Microwave smellin’ like a popcorn funeral? Been there. Or maybe it just looks like you nuked a spaghetti monster in there. Honestly, it happens to the best of us. Microwaves work overtime, and they catch all the chaos: grease explosions, weird smells, who-knows-what dried on the turntable.
But hey, no need to blow your budget on fancy cleaning stuff or gas yourself out with chemical sprays. You probably already have the real hero jammed in the back of your pantry: good old baking soda. Yep, that’s it.
In this guide, I’ll show you how to clean the microwave with baking soda, step by step. It’s safe, natural, and budget-friendly compared to commercial cleaners.
Why Baking Soda Works for Microwave Cleaning
I don’t think folks give enough credit to baking soda microwave cleaning when it comes to the whole microwave cleaning game. Yeah, it’s gritty enough to scrub off gunk, but the real magic? It’s all chemistry, baby. I mean, baking soda’s slightly alkaline, which basically means it messes with all those acidic tomato explosions and curry disasters so when you wipe, boom, stains are gone. No more weird orange streaks glaring at you.
And don’t even get me started on the smell factor. Vinegar? Sure, it’ll nuke the grime, but then your kitchen smells like you’re about to pickle yourself. Lemon’s not much better, just a little fancier. Cleaning the microwave with baking soda though? Stealth mode. No stinky aftermath, just a sort of nothingness, which is exactly what you want when you’re reheating last night’s pizza, not “Eau de Science Lab.”
Plus, let’s be real, baking soda’s cheap as dirt and you probably already have a half-open box sitting in the back of the fridge, right next to that mysterious jar you keep forgetting to throw out. If Statista’s not making up numbers, Americans blow something like $40–$50 a year on cleaning supplies. Meanwhile, cleaning the microwave oven with baking soda costs you about a buck a box and it just keeps hustling. You almost feel bad for the other cleaners sitting there on the shelf, waiting for their moment
Read More: Best Car Odor Eliminator to Keep Your Ride Fresh
Tip: Baking soda’s way more chill if you just let it hang out on those stubborn, crusty messes for a bit. No need to rush it let the magic happen. Chemistry needs its moment, you know?
Step-by-Step Guide – Cleaning Microwave with Baking Soda
Now let’s break down how to clean the microwave with baking soda in two super simple methods: steaming and paste.
Method 1 – Steam Clean with Baking Soda and Water
This is my go-to for everyday messes, especially if you’ve reheated spaghetti and now your microwave looks like an art project.
What you’ll need:
- 2 tablespoons of baking soda
- 1 cup of water
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Soft cloth or sponge
Steps:
- Combine about two tablespoons of baking soda with a cup of water in a bowl that’s safe to use in the microwave.
- Place the bowl in the microwave and run it on high for 3–5 minutes.
- Let it sit inside for another 2 minutes to allow the steam to loosen the grime.
- Open the door carefully, remove the bowl, and wipe down the interior with a soft cloth.
Why this works: The steam softens dried splatters, while the baking soda solution deodorizes at the same time. It’s like giving your microwave a little facial.
Tip: Sick of your place smelling like burnt popcorn every time? Try this: just toss a bit of vanilla extract into the baking soda and water mix before you nuke it. Honestly, it kinda works wonders. Your kitchen’ll smell like a bakery instead of a movie theater disaster.
Method 2 – Baking Soda Paste for Stubborn Stains
Sometimes steaming alone doesn’t cut it, especially if you’ve ignored your microwave for weeks (we’ve all been there). That’s when a paste comes in handy.
What you’ll need:
- 3 tablespoons of baking soda
- Small amount of water (just enough to form a thick paste)
- Sponge or cloth
Steps:
- Mix baking soda with a splash of water to create a paste.
- Apply directly onto stubborn splatters or burnt-on spots inside the microwave.
- Let it sit for 5–10 minutes.
- Wipe off with a damp sponge.
The paste acts as a mild abrasive powerful enough to lift stuck-on grime but gentle enough not to scratch the microwave surface.
