You’ve been microwaving your leftovers, or maybe reheating that cup of coffee you forgot about, and suddenly you open the microwave door, whoa, what happened in there? Spilled soup, greasy spots, and probably some mystery stains. You want a clean microwave, but you also don’t want to spend half your day scrubbing away with harsh chemicals.
Well, cleaning your microwave doesn’t have to be a hassle. With just a little vinegar and some water, you can have it sparkling clean in no time. So, let’s get into how to clean a microwave with vinegar, the easy, no-fuss way.
Mix equal parts vinegar and water (yep, a 1:1 ratio) in a microwave-safe bowl. Pop it in on high power for around 5 minutes, and the steam will loosen all the gunk inside. Then just wipe it down with a damp cloth, no hard scrubbing needed.
Why Clean Your Microwave Naturally?
If you’ve ever grabbed a store-bought cleaner to tackle microwave messes, you know they can be overpowering strong fumes, long ingredient lists, and the lingering worry about spraying chemicals near your food. But there’s a simpler, safer alternative sitting in your pantry: vinegar.
In fact, natural cleaning is gaining serious traction. A 2022 Statista survey showed that nearly 29% of Americans use natural or eco-friendly cleaning products at home, and vinegar is a big part of that trend.
It’s budget-friendly, non-toxic, and doesn’t leave you with a chemical cloud in your kitchen. And the best part? It works. Vinegar breaks down grease, loosens food gunk, and deodorizes, all without you scrubbing for ages or holding your breath.
Why Is Vinegar the Perfect DIY Microwave Cleaner?
You may be wondering: why vinegar? Well, vinegar contains acetic acid, which is super effective at breaking down grease and food residue. All those splatters you’ve been ignoring? Vinegar’s got it covered. It works by loosening up all that gunk, making it a breeze to wipe away. And the best part?
It’s non-toxic, which means it won’t leave any harmful chemicals behind, and it is perfect for a space where you heat your food!
Safe to Use Around Food
Since vinegar is all-natural, it’s safe to use inside your microwave where you’re heating up your meals. No need to worry about weird chemical residues contaminating your lunch.
Eco-Friendly and Affordable
Vinegar is biodegradable, meaning it’s easy on the environment. Plus, it’s much more affordable than most cleaning products out there. You won’t break the bank, and you won’t harm the planet. Win-win!
What Will You Need?
Cleaning your microwave with vinegar is incredibly easy—and you probably already have most of this on hand:
- Microwave-safe bowl or measuring cup
- White vinegar (standard 5% acetic acid, ideal for cleaning)
- Water
- Damp microfiber cloth or paper towels
- Dry cloth for a final wipe
Tip: Want a small touch but a big difference! Just add a few lemon slices to your vinegar-water mix before heating. Lemon helps with the cleaning power. It also helps your microwave to smell super fresh.
How to Clean Your Microwave with Vinegar
Here’s the step-by-step process to get your microwave looking brand new.
Spoiler: it takes less than 10 minutes.
Step 1: Mix Your Vinegar Solution
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine equal parts vinegar and water. About 1 cup of each is perfect. You don’t need anything fancy, just a simple solution that works!
Step 2: Heat the Solution
Pop the bowl into the microwave and let it run on high for about 5 minutes, just enough time to build up that grime-loosening steam. The steam from the vinegar and water will loosen all that sticky grime, so when you open the microwave door, it’ll be way easier to wipe down.
Step 3: Wipe It Down
Once the timer dings, carefully take out the bowl after a few minutes; it’ll be hot, so grab a towel or oven mitts to be safe. Grab a damp cloth or some paper towels and start wiping the inside of your microwave. The steam will have worked its magic, and the grime should come off without any problem.
Tip: Don’t open the door immediately. Give it 2–3 minutes. Let the steam sit to work its best.
Step 4: Repeat If Needed
If you notice some stubborn spots, don’t worry — just repeat the process. A second round never hurts, and sometimes it’s all you need to get the job done.
What if the smell remains? (Troubleshooting)
Vinegar Smell
Let’s be real: vinegar has a strong scent. So I may get vinegar smell from your microwave after cleaning with it. But don’t worry, it won’t last long.
However, if you’re not a fan of the smell and need it gone, here’s how to do it-
- Prop the door open: Slightly open for a few minutes after cleaning to let fresh air circulate and help the vinegar smell disappear. Or,
- Add a lemon: Heat a few lemon slices with the vinegar & water solution. The lemon will help get rid of any lingering odor and leave your microwave smelling fresh. Or,
- Rub Lemon Juice: Rub with lemon juice after the vinegar process. Wipe gently. It will smell fresh.
