The microwave is one of the most-used appliances in any kitchen and one of the least cleaned. Splatter builds up on the ceiling and walls, the turntable accumulates residue, and the door seal collects drips. A thorough microwave clean takes about 15 minutes. Here's the fastest method.
The Steam Method (5 Minutes of Prep, 5 Minutes of Wiping)
This is the most effective way to clean a microwave with minimal scrubbing. Heat creates steam that loosens splatter from the inside walls so it wipes away with no effort.
- Fill a microwave-safe bowl with 1 cup of water and 2 tablespoons of white vinegar (or squeeze half a lemon in). Both the vinegar and lemon help deodorize.
- Place the bowl in the microwave and run on high for 3–5 minutes, until the water boils and the inside is visibly steamy.
- Leave the door closed for another 5 minutes to let the steam continue working.
- Carefully remove the bowl (it's hot). Remove the turntable plate and ring. Wipe the interior from ceiling to walls to floor with a damp cloth — the steam should have loosened everything enough that it wipes off easily.
- Wash the turntable plate and ring in the sink with dish soap.
For any spots that didn't wipe away, apply a small amount of baking soda on a damp cloth and rub — the mild abrasion handles most stuck-on residue without scratching the interior coating.
Cleaning the Door
The door interior has two parts: the glass and the plastic frame around it. Wipe the glass with the same damp cloth you used for the interior. Pay attention to the rubber seal around the door — this is where drips accumulate and can harbour mould. Use a toothbrush or narrow brush to clean the seal folds.
Cleaning the Exterior
Wipe down the front panel, control buttons, and handle with an all-purpose spray and a microfibre cloth. For stainless exteriors, use a stainless cleaner or a small amount of mineral oil on a cloth, wiping with the grain. The top of the microwave collects grease and dust — wipe it every few weeks.
Cleaning the Vent Filters (Over-Range Microwaves)
If your microwave is an over-range model (mounted above the stove), it has a grease filter — usually a metal mesh screen underneath. Remove it monthly and wash in hot soapy water, or run it through the dishwasher if it's dishwasher-safe. A clogged grease filter reduces the fan's effectiveness significantly.
How Often Should You Clean the Microwave?
- Wipe down after each use where splatter occurred — prevents buildup
- Full clean (steam method): weekly for heavy users, every 2 weeks otherwise
- Grease filter (over-range): monthly
Microwave interior cleaning is included in Maidless's deep cleaning service in Toronto. Book a Toronto deep clean online — HST included.