly enjoy – cleaning up afterwards. It’s not that I hate cleaning, but sometimes it can be a bit of a hassle, especially when it comes to cleaning the inside of my stainless steel microwave. Over time, food splatters and spills can accumulate and leave unsightly stains and odors. So, I decided to research some effortless cleaning tips to make this task a lot easier. In this article, I will share with you my findings and how you can effortlessly clean inside your stainless steel microwave.
Gather Your Cleaning Supplies
Before you dive into cleaning your stainless steel microwave, it’s important to gather all the necessary supplies. Here are the items you will need:
1. Dish soap
Dish soap is a gentle yet effective cleaner that can help remove grease and grime from the inside of your microwave.
2. Vinegar
White vinegar is a natural cleaning agent that can help eliminate tough stains and odors.
3. Baking soda
Baking soda is another versatile cleaning agent that can help remove stains and absorb odors.
4. Microfiber cloth or sponge
Microfiber cloths are great for wiping down stainless steel surfaces without leaving streaks. If you don’t have a microfiber cloth, a sponge will also do the trick.
5. Microwave-safe bowl
You’ll need a microwave-safe bowl filled with water to create steam for loosening stubborn food stains.
Step 1: Give Your Microwave a Preliminary Wipe Down
Start by giving the inside of your stainless steel microwave a preliminary wipe down. Use a damp cloth or sponge to remove any loose food particles or crumbs. This will make the cleaning process a lot easier.
Step 2: Create a Cleaning Solution
Now it’s time to create a cleaning solution for your microwave. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine equal parts water and vinegar. Place the bowl in the center of the microwave and heat it on high power for three to five minutes.
The steam created by the heated vinegar and water mixture will help loosen any food stains and grease in your microwave, making it easier to wipe away later.
Step 3: Wipe Down the Inside of Your Microwave
After the three to five minutes, carefully remove the hot bowl from the microwave, using oven mitts or a towel to protect your hands. Then, take a microfiber cloth or sponge and dip it into the remaining vinegar and water mixture in the bowl.
Gently wipe down the inside of your stainless steel microwave, paying extra attention to any stubborn stains or areas with built-up grease. The steam created earlier should have loosened everything, making it easier to remove.
Step 4: Target Stubborn Stains with Baking Soda
If you encounter any stubborn stains or odors that are still lingering after wiping down with vinegar and water, it’s time to bring out the baking soda.
Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda onto a damp cloth or sponge, then scrub the stubborn stains in a circular motion. Baking soda is slightly abrasive, which makes it great for removing tough stains and odors.
Step 5: Rinse and Dry
Once you’re satisfied with the cleanliness of your stainless steel microwave, it’s time to give it a final rinse. Dampen a clean microfiber cloth or sponge with plain water and wipe down the inside of the microwave to remove any residue from the cleaning solution.
After rinsing, use a dry microfiber cloth to thoroughly dry the inside and outside of your microwave. This will help prevent any water spots or streaks from forming.
Conclusion
Cleaning the inside of your stainless steel microwave doesn’t have to be a dreaded chore. With the right cleaning supplies and a little bit of effort, you can easily keep your microwave looking clean and smelling fresh. Remember to gather your supplies, give your microwave a preliminary wipe down, create a cleaning solution with vinegar and water, wipe down the inside, target stubborn stains with baking soda if necessary, and finally, rinse and dry. By following these effortless cleaning tips, you’ll have a sparkling clean stainless steel microwave in no time.