Cleaning Your Microwave: 5 Magical Grandmother's Tips

It seems to us that you are a busy woman who values good order and neatness. Topping your long list of household chores is cooking and meal preparation. Then there is the laundry and the vacuum cleaner, but where rest and communication with children are found in this vertiginous whirlwind. So as not to turn cleaning into an ordeal, there are thirty-six ways to go about it cleverly. Either the Flylady method that helps you get your whole house in order in no time, or tips to make your kitchen equipment shine. Which appliance do you use the most? How to refresh and clean your microwave quickly and naturally so that it meets the image of cleanliness and ecological principles? We searched our mothers and grandmothers' diaries and tested all the tips to restore the perfect microwave oven look. Read on to enrich your experience.

Cleaning your microwave: the most used appliance in the kitchen

When in 1946, an American engineer discovered that an active magnetron emanated from heat, the Raythéon company where he worked began industrial production of the microwave oven. Although in the beginning the first heated foods were popcorn and an egg, today this acclaimed appliance is every housewife's first aid in preparing and warming food. In fact, if the microwave is used so much, it follows the fact that it gets dirty quickly and a lot. Full of all kinds of dirt and spills, the device calls for frequent, quick and efficient cleaning.

Words of Defense: Is the microwave harmful?

According to the principle of operation, a periodic (alternating) electric current is transformed into a direct current via a step-up rectifier, a diode and a capacitor. As a result, the current from the step-up transformer feeds the magnetron. The latter is a device that transforms kinetic energy into electromagnetic energy in the form of a microwave. When food is subjected to microwave radiation, it is only touched in one part. As it absorbs energy and converts it into calories, the food heats up.

According to the latest research, we are reassured that "microwave radiation is not ionizing and does not represent any genotoxicity". However, the risk is not in the reheated food but rather in the operation of the oven. This is why cleaning your microwave naturally and efficiently becomes a priority.

"Bone" the device to know where to start cleaning it

First, there is the electromechanical timer which allows you to choose the cooking modes and the duration. This part of the command must be clean in order to be able to specify the time and the way to reheat the food. As in general, we handle them with sometimes greasy fingers, the buttons can be degreased by a solution of water and lemon, without preponderance of acid. This is in order to prevent it from entering behind.

Perhaps, you think that the part to be cleaned the easiest is the turntable… By the way, you are right: by taking it out and washing it with a conventional chemical product, it becomes shiny. But be careful not to bring it in wet or just damp! So you have to separate yourself from your microwave oven. Put the turntable in its place after drying it.

If you use a soft cloth or sponge every time you have cooked or reheated a dish, you won't have to worry about the interior walls and the transparent screen of the appliance. But if, for lack of time, you let the dirt impose itself permanently, you will be dealing with its tenacity.

Do not forget the grill that you can put in the sink that is clogged and full of hot water. The effectiveness of the washing-up liquid is indisputable in this case. Let dry before putting back in place.

How to clean your microwave: natural and eco-friendly grandmother's tip

If you own any of the following common household items, you have everything you need to clean your microwave quickly and safely: vinegar, baking soda, lemons, or lemon essential oil. As for the auxiliary items, you need to get a damp sponge or cloth, a large measuring cup and a microwave-safe bowl. And of course, water is essential! Before doing anything, clean the crumbs from the inside of the appliance.

How to clean the microwave with white vinegar?

While we've already instructed you on how to clean an induction hob and we've shared our natural, eco-friendly tips for neutralizing stubborn odors in the fridge, the “magical” properties of white vinegar are endless. So, it is strongly recommended to clean your microwave in a jiffy. Are you curious about the ploy? Well, here !

First, get a Pyrex glass mug or microwave safe bowl in which to mix a cup of water and a cup of vinegar. So that the water does not come to a boil, put a toothpick in the bowl. Close after the container in the microwave oven, connected to high power for 5 minutes. Then remove the mug or bowl and wipe the inside with a damp cloth or sponge and voila. Before the mixture cools, use it to wipe down other dirty surfaces in the kitchen. It's very economical and efficient, don't worry!

In order for the mission to achieve the desired effect without damaging the interior of the device, avoid touching the joints and fasteners with the vinegar-soaked cloth. After removing grease stains, wipe with a sponge impregnated with water and dry with a dry cloth.

Thoroughly clean a microwave with lemon

Since the acid content in lemon breaks down dirt, spotlight on the properties of citrus fruits. Certainly, a few drops of lemon juice or 2 or 3 slices in a bowl of water are sufficient. Do not forget the toothpick like the previous instructions.

For five full minutes, let the bowl spin on the pan and you will be amazed at the results. For their part, an orange and a tangerine will do the same job brilliantly. As the citrus juice breaks down the dirt, use it to clean a wooden or plastic cutting board. As for precautions, do not be in a hurry to open the oven door until a few minutes have passed. This in order to avoid the stuffy smell and burns.

Want to know how to use baking soda

Since you've already tested the potency of baking soda in our 22 uses, we're tempted to bring you one more. Pour 1 cup of baking soda and 2 cups of water in a bowl and mix well. After placing the container in the microwave, plug in a working time of 6 minutes. Wipe the inside of the device with a damp cloth.

Surely the second method of cleaning the microwave is even easier. Dampen a sponge and pour in baking soda until it becomes a paste. Lightly rub the inside of the oven and finally rinse with another damp sponge.

Why include clay stone in microwave oven cleaning?

Notoriously, clay stone is 100% ecological and biodegradable. Indeed, this magic multi-use product is compact, very economical and super effective. Why multi-use? Because you can clean almost any washable surface in the house. Why not cumbersome? Instead of stuffing cupboards with cleaning products, only one can rock the legion.

Finally, what is its economic side: long term duration and minimal quantity is enough to do a perfect job.

In addition, we can praise the clay stone because it does not scratch, polishes, removes lime, degreases and luster. So, she has the chance to become your favorite among microwave oven cleaning means. Being in the form of a hard paste, you can use it by dropping a small amount, (the size of a fingernail), on a sponge, lathering it. Scrub the walls of the oven and rinse with a sponge soaked in pure water. If the stains are stubborn, leave the product on for 3 to 5 minutes after application.

Easy microwave cleaning with wet wipes

Apparently, wet wipes don't just play a role as personal hygiene products. Their use is growing in cleaning the surfaces and interiors of certain household appliances. Like, for example, the microwave oven. Just spread 3 wipes on the turntable and plug in the appliance for 3 minutes. Alcoholic vapors will do.

We all know that the microwave is an irreplaceable appliance in the kitchen and we should not apprehend it. Since it presents much less risk than any other electrical device at our service. In addition, food does not become radioactive, the waves do not penetrate the food and no scientific research has found a link with cancer. On the other hand, a few chemical changes in food as a result of heating, vitamins B and C are preserved and fats are less oxidized.

Finally, be aware that the main risk is thermal in nature, that is to say burns. In order to experience pleasure in the kitchen and during the consumption of concocted meals, make sure your microwave oven is clean.