Cleaning Baked on Microwave Messes

Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:00):
Hello again, I'll you cleaning fools out there. Welcome back.
I have to apologize before we get going. I have
fighting a little bit of a cold, so I might
lose my voice a little bit. I might sneeze, i
might cough. But I'm just gonna keep trucking along so
we can get this through. This one. This one's a

(00:20):
good one. Actually, we just finished the last episode on
cleaning the oven. Now we're going to transition into the microwave.
And you might think that the microwave is easy, but
as a housekeeper, house cleaner, somebody that owns a cleaning business,
I can tell you that sometimes it's one of the

(00:41):
toughest things to clean because of the high heat and
the microwave that bake things on. So I'm going to
give you a little bit of my own tips after
we go through these other tips here of what I've
seen works for people to keep their microwave clean er

(01:02):
and easier to clean. So let's just jump in. It
might seem like a simple appliance, the microwave, although it isn't.
It harbors a surprising amount of food crime scenes. It
gets splattered with sauces, it explodes vegetables, and fruit, and

(01:23):
it has the ever mysterious hardened cheese on it. These
aren't just esthetically gross, but food remnants can harbor bacteria
and create really unpleasant odors. But fear not, my kitchen commandos.
With the right strategies, we can transform your microwave from

(01:44):
a splattered wasteland into a sparkling, sanc sanctuary of reheated goodness.
So the first step in microwave mayhem mitigation say that
three times fast is prevent Yes, yes, yes. While we
can't prevent every culinary mishap, we can certainly minimize them.

(02:07):
So let's cover our dishes while microwaving, especially those prone
to splatter like sausage and sausage and soups. Think of
it as a tiny force field protecting your microwave from
the inevitable using microwave safe lids, which there are so
many of them out on the market now. You can

(02:29):
get them in Amazon, you can get them in Walmart.
They come in flat, they're flat, they're rounded. There are
so many of them now that you can buy. However,
sometimes a simple paper towel tucked under a plate can
also help contain rogue splatter. So remember, prevention is far

(02:51):
better than a post microwave cleaning marathon. Although we're going
to talk about that, I'm going to get a sip
of my water right now because I can excuse me
a cough coming on. So now we are going to
dive into cleaning the microwave itself. So what is the key.

(03:16):
The key to cleaning a microwave is I hate to
say it, elbow grease, but rather clever strategy. The most
common method involving involves a steaming solution. This approach leverages
the power of the microwave itself to loosen stubborn splatters,

(03:38):
transforming them from bake dawn nightmares into easily wipeable messes.
So first start by filling a microwave safe bowl with
a cup of water. Add a splash of white vinegar,
which is a natural cleaning powerhouse, or a squeeze of
lemon juice for a more pleasant scent. The acidity of

(04:00):
these ingredients help break down food residue. You can also
add a few drops of your favorite essential order oil
like lemon or tea tree for an extra aromatherapy boost
during your cleaning mission. Think of it as an invigorating
spot a for your microwave. Excuse me, you can also
add a drop or two of down dish liquid. Dawn

(04:24):
is a powerhouse. Once your bowl is ready, place it
in the microwave. Microwave it on high for five to
seven minutes, or until the water is steaming vigorously. This
process creates a steamy environment that loosens stuck on food.
Allow the bowl to sit for a few minutes longer

(04:44):
in the microwave, allowing the steam to penetrate a little
bit longer onto the splattered surfaces. The heat and moisture
work in tandem to soften even the most stubborn of
message message i e. Spaghetti sauce. Now comes the rewarding
part the wiping. After the steaming process, carefully remove the bowl,

(05:09):
be cautious of the hot steam. You'll likely notice a
visible difference. Many food particles will have softened, making them
easy to wipe away with a damp sponge or cloth.
For those persistent splatters, you can use a soft bristled
brus brush or a non abrasive scrubbing pad to gently

(05:30):
loosen them. I like to use those blue sponges that
have the little bit of abrasive on the other side.
I find that even on the most delicate surfaces, I
can use that side of the sponge. Remember we're aiming
for gentle persuasion, not a full blown scrubbing war. I
can't tell you how many microwaves I've opened and the

