Steam Microwave Cleaner
Effortlessly clean your microwave with steam. Loosens baked-on food and eliminates odors in minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Water
- 1 whole Lemon (Cut in half, or 2 tbsp lemon juice)
- 2 tablespoons White vinegar (Optional, for tough grime)
Why This Recipe Works
The steam from heated water loosens baked-on food and grease, making it easy to wipe away. Lemon provides natural cleaning power and leaves a fresh scent while also cutting through grease. The process is so gentle yet effective that it requires minimal scrubbing.
Instructions
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Prepare the bowl: Pour water into a microwave-safe bowl. Squeeze lemon halves into the water and drop them in. Add vinegar if using.
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Microwave on high: Heat for 3-5 minutes until the water boils and the window is steamy.
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Let it sit: Keep the door closed for 5 minutes. The steam continues working to loosen grime.
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Remove carefully: The bowl will be hot - use oven mitts.
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Wipe clean: Remove the turntable and wipe all interior surfaces with a clean cloth. Everything should wipe off easily.
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Clean the turntable: Wash the turntable in the sink with dish soap.
Tips & Variations
- No lemon?: Use 1/4 cup of vinegar instead, or use orange peels.
- For heavy buildup: Repeat the steaming process before wiping.
- Door seal: Don’t forget to wipe the door seal where food often splatters.
- Control panel: Wipe the control panel with a barely damp cloth (don’t get electronics wet).
Safety Notes
- Bowl will be hot: Always use oven mitts when removing.
- Don’t overheat: 5 minutes is usually plenty - longer may cause water to boil over.
- Ventilate: Open the door carefully as steam will escape.
- Unplug for deep clean: If cleaning around electrical components, unplug first.
Storage
No storage needed - make fresh each time. Keep lemons in the fridge for whenever you need them.