CDA Buying Guide – How to clean your microwave

Steam and vinegar are your friends when it comes to microwave cleaning. If you have had an ‘explosion’ of tomato soup in the microwave the first thing to do is remember to cover food next time you use it!

Now, to deal with the dried-on tomato shrapnel you can place a bowl of water with a splash of vinegar inside the microwave and turn it on for two minutes. The steam from this will loosed the dirt inside the appliance, leaving it easier to wipe away.

Some things to remember when cleaning your microwave:

1. Never scrape or use sharp objects inside the appliance as these can damage the internal surface.
2. Also avoid abrasive cleaners, like bathroom and kitchen cream cleaners, as they can scratch the finish and rub off the numbers and symbols on the control panel.
3. The best cleaner for your appliance, avoiding harsh chemicals, is a solution of bicarbonate and warm water; this will also neutralise any residual food smells.
4. To make your microwave smell sweet again, ‘cook’ half a lemon for a minute or two for a citrus scent.
5. Always cover food and liquid, unless you are using the grill setting.

How to clean your microwave the natural way

1. Squeeze the juice of a lemon into a Pyrex jug, or similar, of water.
2. Microwave on full until the liquid is boiling.
3. Leave the jug in the microwave to stand for 5 minutes.
4. The condensation will loosen dirt and grease on the internal walls of the appliance, leaving it much easier to wipe away.
5. Wipe down the inside of the microwave using a cloth dipped in the hot lemon water.
6. Voila! A clean, sweet-smelling microwave without the use of harsh chemicals.
7. If you don’t have a lemon to hand, a tablespoon of vinegar with do just the same job.