Cleaning Microwave

Updated on November 30, 2009
P.D. asks from Missoula, MT
16 answers

My microwave has stuck on gunk from microwave popcorn. I have tried the steam method where you boil water in the oven for a few mintues and then it sit for a bit to soften the gunk, ammonia in a shallow bowl in it for several hours and Lysol kitchen surface cleaner. Nothing has gotten thru it. I looked at the easy off oven cleaner and it specifially states not to use it on microwaves. HELP!

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S.R.

answers from Denver on

P., Try Young Living Oil Peppermint. Just a little on a cloth and rub it then wipe down with a ittle soapy water...

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M.R.

answers from Provo on

did you try goo be gone? Actually there is a better one, a little more expensive. It is at walmart. a yellow liquid with a blue label (name escapes me) but that even works better

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L.W.

answers from Colorado Springs on

Hi P. ... try "Goo Gone".

L.

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K.W.

answers from Boise on

Using a glass microwave safe bowl (like a pyrex mixing bowl), put in 3-4 cups water with 1/2 cup Arm and Hammer baking soda. Turn on the microwave until the water visibly boils (usually 5-10 minutes, depending on your microwave). Let it sit a few more minutes, then CAREFULLY pull the bowl out and wipe the inside of the microwave. You can do it again if necessary. This should not only loosen the gunk, but also freshen the stale popcorn smell.

Good luck from someone who has been there (multiple times!)

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C.C.

answers from Salt Lake City on

I will echo the vinegar water I boil water with vinegar in it to loosen everything up there have been a few times where that has taken a couple of hours of re starting the microwave but once the steam and vinegar do the work it took me all of two minutes to wipe it out
good luck

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T.W.

answers from Denver on

Try scraping it with a super sharp razor blade. I use it all the time for all over the kitchen.

Good luck!

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C.S.

answers from Denver on

Hi P.,

Been there done that! LOL I used Comet (powder kind, not liquid). Sprinkled it on a wet sponge and wiped down the entire inside of the microwave. Only thing is, you gotta rinse it well. (the steam method is great for that part too).

Good luck...oh but make sure you work the comet into the sponge first as it can be a little abrasive.

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V.J.

answers from Salt Lake City on

Shaklee (look in the phone book) has a cleanser that is made with cranberries that works on everything really well. You might be able to find Shaklee on the internet.

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P.M.

answers from Great Falls on

Sol-U-Mel, MelaMagic, and Tough & Tender all work well. They are naturally derived cleaners so you aren't get harsh smells and fumes,and it's safe around kids. You can only get them on-line.

I know you'll find a solution here!

Sincerely,
Tricia
Mom to Alex & Arianna
www.Mamas2Mamas.com

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S.L.

answers from Grand Junction on

I do the lemon juice and water thing and I love how it works (non-toxic, too). Put a micro-safe bowl (not huge, I use my 2 cup pyrex measuring cup) in the microwave, along with juice from a lemon and microwave on high for a few minutes. Good luck!

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B.P.

answers from Jacksonville on

I'd try white vinegar and water. I have some in a spray bottle. Or scrubbing with baking soda maybe.

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A.C.

answers from Colorado Springs on

I have a spray bottle of vinegar water that I use for most every cleaning thing. When the microwave's funky, I spray it down so the mist is coming back at me & fire it up for 30 sec. When I open it, the funk is loosened enough that I can wipe it down w/just a dishrag, occasionally I still need a fingernail.
Good luck!

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J.S.

answers from Denver on

All these suggestions sound great. If nothing works, the magic eraser is always in my arsenal as another attempt at cleaning.

Here's a tip for maintenance once you do get it clean... every night when I'm done with the dishes, I pop my sponge in the microwave on high for 1 minute. One benefit is that it disinfects the sponge. Then -- with gloves on since it will be hot -- I give my microwave a quick wipe down. It's steamed already, and if I do it everyday it's easy to get the couple of stains that have built up in only one day. Hope that helps!

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K.P.

answers from Boise on

Try vinegar and water. Fill a spray bottle with about 1/3 full of the vinegar and fill the bottle the rest of the way up with water. I use it to clean everything, and it always gets my microwave clean. It will smell a little bit but the smell goes away when it is dry.

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C.P.

answers from Provo on

I have used lemon juice in the microwave and it worked great. I added a couple of tablespoons to a cup of water and then heated it about a minute and a half. Let it stand in the microwave for about five minutes and it should help.

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S.W.

answers from Pocatello on

I love my magic eraser...

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