Lemon and vinegar: Quick hacks for a spotless microwave

Microwave ovens are invaluable for saving time. They allow us to quickly heat food without a long wait or the need for perfect culinary skills. However, keeping the appliance clean is crucial, as bacteria, mold, or other pathogens can be hazardous. Fortunately, there is an easy way to maintain cleanliness.

Ideally, you should clean the microwave after each use, but daily life often makes this difficult. Lemon, which has antibacterial and antiseptic properties, can even remove tough stains.

Lemon not only eliminates bacteria but also removes mold and rust. To effectively clean the microwave with lemon, follow these simple steps:

1. Cut the lemon into slices and remove the seeds.
2. Place the slices in a microwave-safe dish and add warm water.
3. Place the dish in the microwave and set it to the highest temperature for about 2 minutes. The steam from the lemon will circulate in the appliance, leaving a fresh scent in the kitchen.
4. After the time is up, carefully remove the dish. The water should now be light yellow and very hot.
5. Wipe the inside of the microwave—the lemon steam will make this task easy, even removing stubborn dirt.

An additional benefit of this method is the elimination of unpleasant odors. After such a "treatment," the microwave will have a refreshing lemon scent.

Vinegar can make cleaning the microwave much easier. Simply mix vinegar with water in equal proportions and pour it into a spray bottle. Spray the interior of the microwave with this mixture and wipe it down with a paper towel or sponge.

Baking soda is also excellent for cleaning the microwave. Mix 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda with a bit of water to form a paste. Use this paste to clean the inside of the microwave in the evening and wipe it with water in the morning. Although this method requires more time, it delivers equally good results.