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Have you been putting off cleaning your microwave? Or maybe you don’t have the time, and it’s reached a point where it’s starting to affect your appetite each time you use it.
Don’t despair. There’s a quick and painless way to clean your microwave simply by using a lemon! Interested in finding out how? Then, dive into our guide on how to clean a microwave with lemons to find out more.
How to Clean Your Microwave Using Lemons
Lemons are part of the citrus family, which has antibacterial properties. This makes them great natural cleansers that can remove bacteria, mold, and even germs.
That’s why they do a good job of removing all the sticky, grimy layers in your microwave.
It’s worth mentioning that you can use just a plain bowl of water to clean your microwave. However, there’s no denying that lemons will do a much better job of cleaning off all the grime.
Plus, you also feel good whenever you use lemons because they’re instant mood lifters!
You’ll need the following:
- 1 lemon
- 1 cup water
- 1 wooden spoon or skewer
- 1 microwave-safe bowl, cup, or mug
- 2 soft, dry rags or towels
Instructions:
Check out these three easy steps to clean your microwave in just a few minutes!
Step 1: Prepare the Lemon Juice
First, fill your microwave-safe container with one cup of regular tap water. Next, cut the lemon in half, or slice it up.
Then, squeeze it into the bowl, cup, or mug. Finally, drop the lemon slices into your container.
Step 2: Steam the Lemon Juice
Put the spoon or skewer in the bowl so the mixture doesn’t overheat. Next, put the bowl with the lemon and spoon in the middle of the microwave tray.
Then, turn on the microwave set for three minutes at a high or maximum temperature. When time’s up, don’t open the door yet. If you do, you’ll let all the heat and steam escape, which is what you need to make this method work.
Instead, let the bowl sit in the microwave for another five minutes to dislodge and soften the hardened gunk inside.
Step 3: Wipe the Grime Away
Before cleaning the insides of the microwave, remove the plug first. You don’t want to accidentally turn on the microwave while you’re busy reaching in and wiping away all that dirt inside the microwave.
Open the microwave door and carefully remove the bowl. Place it somewhere nearby because you might need to use it to remove thick grime.
Next, remove the turntable plate and ring, and wipe them clean with a rag. Then, put them aside.
Now it’s time to clean the microwave itself. Start by wiping the sides, top, back, and bottom. If they don’t come off after a couple of rubs, scrub them with the rag dipped in the lemon mixture.
When you’ve cleaned everything thoroughly, use a clean towel to dry it off.
Then, return the turntable plate and ring. Make sure they’re completely dry before you put them back in.
Finally, plug in the microwave.
More Tips
For more stubborn grime, you have several choices:
- Repeat the process above, starting with Step 2 until the hardened dirt is dislodged or has softened.
- Dip a rag into the lemon mixture and scrub the dirt off.
- Pour the lemon mixture directly on the stain or dirt, and let it sit for a few minutes before giving it another wipe-down.
- Use the lemon itself to scrub off the dirt.
- For the plate and ring, you can wash them with soap and water in the sink or the dishwasher. Just make sure you check the owner’s manual before you do this.
Lemon Substitutes
So, you finally muster the energy to clean the microwave, only to find out that you have no lemons at home! What do you do?
Instead of putting it off until your next trip to the grocery store, why not try these great alternatives?
Stale Lemons
You don’t have to use fresh lemons to clean your microwave. Stale lemons are a great substitute!
So, the next time you’re shopping for lemons, make it a point to ask your local grocer for some stale lemons. This way, you’ll be helping them out by repurposing the lemons that had been on their way to the trash bin.
Plus, stale lemons are cheaper than fresh ones. So, you’ll be able to get a great deal on them.
Bottled Lemon Juice
You can also use bottled lemon juice if you don’t have any fruits on hand.
Simply pour 2–3 tablespoons of lemon juice into an empty mug, cup, or bowl. Don’t add any water. Then follow the same steps as above.
Fruit Rinds
If all you have left in your kitchen is the lemon rind or the rind of any citrus fruit, that’s okay, too. Just follow the same steps as above, except for the part where you squeeze the fruit.
Other Citrus Fruits
If you can’t use lemons for whatever reason, you can use other citrus fruits like:
- Oranges
- Limes
- Kumquats
- Tangerines
- Grapefruit
What Else Can You Clean With Lemon
So, you’ve finished cleaning your microwave, wondering if you can use lemons for other things around the house. The answer is, ‘Definitely!’
Health experts recommend you use lemons as a natural cleanser and disinfectant. Here are a few ideas on using these citrusy fruits to keep your home germ-free.
- Repelling insects like ants and flies
- Cleaning bathroom walls and sink
- Keeping toilet bowls stain-free
- Restoring discolored grout
- Removing water sediments in faucets
Just don’t use lemons to clean anything brass-plated. Unlike solid brass, brass-plated things are thinner and more susceptible to peeling life when subjected to acidic liquids, like lemon juice.
So, it might be a good idea to test it on a small area first to ensure it doesn’t ruin your furniture.
Sum Up
Learning how to clean your microwave with a lemon is quick and easy. You can even do it in under 10 minutes!
The best part is that it’s free of any chemicals or toxins. This makes it safe to use to clean your microwave and other areas of your home. Plus, just smelling a lemon can make you feel better.
