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This expert-approved method has three steps and takes just a few minutes.

Reviewed by Dietitian Mandy Enright, M.S., RDN, RYT

Key Points

• Clean your microwave weekly to prevent grime buildup and ensure food heats evenly and safely.
• Use steam from water, lemon water or vinegar to loosen hardened food for easy cleaning.
• Wipe spills immediately and use a food cover to keep your microwave cleaner for longer.

You probably use your microwave every day, if not multiple times a day. You cook oatmeal, reheat your coffee, nuke those dinosaur chicken nuggets your kid eats; the list goes on. But how often are you cleaning your microwave? “Microwave ovens should be kept just as clean as other food preparation surfaces—pots, pans, plates, cutting boards, etc.,” says Karen Larkinfounder and owner of Belle Home Housecleaning.

There are several important reasons to keep your microwave clean. “Microwaves can get messy quickly. Food splatters and steam builds up every time you use it. If you don’t keep it clean they can harden, causing the microwave to smell and heat food unevenly,” said Katie Lambertfounder of Clean Queen. Besides the fact that your microwave won’t work as well, she adds, “It also can grow bacteria if you let the food residue keep piling up.” So, to keep your food tasty and your family safe from germs, you should be cleaning your microwave frequently. Our professional cleaning experts have shared everything you need to know to clean your microwave the right way and keep it clean for longer.

What You’ll Need

• Microfiber cloth
• Microwave-safe bowl or cup
• Lemon
• Water
• Vinegar

Step-by-Step Instructions

Larkin and Lambert have the same method for cleaning the microwave: steaming off the crud. Once you’ve assembled your materials, it takes just a few minutes to clean your microwave. They recommend cleaning it every week, and Lambert suggests a deep clean once or twice a month.

Step #1: Choose Your Liquid

First, fill a microwave-safe bowl or cup with liquid. You can use plain water, water with lemon or vinegar. Vinegar is, of course, going to have the strongest smell, so you can dilute it or use the other options if you don’t enjoy how the microwave smells after using it. However, vinegar is an effective cleaner because it helps dissolve dirt better than plain water. Keep in mind that vinegar is not a disinfectant, but steam can kill germs.

Step #2: Microwave Until Steamy

Larken says to heat the liquid “until it boils, then let it sit inside the microwave for at least 3 minutes—you’ll notice the window getting foggy with steam.” Doing this will allow you to harness the cleaning power of steam. “Any food products or spills should come off easily once the steam has had a chance to loosen grime,” she explains. After you let it sit, remove the cup or bowl and discard the liquid.

Step #3: Wipe Away the Grime

Using a microfiber cloth, wipe down the inside of the microwave. “Always remember to wipe the ceiling of the microwave because this is where food splatters the most,” Lambert says. Make sure you really get all the surfaces and don’t forget to give the outside, including the handle and buttons, some attention. “These areas are high touch surfaces so they collect grease, bacteria and fingerprints,” Lambert adds. If the microwave has a removable glass tray, Larkin recommends hand washing it like you would pots and pans. Use dish detergent, give it a good rinse, dry, then put it back in the microwave. Do not use harsh chemicals or detergents when cleaning the inside of your microwave. Once the inside is thoroughly wiped down, you’re good to go!

Tips for Keeping Your Microwave Clean for Longer

• Do a quick wipe after each use. This is especially helpful to avoid having your lunch taste like your breakfast.
• Immediately clean up splatters; cleaning after spills keeps food from hardening.
• Check for cleanliness periodically. Even if it looks clean, grime could be building up.
• Use a food cover or put a microwave-safe plate over food to keep splatters contained. Avoid plastic covers.

Our Expert Take

Both of the cleaning experts we chatted with agree that regularly cleaning your microwave is the key to maintaining the appliance and keeping your food safe and delicious. They recommend using steam instead of harsh chemicals because the steam breaks up any hardened food and can help eliminate bacteria. You should aim to clean your microwave once a week, and deep clean it once a month.