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How to Clean Your Microwave Oven

Bowl of water with lemons inside a microwave.

There is nothing worse than the smell of last night’s Chinese takeout lingering in your microwave unless, of course, you’re trying to improve how long you can hold your breath. If that fails to be the case, it is time to rid your microwave of unwanted smells and stains. As microwave experts, we have a few techniques that will help you clean your microwave hassle-free and chemical-free.

The Classic Solution

At Sharp, we strive to be original. However, this technique has been a classic remedy that has saved households from foul-smelling microwaves since the beginning of time.

You will first need to gather a microwave-safe bowl and fill it with 2 cups of warm water and two tablespoons of vinegar. Once you have done this, place one toothpick into your bowl, this will prevent the water from boiling over the edges of the bowl while the mixture is being heated. After you have done this, proceed to microwave the bowl on high for 5 minutes and allow the microwave to cool for 8 to 10 minutes before opening the door, then remove the bowl and wipe the inside with a damp sponge.

The Sponge Solution

No-fuss, no mess, just a sponge, water, and a teaspoon of vinegar.

First, you will have to take your sponge and run it under warm water until the sponge is completely soaked. After your sponge has swelled with water, place it in the microwave and pour one teaspoon of white vinegar onto the top of the sponge.

Once you have finished performing this task, microwave your sponge on high for 3 minutes, allowing 8 to 10 minutes after cooking, the time has ended for the sponge to cool down. Once the cooking and cooling time has ended, use the sponge to wipe down your microwave, removing all unwanted stains thoroughly.

The Fruity Solution

Picture this; you are entertaining friends, and they open your microwave, shocked to smell an aroma of fresh oranges and lemons.

If you are now resentfully staring at your pizza stained, odorous microwave wishing this was the case, then the fruity solution may be the most effective technique.

Start by adding 1 cup of water, one chopped up lemon and orange, and about four tablespoons of vinegar into a microwave-safe bowl. Then place the container in your microwave and heat on high for 5 minutes (or until the mixture boils and the window of the microwave appears steamy). Lastly, allow your microwave to cool for 10 minutes, remove the bowl, and wipe inside of the appliance with a damp sponge.

To avoid turning your microwave into a potential lunch room crime scene, we recommend using our cleaning techniques to freshen up your appliance at least once a month. This will help avoid unwanted odors and stains and leave your microwave smelling as fresh as a daisy.

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