It is probably time to clean a microwave filter right away if you are unsure of when you last did so. Use this step-by-step instruction to thoroughly clean a microwave filter to maintain the performance of your vent fan.
Here’s how to clean a microwave filter: unplug your microwave, locate the grease filter, remove the grease filter from the housing slot, soak the grease filter, scrub the filter, rinse the grease filter, and place the grease filter back into the slot.
Please continue reading for more information.
What is a Microwave Filter?
Let’s define the grease filter in your microwave before talking about why it needs to be cleaned. For those who don’t understand filters or their function, this will provide context.
Simply put, a microwave filter is a mesh screen that sits between your microwave’s ventilation system and its exhaust fan. These filters are intended to prevent food debris from clogging your venting system or obstructing your exhaust fan, which would stop them from drawing hot air out of your microwave.
One drawback of having one in a microwave is that you need to regularly clean them for them to work properly. If you don’t, they clog and eventually stop functioning. Find more detailed information for cleaning microwaves.
Read about:
How to Clean a Microwave Filter?
There are many different types of microwaves with different functionalities and types of filters. Use this guide as a general reference for cleaning or replacing your filter. Consult your owner’s manual for more detailed instructions.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
- Dish soap
- Baking soda
- Container to soak filter (or your sink)
- Gloves
- Screwdriver
- Old toothbrush or a coarse dish sponge
Unplug Your Microwave
Make sure your microwave is unplugged to be on the safe side. Anytime you are dealing with electric products, it’s better to unplug them before performing maintenance tasks.
Locate the Grease Filter
Typically, the microwave’s grease filter is located there. A small tab is attached to a rectangle or square of metal mesh.
Remove Grease Filter from Housing Slot
Simply push the filter inward and slide it out of the housing slot using the tab. This will remove the filter. Use gloves if your filter is very dirty or if you don’t want to get your hands dirty.
Soak the Grease Filter
Immerse your filter in a deep container or sink filled with hot water and dish soap for at least 10 minutes, or longer if required. The filter should appear noticeably cleaner, and any residue should be simple to remove. Add ¼ cup of baking soda to the water if the grease filter is especially filthy.
Scrub Filter
With an old toothbrush or a coarse dish sponge, lightly scrub the filter to remove any stuck-on grease or particles. To prevent bending the filter, take care not to scrub too vigorously.
Rinse the Grease Filter
After cleaning the filter, rinse it with fresh water, pat it dry with paper towels, or allow it to dry naturally.
Place Grease Filter Back into Slot
Once the microwave filter has dried, reinstall it in the housing slot by gently pushing it inward and sliding it back to its initial position with the tab.
How Often Should You Clean Or Replace Microwave Filters?
Your over-the-range microwave’s grease filter needs to be cleaned every month. This filter helps keep grease and other debris from entering the vent system of your microwave so the exhaust fan can circulate clean air into your kitchen as you cook at your range. The exhaust fan won’t function effectively if the grease filter is dirty.
The charcoal filter in your microwave needs to be replaced as well. The charcoal filter must be changed every six months because it cannot be cleaned, unlike the grease filter. As you cook, the charcoal filter helps reduce the amount of smells that are released into your house.
You can continue to clean your microwave grease filter monthly, unless physical damage occurs. If your grease filter breaks, it is best to replace it as soon as possible to prevent grease from entering the vent system of your microwave. After being replaced, keep up recommended maintenance.
How to Replace a Microwave Charcoal Filter?
Every six months, you should change the microwave’s charcoal filter. There is no way to clean the microwave charcoal filter.
- Disconnect your microwave’s power
Make sure your microwave is turned off before proceeding.
- Dismantle the vent panel
You should take out the screws holding the vent panel in place with a Phillips-head screwdriver. By gently lifting it away, you can remove the vent panel and store the screws in a secure location.
- Remove the old microwave charcoal filter
Locate the microwave charcoal filter, take it out gently, and throw it away the right way.
- Replace the microwave charcoal filter
Replace the old charcoal filter with a new one. Make sure the filter is securely in place and positioned before replacing it.
- Reassemble the vent panel
Once the new microwave charcoal filter is secure, position the vent panel back in place. When tightening and securing the vent panel, use the original screws.
FAQs
What Type of Microwave Filters Are There?
The two most common types of microwave filters are charcoal filters and stainless steel or aluminum mesh filters. Sometimes the two are combined, with the steel filter capturing the larger grease and dirt particles and the charcoal filter further purifying the air before it is returned to your kitchen.
Do Microwaves Have a Filter?
Only microwaves with a fan that recirculates air back to your kitchen have filters.
Can You Wash Microwave Filters?
Metal or aluminum mesh filters can be washed. Every three months or so, these filters need to be cleaned. If you cook a lot, you can inspect the filter every four to six weeks to make sure that your air is being cleaned properly.
Charcoal filters sit inside the microwave. Replace these instead of cleaning them every six months. Although six months may not be the ideal period for everyone, it is a general rule, so pay attention to your cooking routine and make any necessary adjustments.
How Do I Clean My Microwave?
You may also want to clean your microwave if you’re cleaning your microwave filter. After all, it might not be a bad idea. It can be challenging to establish a schedule for daily, or even weekly, microwave cleaning. Tough grease and stains will inevitably accumulate; luckily, you don’t need to struggle to get rid of them.
Let the microwave do the work for you. One cup of vinegar or ammonia should be heated in a bowl in the microwave for three to four minutes. Water can be used to dilute vinegar or ammonia as well. Use a stronger vinegar solution for stubborn stains; if a deep clean is not necessary, diluted vinegar with a lot of water. To remove the dirtiest stains, you can also heat the vinegar for a longer period of time.
Do I Need to Clean My Filters?
Yes, a working microwave that filters the air in your kitchen has a clean filter. However, since your kitchen air won’t become clean if your filter is dirty, you might as well stop using your fan altogether.
While mesh filters for your microwave can be washed in your sink once or twice a year, charcoal filters shouldn’t be cleaned. Just remember to check your microwave filters once a month because this time period may not be ideal for everyone.
Can I Clean My Microwave Filters in the Dishwasher?
Make sure your filters are dishwasher-safe by contacting the manufacturer or looking in the manual. If you can’t find this information, just hand wash the filters to be safe or wash them in the dishwasher without detergent.
Summary: How to Clean a Microwave Filter?
How to clean a microwave filter? Overall, cleaning a microwave filter is not too challenging. It may take some time, but if you follow our guide above, you will have a sparkling filter in minutes.
Keep in mind that prevention is always preferable to treatment, and maintain a clean and safe environment in your home for your family. It’s probably time for thorough cleaning if you discover that your filters are becoming overly dirty or odorous.
Additionally, it’s time to replace them with new ones if they have gone past their use-by date (six months). We sincerely hope that our advice was useful to you. Keep in mind that food safety should never be compromised.
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