Deep cleaning your microwave often falls low on the list of household cleaning priorities—unless, of course, you’ve just faced a tomato soup explosion or a butter-softening mishap. It’s one of those appliances we tend to overlook unless there’s an obvious mess. However, even a seemingly harmless mess in your microwave isn’t just unsightly; it’s misleading. No germs can survive that level of radiation, right? Wrong.
Your microwave oven hosts its own microbiome. What exactly does this mean? Although it has long been thought that microwaves kill bacteria and ensure food safety, a study by the Institute for Integrative Systems Biology suggests that some microbes can withstand radiation and even flourish in certain parts of the appliance. There is no need to panic, though; your microwave is not any dirtier than other areas of the kitchen. Nevertheless, these findings serve as an important reminder of the necessity of regular cleaning to maintain microwave hygiene. The good news is that it’s easy to do with materials from your kitchen.
Materials needed
- Water
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Sponge or microfiber cloth
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Dish soap
Step-by-Step Cleaning Process
Step 1: Prepare the cleaning solution
In a microwave-safe bowl, mix equal parts of water and vinegar, or substitute the vinegar with lemon juice for a fresh scent. If you’re tackling tougher stains or want extra cleaning power, consider adding a tablespoon of baking soda. This solution will help loosen grime and deodorize your microwave during the cleaning process.
Step 2: Microwave the solution
Place the cleaning solution into the microwave and heat it for 3-5 minutes on high, allowing the solution to boil and steam to form inside the unit. Once the time is up, do not open the door. Allow the solution to steam the interior. This steam loosens the grime and food particles that have built up on the microwave’s interior surfaces,…
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