Microwave secrets: Green cleaning tips using household items

Keeping your microwave clean regularly not only prolongs its life but also enhances safety by eliminating bacteria and unpleasant odors. With simple tricks, you can do this quickly and effectively.

Every home chef should know the magical power of lemon. This citrus not only adds flavor to dishes but also works great as a cleaning agent. Cleaning the microwave with lemon is very simple. Just cut a lemon in half, squeeze the juice into a bowl of water, and place it in the microwave for a few minutes. When the water starts to steam at the microwave's highest power, the lemon particles will soften dried grease and food residues.

This cleaning method not only removes dirt but also eliminates unpleasant odors. Moreover, it is completely natural and free from chemicals, making it safe for the environment.

Vinegar is another indispensable helper in the fight against dirt. How to clean the microwave with vinegar? The method is very simple. This kitchen ingredient has disinfecting and grease-dissolving properties, making it an ideal product for cleaning microwaves. Mix a cup of vinegar with the same amount of water in a heat-resistant dish. Place it in the microwave, set it on the highest power, and let the mixture work for about five minutes.

The circulating steam from the vinegar effectively dissolves grease and removes food residues. After the cycle is finished, wipe the interior of the microwave with a soft cloth to remove dissolved dirt and grease. However, remember that vinegar has a strong smell, so it’s good to ventilate the kitchen for a moment after cleaning.

You can also clean the microwave using baking soda. It’s a versatile agent you can find in the kitchen. Its abrasive and odor-neutralizing properties make it an ideal solution for cleaning microwaves. Prepare a paste from a few tablespoons of baking soda and a bit of water to thoroughly clean the appliance's interior. Apply the paste to a soft sponge and wipe the microwave's interior carefully.

You can also leave the paste on the surface for several minutes to dissolve tough stains. Then wipe the appliance with a damp cloth, removing paste and dirt residues. Baking soda not only cleans the interior of stains but also effectively neutralizes unpleasant odors.

Few people know that you can clean the microwave using a dishwasher tablet. Although dishwasher tablets are intended for washing dishes, you can utilize their cleaning potential for the microwave as well. How to clean the microwave with a dishwasher tablet? Dissolve one tablet in a cup of hot water and place the solution in the microwave for about five minutes, setting the appliance to medium power. The steam from the dissolved tablet effectively dissolves grease and other stains.

After the cleaning cycle, wipe the microwave's interior with a damp cloth to remove any cleaning agent and dissolved dirt residues. This method is fast and effective, and dishwasher tablets often contain polishing agents, making the microwave’s interior shine like new.

Remember to clean the appliance regularly, preferably after each use, to prevent hard-to-remove stains. A clean microwave not only looks better but also ensures that the food we heat in it is free from additional impurities and odors.