How to Clean a Microwave Quickly (No Scrubbing)

Splatters bake on every time you reheat, which makes them harder to remove. Steam loosens them so you wipe instead of scrub.

By the Ample Cleaners team · 5 October 2026 · 3 min read

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Method

  1. Put a microwave-safe bowl with water and a few slices of lemon, or a splash of white vinegar, inside
  2. Heat on high for around three to five minutes, until the window is steamed up
  3. Leave the door closed for five minutes, so the steam keeps working
  4. Carefully remove the bowl, which will be hot, and wipe the inside with a damp cloth
  5. Wipe the turntable, which you can wash in hot soapy water, and the door seal

Tips

  • Cover food to stop splatters in the first place
  • Wipe up spills the same day
  • Do not use abrasive pads on the interior, and never run the microwave empty

Common mistakes

  • Using metal scourers that scratch the interior
  • Leaving splatters for weeks so they bake on harder
  • Forgetting the door seal and the ceiling of the cavity

Common questions

How do I get a burnt smell out of a microwave?

Steam a bowl of water with lemon or vinegar, wipe the inside, and leave the door open to air for a while.

Would you rather we did it for you?

Ample Cleaners offers deep cleaning across Barking, Dagenham, Romford, Ilford and surrounding areas, with DBS-checked cleaners and a fixed price.

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