7 Microwave Ovens Maintenance Tips

When it hit stores half a century ago, the microwave oven dramatically changed meal preparation by reducing heating times considerably. Today, it’s a staple part of most kitchens. Routine care will keep your microwave oven operating well for many years. You don’t know how critical your microwave is to your daily life until it suddenly breaks down or rusts through because of something as simple as poor cleaning. Here are some tips on caring for your microwave to increase its longevity.

1. Arm & Hammer Baking Soda.

To clean and deodorize the inside of a microwave oven, sprinkle Arm & Hammer Baking Soda on a damp sponge, scrub, and rinse. Or mix two tablespoons Arm & Hammer Baking Soda in one cup of water. Boil in the microwave for five minutes, allowing the steam to condense on the inside walls of the oven, then wipe clean.

2. Bounce. Dampen a clean, used sheet of Bounce with water and use it to wipe clean your microwave. A dryer sheet makes a mildly abrasive scrubber, and the fragrance helps cover up pungent odors.

3. Dixie Paper Plates. Save your microwave from splatters and spills by placing a Dixie Paper Plate under cups or dishes and inverting a second paper plate over dishes as a splatter screen.

4. Heinz White Vinegar. If there’s a stench inside your microwave oven, unplug the microwave and place a drinking glass filled with Heinz White Vinegar inside the oven, with the door open. Let sit for 24 hours, or longer if necessary. Vinegar absorbs foul odors.

5. ReaLemon. Add four tablespoons ReaLemon lemon juice to one cup water in a microwave-safe four-cup bowl. Boil for five minutes in the microwave, allowing the steam to condense on the inside walls of the oven. Then wipe clean.

6. Reynolds Cut-Rite Wax Paper. Prevent spatters in the microwave in the first place by simply covering dishes or plates of spaghetti and meatballs, chili, or other saucy foods with a sheet of Reynolds Cut-Rite Wax Paper.

7. Mr. Coffee Filters. Prevent spatters in the microwave in the first place by covering dishes or bowls of spaghetti and meatballs, chili, or other saucy foods with a Mr. Coffee Filter.