How to Clean a Microwave With Lemon

Remove splattered food with just a lemon and baking soda

By
Mary Marlowe Leverette
Mary Marlowe Leverette 2018
Mary Marlowe Leverette

Mary Marlowe Leverette is one of the industry's most highly-regarded housekeeping and fabric care experts, sharing her knowledge on efficient housekeeping, laundry, and textile conservation. She is also a Master Gardener with over 40+ years of experience and 20+ years of writing experience. Mary is also a member of The Spruce Gardening and Plant Care Review Board.

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Updated on 01/16/24
Reviewed by
Rhea Mehta
Dr. Rhea Mehta, PhD
Reviewed by Rhea Mehta
Rhea Mehta, PhD, is an award-winning toxicologist who has worked to empower people to lead healthier lives, starting in their homes, for over a decade. Rhea holds a PhD in Toxicology, with over 15 scientific publications, and a certificate in integrative health coaching. 
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Fact checked by
Sarah Scott
SS
Fact checked by Sarah Scott
Sarah Scott is a fact-checker and researcher who has worked in the custom home building industry in sales, marketing, and design.
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White microwave with door open and sliced lemons inside glass bowl in front

The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo

In This Article
Project Overview
  • Working Time: 5 - 15 mins
  • Total Time: 10 - 20 mins
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Estimated Cost: $0-5

One of the easiest tasks is learning how to clean a microwave with lemon and baking soda. Microwave ovens typically cause food molecules to heat so quickly that the dishes tend to splatter and boil over. Too much food build-up inside the appliance can interfere with how efficiently the microwave oven performs. With this cleaning method, you let the appliance do most of the work. Just get a lemon and baking soda and learn how to clean your microwave oven so it smells and looks fresh and spotless.

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How Often to Clean a Microwave

Cleaning frequency depends on how careful you are about covering foods that you are heating in the microwave and how often you use the appliance. For most households, cleaning a microwave weekly is appropriate. However, if there are some careless users, it is a good idea to check the microwave after each use for splatters and spills. Once the food splatters go through several heating cycles, they are much more difficult to remove and it will affect the appliance's efficiency. This is because bits of food left behind can absorb some of the energy the next time it is turned on.

Every few months, slide out and clean the microwave's filter which accumulates grease and grime. The control panel and handles should be wiped down often, at least daily, with a disinfecting wipe to remove bacteria transferred from hands.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Microwaveable dish, bowl, or cup
  • Sponge
  • Microfiber cloths
  • Sink or large tub

Materials

  • Lemon
  • Baking soda
  • Dishwashing liquid
  • Melamine sponge (Mr. Clean Magic Eraser)

Instructions

How to Clean a Microwave With Lemon

Materials and tools to clean microwave with lemons

The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo

  1. Create a Cleaning Solution

    Pour 1 cup of water into a microwave-safe bowl or large cup. Slice one lemon and add it to the cup.

    If you don't have a fresh lemon, use three tablespoons of bottled lemon juice. Don't have either? Use a citric acid powder, which is typically used for food preservation and seasoning.

    Another substitute that doesn't smell quite so nice is distilled white vinegar. Add 1/2 cup of vinegar to the water.

    Glass microwaveable bowl with sliced lemons and water for solution

    The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo

  2. Create Steam

    Place the water and lemon mixture in the microwave. Set the controls on high so that the water comes to a full boil long enough to create steam to coat the interior of the microwave.

    Water and lemon solution placed inside microwave for heating

    The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo

  3. Let the Steam Do the Work

    Once the interior of the microwave is coated with steam, do not open the door for at least five minutes. The steam is working to soften and loosen all the splattered bits of food.

    Microwave running with lemon solution steaming the inside

    The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo

  4. Remove the Cleaning Solution

    After about five minutes, open the microwave and remove the bowl containing the water and lemon slices. It should still be warm but not hot.

    If you have a turntable in the microwave, remove all of the components and set them to one side. This will make cleaning the interior simpler.

    Microwave door open with turntable removed for cleaning

    The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo

  5. Wipe Away the Interior Grime

    Dip a clean kitchen sponge or microfiber cloth in the lemon water solution and squeeze out most of the water. Use the damp sponge to wipe down the sides, top, and bottom of the microwave interior. Rinse out the sponge often.

    If the food particles still won't budge, dip the damp sponge or cloth in a bit of dry baking soda. The baking soda will act as a gentle abrasive to loosen the food. For food that just will not budge, dampen a melamine sponge (such as Mr. Clean Magic Eraser) and scrub gently.

    Always finish by wiping down the area with a clean damp sponge.

    clean sponge soaking inside of microwave with lemon cleaning solution

    The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo

  6. Clean the Door

    Use the same lemon water to clean the interior of the microwave door. Don't forget to clean the rubber gasket around the door to maintain a tight seal.

    If the door interior or gasket feels greasy, add 1 teaspoon of dishwashing liquid to 1 cup of hot water. Dip a sponge in the solution and wipe down the door. Rinse the sponge well and wipe again to remove any soapy residue.

    The outside of the door can also be cleaned with the lemon and water solution. After wiping down the exterior, paying close attention to the control panel and door handles, use a dry microfiber cloth to buff the surface to shine.

    Damp sponge with lemon cleaning solution rubbing microwave door

    The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo

  7. Clean the Microwave Turntable

    Fill a sink or large tub with warm water and a few drops of dishwashing liquid to wash the turntable components. Use a sponge to loosen food particles and then rinse well. Dry with a clean, lint-free microfiber cloth and reassemble in the microwave.

    Tip

    Most microwave turntables can be safely washed in the dishwasher. Check your manufacturer's guidelines.

    Microwave turntable cleaned in sink with soapy water and sponge

    The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo

Tips to Keep Your Microwave Clean

  • Always cover foods with paper towels (not recyclable types that may have metal particles, however), waxed paper, plastic wrap, glass covers, silicone lids, or microwave covers when microwaving to prevent splatters. Do not use foil to cover food.
  • Use microwave cooking bags. Avoid placing microwavable food in plastic storage bags because they melt.
  • Only use microwaveable containers when heating foods and liquids. Do not put certain items in the microwave, such as Styrofoam cups, take-out containers, foil containers, or paper bags.
  • Avoid microwaving certain foods like hot peppers, whole fruits, or whole eggs in their shell that may explode in the heat.
FAQ
  • What is the quickest way to clean a microwave?

    Put a microwave-safe bowl with equal amounts of water and distilled white vinegar in the microwave oven and let the mixture come to a boil (about three minutes). The microwave will fill with steam that will soften the gunk. Let the microwave cool down a bit before sponging it out. Wear protective gloves in case the steam is still too hot.

  • Is it better to clean a microwave with lemon or vinegar?

    Lemon and vinegar are great ingredients to use to clean a microwave. Mixing them is even better as the lemon will reduce the smell of vinegar.

  • How do you get a smell out of a microwave?

    Steam clean your microwave with lemon and vinegar to get any smell out of the appliance. If the smell lingers after cleaning it, leave a bowl of baking soda in the microwave for 12 hours or so to absorb the odor.

  • What shouldn't you do when cleaning a microwave?

    Avoid cleaning the inside of a microwave with harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, or cleaning wipes which can leave a residue that will heat up and smell badly. Also, avoid using abrasive sponges or steel wool which will scratch the interior of the microwave.

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