Microwaves, while convenient, have a bad habit of making things ‘pop’ and splatter, covering the interior with all sorts of liquids and food debris.
While you can go at it with traditional kitchen cleaning sprays, they can leave behind toxic residue that could pollute your air and contaminate the next thing you heat up. That's why I rely on steam cleaning instead, melting away grease and killing bacteria without chemicals. It's quick, easy, and a go-to in my non-toxic household.
Here, with the help of cleaning experts, I break down how to steam clean a microwave with, and without, a steam cleaner in just five minutes to make cleaning a kitchen a little healthier and non-toxic for your family.
How to steam clean a microwave
Rhonda Wilson, quality lead cleaner at FreshSpace Cleaning begins, ‘If you plan to clean a kitchen naturally and steam clean your microwave, inspect the interior first to make sure there’s no loose or peeling paint inside, damaged seals or cracks. If everything is okay, unplug to avoid unwanted zaps. Remove the turntable and wipe the interior with a paper towel to remove any food bits.’
To steam clean efficiently, you will need:
- A steam cleaner. Rhonda says, ‘Go for Phueut Pressurized Handheld Multi-Surface Natural Steam Cleaner, available at Amazon. It comes with 12 accessories including an extended nozzle. You’ll have better control and more precise aim so there’s less dripping and easier cleanup.’
- Or, a microwave-safe bowl, such as the Tinana glass mixing bowls from Walmart, warm water, and a lemon (or bottled lemon juice, also from Walmart).
- A cleaning cloth, such as a microfiber cloth, is available in packs from Walmart.
- A clean, dry towel.
How to steam clean a microwave with a steam cleaner
Cleaning a microwave with the best steam cleaner is simple, and takes less than five minutes.
There are two ways you can do this. I like to use the microfiber pad attachments on my steam cleaner to wipe out the interior of the microwave while killing bacteria. This method is super simple, takes less than five minutes, and limits how much water pools in the base of my microwave to make cleaning even quicker. I love that it means I do not have to use chemical cleaning sprays, helping to make my home non-toxic.
Then, I toss the microfiber pad in the washing machine to refresh and use it again the next time I need to clean my microwave.
Alternatively, if you do not have a microfiber attachment for your steamer, Rhonda says, ‘Blast steam on the walls and ceiling using a steam cleaner with a nozzle attachment. For stuck-on messes, focus on the area a bit more to soften them up or give them a second round. Then, wipe everything down with a microfiber cloth to remove grime.
‘I like to follow up with another dry cloth after just to make sure it’s bone dry. Pop the turntable back in and you’re done.’
You can also use a steam cleaner to deep clean a whole kitchen, making the upfront cost of the appliance more worth it. I use the Black + Decker steam cleaner all over my home, including steam cleaning a microwave and cleaning an oven without chemicals, to remove grease and kill bacteria.
How to steam clean a microwave without a steam cleaner
No steam cleaner? No problem. You can clean a microwave with lemon and steam to loosen grease while banishing bad kitchen smells at the same time.
Alicia Sokolowski, green cleaning expert, president, and co-CEO at AspenClean suggests the following steps using the bowl of water and lemon slices:
- Fill a microwave-safe bowl with one cup of water and add the juice of one lemon, or some freshly cut up lemon slices.
- Microwave the bowl on high for three to five minutes until it boils and creates steam.
- Leave the door closed for five minutes to let the steam loosen the grease and residue.
- Carefully remove the bowl using an oven mitt, such as the KitchenAid Cotton Oven Mitts, from Target, as it will be boiling hot, and use a microfiber cloth to wipe the inside of the microwave.
- For tough stains, dip the cloth in the lemon water and scrub gently.
- Dry the microwave with a clean, dry towel.
This cleaning pack includes two beige cloths with waffle texture, two light green cloths with loop texture and two plain textured aqua blue cloths for cleaning all surfaces in your home.
Microwave, freezer, and dishwasher safe, these versatile glass mixing bowls are perfect for baking, cooking, and meal prepping food, as well as quicky cleaning your microwave.
A 2020 study found that a 0.5% concentration of citric acid, found in lemons, is an effective disinfectant, making it a great natural cleaning product to keep with your cleaning tools.
Meet the experts
FAQs
Can too much steam ruin a microwave?
If the exterior of your microwave is subjected to too much steam, then you might start to notice warping, corrosion, or rust. If your microwave is positioned over the top of your stove where it is subject to a lot of steam frequently, it is important to run your extractor fan when cooking or dry the microwave after cooking to reduce the risk of lasting damage.
Can you use Clorox wipes to clean a microwave?
While you can use Clorox wipes to clean the exterior of a microwave, it is generally recommended that you avoid cleaning the interior, as it can leave behind a harmful residue that can contaminate your food and air. Instead, opt for natural cleaners, such as steam or vinegar, to kill bacteria and remove grease both inside and out without damaging your appliances.
There are several other things you can clean with a steamer around your home too, such as carpets and bathrooms, helping you stick more strictly to green cleaning practices for a healthier, less-toxic home.
