How to Clean Microwave Stains? 8 Easy Methods

Published by Hala Zaqqout on May 23, 2022 | Last updated on May 14, 2023

Porridge, leftovers, baby food… Whatever you’re heating in the microwave, it always seems to be vulnerable to spillage. We’ve all been there. This can be very frustrating because of how difficult it is to clean. But how to clean microwave stains?

Cleaners Advisor has made an effort to provide the easiest methods you can apply to get stains out of microwave. You can bring the microwave back to a beautiful condition with a couple of tricks that you can complete easily.

Then you’ll find a few tips of how to clean microwave stains easily that will help to get stains out of the appliance.

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How to Clean Microwave Stains?

It’s best to deal with the stain right away. The longer the stain is left on and the more times it is baked on, the more likely it is to become permanent. Here are eight fix solutions to help you address those stubborn stains inside your microwave.

Materials and Tools Needed

Here are the things you should keep in hand when you want to clean your microwave:

• Dish Soap
• Baking Soda
• Vinegar
• Lemon
• Cloths
• Acetone
• Rubber Gloves
• Microwavable Soft Bowl
• Deep Clean Brush
• Scrub Brush

Here’s how to clean microwave stains to ensure it’s stain-free and sparkling bright.

A. Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar, with its acidic nature, is an effective way to cut through the old buildup within your microwave. This is how to do it:

1. Combine equal amounts of water and apple cider vinegar in a microwave-safe bowl. Avoid filling it all the way up to prevent any accidental spills.

2. Heat the vinegar solution in the microwave for 4-5 minutes on high heat. The steam will loosen the buildup in your microwave as it heats up.

3. When the time is up, remove the bowl carefully in case it’s hot. Wipe off the interior of the microwave with a damp cloth. Make sure you go into the corners, as well as the top and bottom of the turntable.

And here’s how to clean microwave stains using vinegar.

B. Baking Soda

If you’re noticing a sketchy odor or if the stains are still fresh microwave, it’s time to deodorize with baking soda that effectively absorbs odors and creates a neutral environment. Here is how to clean microwave stains using baking soda:

1. Mix three tablespoons of baking soda with a cup of water in a microwave-safe bowl. Mix it well to combine.

2. Place the bowl in the microwave and heat for 3-5 minutes. As the baking soda heats, it will effectively loosen buildup and other splatters inside the microwave. It will also absorb odors, allowing you to have a fresh-smelling microwave.

3. Take precautions not to burn yourself when removing the bowl. Then wipe the inside of the microwave with a damp towel. Remove the turntable and clean it thoroughly as well as underneath it.

Here’s how to remove stains from microwave using baking soda.

C. Vinegar and Lemon

Lemon juice is a natural cleaning agent that may be used all over the house. Lemon juice extract and various combinations can be used to clean most household surfaces.

Vinegar is a great addition to lemon juice. The combination of lemon juice and vinegar will quickly restore your microwave. Here’s how to remove permanent yellow stains from microwave:

1. Mix one cup of vinegar, one cup of water, and two tablespoons of lemon juice in a microwave-safe bowl. The lemon juice will help to cut through the grease while also masking the vinegar’s strong odor.

2. Wipe off the exterior of the microwave with a small amount of the solution with a towel, especially the handle. The vinegar and lemon will sanitize the outside of the appliance and eliminate any oily marks.

3. Place the bowl in the middle of your microwave and heat for two minutes. The vinegar will release steam, which will loosen the buildup and kill bacteria quickly. If there are stubborn stains, use a toothbrush to pry the dirt away. Then wipe the surface again.

4. Leave the microwave for a while after the bell rings. Allow another 5 minutes for the steam to do its job.

5. Remove the bowl from the tray on the turntable. Wipe the microwave’s interior with a clean cloth. Check for more stubborn stains and repeat steps as necessary.

Watch this video to know more about how to remove burn stains from microwave using vinegar and lemon.

D. Dish Soap

Dish soap is something we all have in our homes. It’s easy to use and gives your microwave a fresh scent. Follow these steps on how to get stains out of microwave using dish soap:

1. Mix two cups of warm water and one tablespoon of dish soap in a microwave-safe bowl. Give it a good mix to incorporate.