Tip: Always remove the turntable plate and wash it separately in warm, soapy water. It collects the most grease but is often forgotten.
How to Remove Bad Odors with Baking Soda
Odors are one of the biggest microwave complaints. Burnt popcorn, reheated fish, or leftover curry smells can linger for days. Luckily, cleaning the microwave oven with baking soda is also one of the best ways to neutralize those odors.
Overnight Odor Fix:
- Place a small open bowl of dry baking soda inside the microwave.
- Leave it overnight with the door closed.
- By morning, the bad smell will be absorbed.
For extra strength, mix baking soda with coffee grounds. The combination works like a natural odor magnet. In my experience, this is especially effective after cooking seafood.
Most people don’t realize this, but microwaves have tiny vents that can trap smells. Baking soda absorbs those odor molecules before they spread to the rest of your kitchen.
Extra Hacks (We Tested These for You!)
While baking soda is my #1, I’ve tested other natural hacks for fun, and they really work:
- Vinegar steam – Great for grease, but the smell can be sharp.
- Lemon water steam – Leaves a fresh citrus scent, perfect after reheating fish.
- Vanilla extract water steam – Cozy bakery vibes.
- Cinnamon stick boil – A unique option if you want your kitchen to smell like fall.
- Cat litter bowl hack – Odd but true. Unscented clay cat litter in a bowl works like baking soda for odor absorption.
These aren’t meant to replace baking soda but can be good alternatives if you’re out.
Microwave Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid
Even though cleaning seems simple, I see people make the same mistakes over and over:
- Scrubbing vents or electronics directly – This can push water where it doesn’t belong. Stick to wiping surfaces only.
- Forgetting the turntable – Always remove and clean it separately.
- Skipping the microwave ceiling – Splatter often sticks on top, not just the sides.
- Using harsh chemicals – They can leave toxic residues where food goes.
- Not drying completely – Moisture buildup can cause odors and even damage over time.
Tip: Use a microfiber cloth instead of paper towels for the final wipe. It leaves fewer streaks and saves money in the long run.
How Often Should You Clean Your Microwave with Baking Soda?
If you’re a heavy microwave user, I recommend:
- Quick wipe-down: once a week with a damp cloth.
- Deep clean: once a month using either the steam or paste method.
In my home, I set a reminder on my phone for the first Saturday of each month deep cleaning day. Most people don’t realize how much faster a microwave works when it’s clean. Grime buildup can actually affect heating efficiency over time.
FAQs About Cleaning Microwave with Baking Soda
Can I mix vinegar and baking soda to clean a microwave?
Not inside the microwave. The two react quickly and fizzle out, which isn’t dangerous but doesn’t help much for cleaning. Use them separately.
Is baking soda safe for stainless steel microwaves?
Yes, but always use a soft cloth and avoid scrubbing too hard. Baking soda is mild but can leave light scratches if you go overboard.
How long should I steam baking soda water in the microwave?
Three to five minutes is enough, followed by a couple of minutes of rest time before wiping.
Can baking soda remove burnt popcorn smell from the microwave?
Yes, and it’s one of the most effective solutions. Leave a bowl of baking soda overnight, and most of the odor will be gone by morning.
What’s better for smelling like baking soda or lemon?
Baking soda is better for neutralizing strong odors, while lemon is better for leaving a pleasant scent. For best results, use both.
Conclusion
Listen, don’t overthink it, baking soda microwave cleaning is just the GOAT when it comes to nuker cleanup. Seriously, I’ve tried pretty much everything: vinegar (the smell is questionable), lemons (cute, but meh), even those wild cinnamon stick TikTok hacks. It tackles caked-on nacho cheese and that mysterious leftover funk without leaving your microwave smelling like a science project gone wrong. No sketchy chemicals involved, either.
Honestly, why dish out cash for specialty sprays when you’ve got baking soda chillin’ in the pantry? A quick steam or even how to clean a microwave with water plus a sprinkle of baking soda and wipe, and bam, that microwave sparkles. Once you see how easy cleaning a microwave oven with baking soda is, you’ll forget store-bought cleaners even exist.
