One of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to cleaning a microwave is “Can You Clean a Microwave With Bleach?”. No, you shouldn’t use bleach to clean your microwave.
While bleach is a common and effective cleaning agent, it is not strong enough to kill all the bacteria that can accumulate in a microwave. In addition, bleach is extremely corrosive and, if used improperly, can harm your appliance. Last but not least, bleach has a potent smell that can linger in the microwave for a very long time after it has been used.
For all these reasons, it is best to avoid using bleach when cleaning a microwave. There are many commercial or natural cleaners that are much safer and more efficient than the traditional cleaning solutions. Please continue reading for more details.
Clean a Microwave With Bleach
While cleaning a microwave with bleach is not particularly risky, it serves little purpose. Because it kills bacteria, germs, and potentially harmful chemicals, bleach is one of the main reasons it works so well as a cleaning agent. Every time a microwave operates, it already accomplishes this because electromagnetic waves can quickly destroy almost anything they come into contact with. That said, you might want to spend your time building a microwave cart instead.
Bleach is an effective stain remover that can work on ceramic or stainless steel microwaves. But there are easier and less odorous ways to remove stains from your microwave. Knowing about alternative methods of cleaning a microwave could be useful if you are trying to learn how to clean a microwave vent and similar components.
INSIDER TIP
You could clean a microwave with a bleach solution, but the smell might contaminate some of your food.
Alternatives to Bleach
There are many alternatives to bleach to help keep your microwave clean, so you won’t encounter any disruptions of service, which could lead to learning how to remove a built-in microwave after a malfunction.
Lemons, Oranges, and Limes
Unbelievably, citrus fruit works wonders as a microwave cleaner. Just cut up the citrus into pieces and remove the peelings. After that, add about a cup of water to them in a bowl that can be heated in a microwave. After about four minutes in the microwave, let the bowl of citrus sit for up to 12 hours in the cavity. Infuriating odors will no longer be present, and stains will be simple to remove. Another effective cleaning solution for a microwave is lemon juice. Try squeezing some onto a kitchen sponge.
Steam Cleaning
Steam cleaning is a fantastic additional method for cleaning a microwave. Just add one cup, or even two cups, of water to a microwave-safe container. 4 to 5 minutes in the microwave, or until the water boils, is all that is needed. Then, let it sit inside the closed microwave for several minutes, to allow the steam to do its job. When you clean the microwave’s interior afterward, you’ll be amazed at how effectively the steam removed food debris and other gunk.
Vinegar
You can clean almost any microwave surface with vinegar, which is a fantastic all-purpose cleaner. Additionally, it won’t leave any harmful chemical residue and is non-toxic.
Here’s how to use vinegar to clean your microwave:
- Start by mixing two tablespoons of vinegar with two cups of water. You can also incorporate a few drops of your preferred essential oil if you don’t like the vinegar smell.
- Put this mixture in a bowl that can be heated in the microwave for five minutes at high power. This will steam up the interior of your
- Ten minutes must pass before the bowl is taken out. This will enable any tough stains or food particles to be removed by the heated vinegar.
- Lift the bowl out with care.
- Remove the turntable and glass plate from the microwave.
- Cleanse the microwave’s interior with a fresh cloth.
- Finally, replace the turntable and glass plate.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is another safe and effective all-purpose cleaner. It can be used to clean the inside of your microwave of tough stains and grime.
Here’s how to use baking soda to clean microwaves:
- Mix two tablespoons of baking soda with one cup of water.
- This mixture should be heated for five minutes at high power in a bowl that can be used in a microwave.
- The bowl, glass plate, and turntable should all be carefully removed after five minutes.
- Take a clean rag and wipe down the inside of the microwave.
- Finally, swap out the glass plate and turntable.
Dish Soap and Water
Dish soap is widely available in bottles. Dish soap will clean your microwave safely and leave it spotless.
Follow these steps to use dish soap and water:
- Two cups of warm water should be combined with a few sprays of dish soap.
- Take out the turntable and glass plate from the microwave.
- Fill a sponge with the solution, then wring it out.
- Use the sponge to scrub the inside of the microwave. Working your way down, begin at the top.
- Rinse, then dry with a fresh towel.
- The turntable and glass plate should then be replaced.
There are numerous commercial cleaners that can be used to clean your microwave in addition to natural cleaning agents. These products are specifically formulated to kill germs and bacteria. That being said, it is important to read the label carefully before using any commercial cleaning product in your microwave.
How Often Should I Clean My Microwave?
How often should I clean my microwave? The majority of people frequently use their microwaves, so stains and splatters can easily accumulate. There isn’t a set frequency for cleaning the microwave, but once a week is a good general rule of thumb.
However, it’s best to clean up any significant spills or splatters right away to avoid them setting up and becoming harder to get rid of later.
FAQs
What’s the Easiest Way to Clean a Microwave?
There’s a choice of ways to clean the inside of a microwave, and a lot of them would also work on the best toaster ovens, but cleaning with lemon juice and the juice of other citrus fruits is a favorite of many experts. Try these simple steps from Roman Peysakhovich, CEO of national cleaning company Onedesk(opens in new tab). ‘Slices of lemon, lime, or orange combined with 1 cup of water. You must squeeze the juice from the fruit slices into the water in a bowl that can be heated in a microwave. Once the mixture begins to boil and the microwave’s window begins to steam, put the bowl inside and set the microwave to high power for 4 to 6 minutes. Let the homemade cleaning solution cool for a few minutes before opening the door, then remove the bowl and wipe the microwave clean with a sponge.’ If something you cooked has a strong odor, lemon is a great cure for a smelly microwave.
Can You Clean a Microwave With Windex?
Yes, Windex can remove grease, so you can use it to clean a microwave, but there are better options, such as all-natural cleaners like vinegar. Always make sure to rinse off any chemicals to prevent food contamination.
Can You Clean a Microwave With Bleach?
You can clean a microwave with bleach, though you must be sure to rinse your microwave thoroughly afterwards so that there are no traces of chemical left behind post-cleaning. They will contaminate your food if you leave them there. The same results can be achieved with vinegar, which is a more natural alternative.
Can You Clean a Microwave With Clorox?
While natural products like vinegar or Clorox can also be used to clean a microwave, Clorox is a good option. In both cases, always ensure you rinse your appliance thoroughly so that there are no traces of chemical left behind post-cleaning. They will contaminate your food if you leave them there.
Can You Clean a Microwave With Lysol?
Although a natural cleaner like vinegar works just as well, you can clean a microwave with Lysol. In both cases, make sure to thoroughly rinse your microwave to remove any chemical residue that cleaning agents might have left behind. Your food will be contaminated if you leave them.
Can You Put Oven Cleaner in a Microwave?
You may think that if you know how to clean an oven you know how to clean a microwave. Nevertheless, never use microwave oven cleaner. ‘The finishes in a microwave are different from those in an oven,’ says germ prevention expert Tricia Holderman(opens in new tab).
It is possible to purchase microwave oven cleaner(opens in new tab), if you prefer to use a specialist product. To effectively clean a microwave, however, this is not required. ‘Jessica Samson advises sticking with soap, water, and a vinegar solution. ‘These three things alone will allow you to perform a thorough deep clean.’
Summary: Can You Clean a Microwave With Bleach?
It’s not a good idea to clean your microwave with bleach, so don’t do it. There are plenty of natural alternatives or commercial cleaners that are much safer and can be just as effective. So the next time you need to clean your microwave, use a commercial or natural cleaner instead of bleach. Your microwave will thank you!