(05:51):
inside of the door is completely scratched away. I think
that they've used steel wool on it or something. They're
so scratched, so please don't do that. A brace of
cleaners and scouring pads can scratch the microwave's interior, so
always opt for gentle methods. Once you've wiped away the
loosened debris, use a clean damp cloth to wipe down

(06:14):
the interior of the microwave, ensuring that you remove all
traces of food and cleaning solution. You might want to
do this twice. You don't want your food that you're
cooking in there to smell like vinegar or essential oil,
so wipe it down twice with hot water, and then
a final wipe with a dry cloth will leave your

(06:35):
microwave sparkling. Beyond the steaming method, there are several other
efficient approaches to tackling microwave messes. For instance, you can
use a commercial microwave cleaner, but always choose one that's
safe for your microwave surface and check for any warning
or instructions. Some cleaners might require specific techniques or ventilation.

(07:00):
Excuse me again, I can tell y'all that some of
these are just they are so full of fumes. I
choose not to use them, So if you are going
to use them, please make sure that you have a
mask on and that you have proper ventilation in your kitchen.
If you prefer to avoid commercial products, you can create

(07:22):
your own natural cleaning solutions. A paste of baking soda
and water is fantastic. It's a natural abrasive cleaner. Simply
mix a small amount of baking soda with a little
water to create a paste, then apply it to the
splatters with a sponge. Let it sit for a few
minutes before gently scrubbing away the mess. Baking soda is

(07:44):
gentle enough to use on most microwave interiors, but avoid
it using it on sensitive surfaces. I've never seen baking
soda scratch, y'all, so try it, but try it in
a little corner and then go for it. Another natural
option is paste of lemon juice and baking soda. The
citric acid in lemon juice helps break down food residue,

(08:07):
while the baking soda acts as a mild abrasive. This
combination leaves a fresh scent, a pleasant change from the
often pungent odors of baked on foods. For those who
prefer a more modern approach, consider using a microwave save
steamer bag. This allows you to steam clean without directly

(08:28):
filling the microwave's interior with water. Simply fill the basket
with water, place it in the microwave, and steam as
instructed above. This method is particularly useful for cleaning the
turntable and other removable parts. Remember, as with any other
appliance in your kitchen, consistent maintenance is key. Wiping up

(08:51):
spills immediately before they have a chance to bake on
significantly reduces the amount of cleaning needed. Consider wiping down
the interior of your microwave after each use. This simple
habit will prevent major cleaning disasters and save you time
and effort in the long run. Regular cleaning not onalie

(09:12):
prevents the build up of food debris, but it also
keeps your microwave looking and functioning its best. A clean
microwave is a sign of a well organized kitchen, adding
to your overall sense of calm and control. Think of
it as a small victory on the in the ongoing
battle for a spotless home. Let's not forget the importance

(09:35):
of cleaning the xterior of your microwave. It's easy to
focus solely on the inside, but the exterior can also
accumulate dust, lots of fingerprints and splatters. Simply wiping the
down the exterior with a damp cloth and mild dish
soap can make a significant difference in the overall appearance
of your kitchen. But if you have stainless steel, get

(09:58):
your favorite stainless steel white and wipe it down and
then polish makes it sparkle. And finally, remember those removable
parts the turntable, the roller ring, in any other detachable components.
They often get overlooked but deserve their own cleaning moment.
These parts can be washed with warm, soapy water and

(10:18):
a sponge, or put in the dishwasher. By implementing these strategies,
you'll not only defeat microwave mayhem, but also cultivate a cleaner, healthier,
and more organized kitchen. Each successful microwave cleaning expedition, well,

(10:38):
that's a big word for that is a step towards
your ultimate goal, a shining example of kitchen command. So
grab your cleaning supplies, embrace the steam, and conquer the
culinary chaos one microwave splatter at a time. Remember, a
clean microwave is a happier heated meal, and isn't that

(10:58):
what truly matters. Thank you all for bearing with me
and my cold. Next time we are going to talk
about organizing and cleaning your chill zone or your refrigerator,
So thanks so much for tuning in. Take care,