Steps In Cleaning And Maintaining Your Microwave Oven

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Monday, May 24th, 2010 Subscribe To Our Feed

The microwave oven is perhaps one of the most important kitchen appliances these days. From reheating leftovers, making popcorn, to cooking dishes, its value is truly remarkable. However, it seems that it’s also often overlooked when it comes to maintenance and cleaning.

There are many varieties of it available in the market today. Although varying, cleaning and maintenance basically remain the same. The most popular kind is the countertop microwave oven. Cleaning it usually involves getting rid of food fragments clinging on the inside walls. The same is true with the lingering food odors.

Prior to cleaning, always ensure that you have unplugged the oven. Using an ordinary kitchen cleaning solution, spray the inside walls thoroughly. Allow it to stay there for a few minutes to make it work. If you want, you can also create your own solution. A paste made of baking soda and vinegar is highly effective. You may also use plain vinegar or club soda, and transfer them into a spray bottle.

After a few minutes, wipe the inside of the oven with a damp towel or sponge. Rinse it in warm water as necessary, cleaning the entire of the oven’s interiors. Afterwards, dry using a paper towel. Sometimes, some ovens require other special cleaning considerations. For example, if you own a GE microwave, check the manual that comes with the package to be sure.

Eliminating the smell of food heated in the oven is also an easy task. In a bowl of water, place 2-3 lemons which are sliced into thin strips. Let it heat in the oven for around 5 minutes. The same odor-eliminating effect can be achieved using a cup of water with a tablespoon of vinegar. Even plain bottled lemon juice works as well.

Having an over the range microwave means having to clean two different appliances. Cleaning the vent part requires you to take it apart. Carefully detach the hood filter. Let it soak for 5 minutes in warm water. Afterwards, spray with your preferred cleaning solution. Let it work there for about 15 minutes before scrubbing it with a pad that’s non-abrasive. Rinse it with water afterwards.

Again using your choice of cleaning solution, spray the vent’s interior. However, avoid spraying on crevices and the light. Let the solution sit for about 15 minutes. Use a damp sponge or cloth to completely remove the solution. For hard-to-reach areas of the vent, use a small brush. Dry using kitchen towels, then reattach the filter.

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