2. Place the bowl in the microwave and heat for two minutes. Give it another minute or two if the water isn’t steaming.

3. Carefully remove the bowl from the microwave and wipe it clean using a damp cloth. Pay close attention to the turntable’s corners and underneath it.

E. Lemon

Lemon is great for cutting through oily spills in the microwave. It’s also really easy to do, and you probably already have everything you need in your kitchen. Here’s how to remove permanent yellow stains from microwave with lemon:

1. In a microwave-safe bowl, pour one cup of warm water. Half a lemon and squeeze the juice into the mixing bowl. Add the lemon halves to the water.

2. Heat the bowl in the microwave for three minutes on high. Leave the bowl in the microwave for five minutes after it’s done. This will allow it to work for a little longer, giving you a better result.

3. Remove the bowl from the microwave and clean the interior with a damp towel. Remove the turntable as well and scrub it in the sink before rinsing.

Check out this video below to know how to remove permanent yellow stains from microwave using lemon.

F. Steam

Cleaning and sanitizing your microwave with steam is a natural and effective method. Warm water is all you need for this process. And this’s how to remove burn stains from microwave:

1. Add two cups of warm water to a microwave-safe bowl. Make sure the water is warm; this will allow the steam to create more quickly.

2. Place the bowl in the microwave and heat for two to four minutes. Check to see if the water is steaming, then close the microwave and set the bowl aside for a few minutes once it’s steaming.

Because we’re only using water, it needs to sit for a little while to really do its job. 

3. Clean and Remove After carefully removing the bowl from the microwave, clean the interior with a damp cloth. Remove the turntable as well to clean thoroughly underneath. 

G. Vanilla Extract

This’s another great and effective way to clean stains, and this’s how to remove permanent yellow stains from microwave using vanilla extract:

1.  Fill a microwave-safe bowl halfway with warm water.

2. Microwave the bowl with two tablespoons of vanilla extract in it.

3. Heat for three minutes, or until the water boils.

4. Close the door for 30 minutes after it’s done.

H. Cloves

Cloves have a strong scent and can neutralize odors, and this’s how to clean microwave stains using cloves:

1. Add a quarter cup of cloves to a small bowl.

2. Put the bowl in the microwave, close the door, and leave it there overnight.

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How to Clean Greasy Microwave Doors?

It’s not just about the inside of the microwave: Remove smudges and oil off the outside of the microwave with these tips and tricks:

1. Clean the entire door — edges, both sides, and where it seals the oven — with a sponge dampened with water and dipped in a little baking soda. Wipe with a damp towel or sponge to rinse.

2. Clean a greasy window with a 50/50 vinegar and water solution. Rinse and dry thoroughly.

3. For heavy grease build-up and stuck-on splatters, Wipe down your microwave door with an all-purpose, grease-cutting cleanser. To avoid the cleaner getting into the vent holes, apply it with a cloth or sponge and scrub with a non-scratch pad.

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5 Top Tips for How to Clean Microwave Stains

1. The best and easiest way to avoid a mess when heating food is to cover it. So if a slight sauce explosion were to happen, the cover will help to prevent a mess.

2. Wipe your microwave regularly to keep it clean. After using the appliance, wipe down the sides, ceiling, and turntable with a damp towel. Doing this regularly will help to avoid a nasty accumulation of bacteria and dirt.

3. When heating liquid foods like sauces or soups, go slow. Set the time and heat as needed, and repeat if necessary. When food overheats, spills and minor food explosions are more likely to happen.

4. Use an extra-absorbent sheet of plenty kitchen roll. They’re super strong when wet, so one sheet is enough to clean up all sorts of spills.

5. Never spray electronic controls directly with the cleaner to avoid damage. Always use a cloth to apply the cleaner before wiping the controls.

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How to Clean Microwave Stains FAQ

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To Wrap Up

Now that you know how to clean microwave stains It’s essential to clean your microwave regularly to prevent gunk, grease, and germs from building up.

You’ve got eight different approaches to get the microwave back to its sparkling best and give you the best results.

Need more help cleaning up kitchen messes? Get our best tips at Cleaners Advisor.

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