How to Easily Clean a Microwave With Vinegar

Make your microwave look like new in just a few minutes

using vinegar to clean a microwave

The Spruce / Jenelle Botts

Project Overview
  • Working Time: 5 - 15 mins
  • Total Time: 10 - 20 mins
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Estimated Cost: $0 to 5

Knowing how to clean a microwave with vinegar will make your microwave look new in just a few minutes. All the greasy splatters, food spills, and lingering odors will be gone after a quick cleaning with distilled white vinegar and water.

As a bonus, vinegar is inexpensive, has no harsh chemicals, and sanitizes the microwave.

Learn how to use distilled white vinegar as a fast and easy way to clean your microwave in just minutes.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

Cleaning Tools

  • 1 microwave-safe bowl
  • 1 sponge
  • 1 microfiber towel
  • 1 hot mitt
  • 1 protective gloves
  • 1 sink (optional)

Materials

Cleaning Supplies

  • 1 cup distilled white vinegar
  • citrus peels, essential oil, herbs
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 bottle dishwashing liquid (optional)

Instructions

How to Clean a Microwave Using Vinegar

  1. Add Vinegar and Water to a Microwave-Safe Bowl

    Pour one cup of distilled white vinegar and one cup of water into a microwave-safe bowl.

    If you don't like the scent of vinegar, add herbs, lemon juice, or several slices of citrus peel (lemon, orange, lime) to the water. Or, add a couple of drops of your favorite essential oil to create a customized scent.

    White microwave with door open and sliced lemons inside glass bowl in front

    The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo

  2. Microwave for 5 Minutes

    Place the bowl of vinegar and water into the microwave and heat it on high for five minutes. The boiling solution will create steam to loosen the stuck-on food.

    Water and lemon solution placed inside microwave for heating

    The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo

  3. Wipe Down the Microwave

    After five minutes, carefully remove the bowl. The solution will be extremely hot, so use gloves or an oven mitt to protect your hands from any accidental splashing.

    Wearing protective gloves, dip a sponge into the solution and carefully wipe down all surfaces, including the door, on the inside of the microwave.

    clean sponge soaking inside of microwave with lemon cleaning solution

    The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo

  4. Soak and Clean the Turntable

    If your microwave has a removable turntable, remove it and wipe it down on all sides. If it is extremely greasy, you can wash it in the sink with hot water and a few drops of dishwashing liquid or place it in an automatic dishwasher.

    Microwave turntable cleaned in sink with soapy water and sponge

    The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo

  5. Dry the Interior

    Once you've got every speck of grease and grime off the inside of your microwave, grab a microfiber towel and wipe the inside dry.

  6. Wipe Down the Exterior

    You can use the same vinegar solution to clean the outside of your microwave. Dip a clean sponge in the solution and wipe down the exterior. Dry controls and door handles with a microfiber cloth to prevent streaking.

    person wiping down a microwave door

    ​The Spruce / Ana Cadena 

How Often Should You Clean Your Microwave Oven?

If you use your microwave daily and often forget to cover food when reheating it, you should clean your microwave at least once a week.

Ideally, you should give the microwave a quick cleaning just as soon as you notice odors or splattered food (fresh splatters are easier to remove than stuck-on food). However, if you don't use it as frequently, a nice deep clean biweekly or even once a month should do the trick.

Tips to Keep Your Microwave Clean Longer

  • Invest in a microwave plate cover, available online or in most superstores, as an inexpensive way to help reduce splash and splatter that gets stuck on the walls of your microwave.
  • No plate cover? Cover bowls and cups with a paper towel to reduce splatter. Wrap solid items with a paper towel and place them on a microwave-safe plate or paper plate to keep the bottom of your microwave clean.
  • Remember, regular maintenance is key! The more often you clean your microwave, the less of a hassle it will be when it's time to make it sparkle.
FAQ
  • Is it safe to clean a microwave with vinegar?

    Distilled white vinegar is a safe, environmentally-friendly cleaner for the microwave and other kitchen surfaces. Vinegar is less expensive and does not contain added chemicals and dyes that are in some commercial cleaners.

  • What is the best way to clean the inside of a microwave?

    Using steam is the easiest way to loosen stuck-on food in the microwave. Add vinegar to the water to get grease-cutting qualities that will cut through any sticky film. If there are tough-to-clean areas, use a bit of baking soda on your sponge to act as a gentle abrasive.

  • Is it better to clean a microwave with lemon or vinegar?

    Distilled white vinegar and lemon juice are both mild acids that will cut through greasy residue in the microwave. Both are equally effective and can even be used together to leave your microwave smelling fresh and free of splattered food.