To clean your microwave impeccably, no need to use harsh chemicals! Indeed, grandmother’s tips for cleaning and disinfection offer a safe, ingenious and effective alternative that can be adapted to this modern heating and cooking appliance to keep it clean and hygienic in all circumstances. By using natural ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen, you can eliminate splashes, unpleasant odors and unwanted germs lurking in your microwave, all without spending hours polishing or using it. detergents that ruin health and the planet.
With these ingenious techniques, discover how to clean and disinfect your microwave effortlessly with eco-friendly and economical household products.
The essential rule: clean the microwave regularly
Make it a habit to clean up spills regularly to prevent them from building up. A quick clean after each use can do wonders for maintaining cleanliness. Also remember to always use the bell to avoid splashing food when using it.
How to clean and disinfect the microwave naturally?
1) Soapy water to clean the microwave
Why make it complicated when you can dilute a little soap (Marseille soap, black soap or dishwashing liquid) in a container of hot water? Use your warm, soapy water and a soft sponge to clean internal and external surfaces microwave. Then make sure to rinse well and dry after cleaning. We don’t make it easier for clean, degrease and detach encrusted dirt.
2) White vinegar
White vinegar is a excellent natural cleaner and disinfectant due to its acidity. The king of eco-friendly cleaning products will also act as a deodorizing and antibacterial agent and leave your microwave clean and refreshed. To do this, mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a bowl. Then place it in the microwave and heat it for several minutes. The steam released from the mixture will help loosen stuck-on food residue and stubborn stains. If the device is very dirtyyou can leave the bowl in the closed microwave for a few more minutes for the steam to work. Finally, remove the bowl (carefully, as it may be hot) and wipe the inside of the microwave with a clean, damp cloth.
3) Lemon juice to replace vinegar
Lemon is a cleaning product in its own right and a good alternative to vinegar thanks to its natural acidity. Lemon steam is a simple and natural method to clean and sanitize your microwave while leaving a fresh scent. To use it, simply cut the lemon into pieces or squeeze it to extract the juice. Then slide everything into a bowl and top up with water. Place bowl container in the microwave and heat it for about 3 to 5 minutes until the water begins to boil and steam forms. Then leave the bowl in the microwave for a few more minutes so the steam softens food debris and stains. After that, carefully remove the bowl and use a clean, damp microfiber cloth to gently wipe the interior walls.
4) Baking soda
Baking soda is another powerful natural ingredient for cleaning microwave walls and removing stubborn stains. It is in fact a gentle, but effective abrasive to clean surfaces without scratching them. It also allows neutralize odorsleaving your microwave clean and fresh. How to do it? In a small bowl, mix baking soda with just enough water to form a thick paste. Apply this paste to dirty areas inside or outside the microwave. Focus on the most problematic areas. Leave the paste on for about 10 to 15 minutes to thoroughly loosen the dirt, then use a damp cloth or sponge to remove the white powder residue. Finish with a clean, damp cloth.
5) Simply salt
If we always have the reflex to resort to bicarbonate, fine salt can also be used to clean all surfaces in the house, especially in a dirty microwave. In fact, he cleans, stains, degreases and deodorizes your household appliance effortlessly! To do this, simply dampen a cloth and sprinkle table salt on it. Use it to scrub the inside of the microwave. If necessary, you can repeat the application and leave for 2 or 3 hours before rubbing and rinsing to better degrease your very dirty microwave.
6) Essential oils, allies for cleaning AND disinfecting
Essential oils allowsanitize the microwave naturally. Opt here for essential oils known for their deodorizing and antibacterial properties such as lemon, lavender, tea tree or eucalyptus essential oil. You can then put a few drops on your cloth or sponge soaked in another cleaning solution or in a bowl of water that you heat to let out a deodorizing and disinfecting vapor. If you choose this second option, let the steam work and scrub with a soft, lint-free cloth or sponge.
7) Oil, an amazing help to clean stains in the microwave
Against stains, especially grease, carrot or tomato sauce stains, oil can be your best joker. It allows to remove heavily encrusted debris by softening it. To do this, simply soak a paper towel or cloth with the oil of your choice and rub the stubborn dirt. If necessary, leave it on for at least an hour before using absorbent paper again to remove everything. Finish with soapy water or another technique outlined here to complete the wash.
How to combat unpleasant odors in the microwave?
After food bursts and mold appear, the microwave may develop bad odors. Generally, the use of vinegar, lemon, baking soda or essential oils enough to get rid of it. If this is not the case, you can however soak a clean sponge in white vinegar and place it in the microwave overnight. You can do the same with a cup of baking soda to absorb unpleasant odors. Alternatively, fill a small cloth bag with dried lavender flowers and heat it for a few seconds. This will leave a pleasant, refreshing smell while helping to neutralize lingering odors!