Is your microwave splattered with food and grime? Do you want a simple, natural way to clean it without harsh chemicals? You’re in luck! Cleaning your microwave with lemon juice is an easy and effective way to get it sparkling clean and smelling fresh. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, offering tips and tricks to make the job even easier.
Why Use Lemon Juice to Clean Your Microwave?
Lemon juice is a fantastic natural cleaner for several reasons:
- Natural and Non-Toxic: Unlike many commercial cleaners, lemon juice is non-toxic and safe to use around food.
- Deodorizing: Lemon juice is known for its refreshing scent, which helps eliminate lingering odors in your microwave.
- Effective: The acidity in lemon juice helps to loosen stubborn food splatters, making them easier to wipe away.
- Easy to Find: Lemons are readily available in most grocery stores, making this a convenient cleaning solution.
What You’ll Need
Before you start, gather these simple supplies:
- 1 lemon
- 1 cup of water
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Sponge or cloth
Optional items:
- Lemon juice concentrate
- Baking soda
- Dishwashing liquid
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps to clean your microwave with lemon juice:
1. Prepare the Lemon Juice Solution
- Fresh Lemon Method: Cut a lemon in half and squeeze the juice into a microwave-safe bowl. Add 1 cup of water to the bowl. Drop the lemon halves into the bowl as well.
- Lemon Juice Concentrate Method: Alternatively, mix 1/2 cup of lemon juice concentrate with 1 cup of water in a microwave-safe container.
2. Microwave the Solution
- Place the bowl with the lemon juice and water mixture into the microwave.
- Heat on high for 3-5 minutes, or until the solution boils. The water should boil and the microwave should be steamy.
- Let the solution continue to boil to produce steam, which will loosen the dirt and grime inside the microwave.
3. Let It Sit
- After microwaving, don’t open the door immediately. Let the microwave sit for 5 minutes. This allows the steam to further penetrate and loosen the grime. The steam will coat the interior of the microwave, softening the tough spills and splatters of food inside.
4. Remove and Wipe Clean
- Carefully remove the bowl from the microwave. Be cautious, as the bowl and water will be hot.
- Remove the turntable and other components from the microwave.
- Wipe down the inside of the microwave with a damp sponge or cloth. The loosened food splatters should now be easy to wipe away.
5. Tackle Stubborn Spots
- For hard-to-remove food particles, dip your sponge in dry baking soda. Baking soda acts as a gentle abrasive to help loosen the food.
- Scrub gently and finish by wiping with a clean, damp sponge.
6. Clean the Microwave Door
- Use the lemon-water solution to polish the microwave door.
- Clean the rubber gasket around the door to maintain its tight seal.
- For a greasy door, mix one teaspoon of dishwashing liquid with one cup of hot water. Dip the sponge in the dishwashing solution to clean the door. Rinse well and wipe again to remove any soapy residue.
- Clean the outside door, including the control panel and door handle, with the lemon-water solution. Then, dry it using a dry microfiber cloth to restore its shine.
7. Clean the Turntable
- Wash the turntable components in warm water with a few drops of dish soap.
- Use a sponge to loosen any adhering food particles and rinse well.
- Dry it with a microfiber cloth and return the turntable to the microwave.
Extra Tips and Tricks
- Use Other Citrus Fruits: If you don’t have lemons, you can use lime juice, lime slices, or orange and grapefruit peels as substitutes.
- Vinegar Option: You can also use distilled white vinegar instead of lemon juice. Mix equal parts of water and vinegar in a microwave-safe bowl. However, note that vinegar has a stronger smell than lemon.
- Lemon Disposal: After cleaning, pour the water and push the lemon halves down the sink with the disposal to clean the disposal as well. Run hot water and turn on the disposal until it’s all gone.
- Wet Paper Towel: For a quick clean, microwave a wet paper towel for a minute and use it to wipe down the microwave.
Safety First
- Always use a microwave-safe bowl to avoid accidents.
- Be careful when removing the bowl after microwaving, as it will be hot.
- Ensure the microwave is not running with no liquid, as this can damage the appliance.
Conclusion
Cleaning your microwave with lemon juice is a simple, effective, and natural way to keep your kitchen appliance clean and fresh. By following these steps and tips, you can easily remove stubborn food splatters and eliminate odors without using harsh chemicals. So grab a lemon and get ready to enjoy a sparkling clean microwave!