Strong Food Smell
If you’ve ever accidentally burned popcorn or heated up spicy foods like Indian or Asian dishes, you know how those smells can linger — sometimes even after a vinegar steam clean.
Sometimes, no matter what you try, that stubborn burnt smell just won’t go away.
Here are a few tried-and-true troubleshooting tricks I personally used that actually worked:
- Leave an uncovered bowl of baking soda in the microwave overnight to absorb odors.
- Microwave a bowl of water with coffee grounds for about 2 minutes.
Recently, I tested the coffee trick myself after a burnt popcorn disaster. Within minutes, the strong burnt smell was gone — and my microwave smelled like a cozy coffee shop instead!
How Often Should You Clean Your Microwave?
Here’s when to clean your microwave according to how often you use it:
- Occasional use (1-2 times a day): Clean once a week
- Frequent use (more than 1 meal per day): Clean every 2–3 days, or more often if needed meals
Tip Box: Get in the habit of wiping the inside out every time you microwave a bag of popcorn; it leaves more stubborn oily residue and odor behind than any other food.
Common Mistakes People Make
Cleaning a microwave is pretty straightforward, but still, people make a few common mistakes.
- Not giving the steam enough time: You want to let the steam work its magic. Five minutes isn’t too long, so don’t rush it!
- Microwaving too much: Heat vinegar until it’s hot, but not boiling.
- Overdoing the vinegar: More vinegar doesn’t equal more cleaning power. Use an even mix of vinegar and water for the most effective clean.
- With metal bowls: Never microwave metal—only glass or ceramic.
- Abandoning the turntable: It tends to collect the most grime
- Trying to scrub before steaming: Let vinegar do the work for you.
Read More: House Deep Cleaning Tools: Top 16 Must-Have Items for a Spotless Home
Safety Warning:
Is It Safe to Microwave Vinegar and Water?
Absolutely — as long as you do it the right way. Some people worry it might explode, but don’t worry — it’s safe with a few simple precautions.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Use an open bowl: Always use a microwave-safe bowl without a lid. Never seal it — trapped steam can cause pressure to build up.
- Watch out for superheating: Liquids can get hotter than boiling without bubbling, then suddenly boil over when moved.
- Handle with care: The bowl and liquid will be hot! Use oven mitts or a towel to remove it safely.
- Stay Alert: Safety First! Water and electricity don’t mix, so it’s important to ensure the microwave is powered off before you start.
- Air Dry: After cleaning, wipe down the inside of the microwave with a dry, soft cloth to remove any leftover moisture. Then, let it sit for a few minutes to fully air dry before you start using it.
Tip: Always open the microwave door slowly after heating to prevent a fateful of steam.
FAQs
Is Boiling Vinegar Safe?
Yes, it’s totally safe to microwave vinegar. Just make sure to keep an eye on it and never overheat the solution.
How long should vinegar be microwaved for cleaning?
Microwave the vinegar and water solution on high heat for about five minutes to allow the steam to loosen grime and food residue.
What’s the Fastest Way to Clean the Inside of a Microwave?
Microwave vinegar and water for 5 minutes, then wipe down the inside. It’s the quickest way to get rid of food splatters and odors.
Is It Better to Clean the Microwave with Lemon or Vinegar?
Vinegar works better for cleaning, but adding lemon gives it a nice scent and boosts the cleaning power.
How Do You Remove Smell from the Microwave with Vinegar?
If the vinegar smell sticks around, microwave a fresh lemon slice with the vinegar-water solution. This will help neutralize the vinegar odor.
What’s the Best Way to Clean a Microwave?
In my opinion, vinegar water solution and steam. It’s quick, natural, and gets the job done.
What’s the Best Microwave Cleaning Hack?
Microwave a vinegar and water solution, and the steam will loosen everything, making it so much easier to wipe down.
How Do I Get Brown Stains Out of My Microwave?
Make a simple paste by mixing baking soda and water. Apply it to the brown stains, let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe it off with a damp cloth. The stains should come off easily.
How Do You Get Grease Out of the Inside of a Microwave?
Grease is tough, but vinegar does a great job of loosening it. Wipe it down after microwaving a vinegar solution, and the grease should come right off.
Can I Use Vinegar and Lemon Together to Clean a Microwave?
Absolutely! Mixing vinegar and lemon gives you the best of both worlds: vinegar for cleaning and lemon for a fresh scent.
Conclusion
Cleaning your microwave with vinegar is quick, simple, and effective. You don’t need any fancy products or hard work, just vinegar, water, and a few minutes of your time. So next time your microwave is looking a little grimy, remember you’ve got a super simple solution.
Try it today, and your microwave will be sparkling in no time!
