Dial-a-Maid
If you microwave is covered with food splatters or other dried-up food remnants on the inside, says a 40+ year old Residential Cleaning Service in Evanston, Il., you can use several methods to soften and release the food particles. They all involve getting the microwave hot to loosen the dirt. Here are a few suggestions:
1. Mix 1 cup of water with 1/2 cup vinegar in a microwave safe bowl. Place the bowl in the center of the microwave and turn it on high until the liquid boils. Carefully take the hot bowl out of the microwave with a potholder and place it in the kitchen sink. The condensation from the liquid loosens baked-on food particles, making them easy to clean. Take a soft cloth and wipe down the softened food mess from top to bottom. Do not forget to wipe down the inside of the microwave door as well. Not only does this solution clean up splattered food messes, it also eliminates lingering odors from the microwave. When the vinegar solution in the bowl is cooled off, you can use a funnel to pour it in the spray bottle with the rest of your solution for other kitchen cleaning jobs.
2. If you do not have any vinegar, or do not like the smell, you can accomplish the same goal by using a baking soda water solution. Mix 2 tsp baking soda with 1/2 cup of warm water in a microwave safe bowl. Stir until the baking soda is thoroughly mixed in the water. Place the bowl in the center of the oven and turn it on high for two minutes. Carefully take the bowl out and put it aside. Wipe down the interior of the microwave with a soft cloth.
3. If you prefer the scent of lemons and happen to have a real lemon in the refrigerator, you can use it to clean the microwave as well. Cut the lemon in half and place half of the lemon in a microwave-safe container. Cover the lemon with 2 cups of cold tap water and place it in the center of your microwave. Turn the oven on high and set the timer for two minutes. Use a soft cloth to wipe down the oven's interior. Place the bowl of lemon water on the kitchen counter. It will act as a natural air freshener.
To keep the microwave clean on a daily basis, keep a soft cloth nearby. Every time you use it, wet the cloth with tap water and run the cloth over the warm interior, says a 40+ year old Residential Cleaning Service in Evanston, Il. All of the above are in The Complete Guide to eco Friendly House Cleaning by Anne B. Kocsis.
