Steps In Cleaning And Maintaining Your Microwave Oven

  

The microwave oven is perhaps one of the most important kitchen appliances these days. From reheating leftovers, making popcorn, to cooking dishes, its value is truly remarkable. However, it seems that it’s also often overlooked when it comes to maintenance and cleaning.

Although there are a few types available, maintenance and cleaning requirements are basically the same. The most common type is the countertop microwave oven. Cleaning requirements involve getting rid of specks of food that are stuck on the walls inside. It frequently involves getting rid of the smell too.

Before cleaning, make sure that you unplug the oven for your safety. Spray the inside with orange kitchen spray, letting it stand for at least a few minutes. You may also use club soda placed in a spray bottle. If you wish to use homemade cleaners, you can make a paste of baking soda with vinegar. Or you may simply use vinegar as a spray.

Using a non-abrasive pad or sponge, wipe off the cleaning solution thoroughly. You can rinse the pad or sponge in warm water, if necessary. Thoroughly dry the inside walls using a kitchen towel. Some ovens may necessitate a few extra cleaning instructions. For instance, a GE microwave oven may have a few extra needs, so check the appliance’s manual.

Eliminating the smell of food heated in the oven is also an easy task. In a bowl of water, place 2-3 lemons which are sliced into thin strips. Let it heat in the oven for around 5 minutes. The same odor-eliminating effect can be achieved using a cup of water with a tablespoon of vinegar. Even plain bottled lemon juice works as well.

An over the range microwave oven is actually two appliances in one. Therefore you also need to clean the vent part. Remove the hood filter and place it in a tub of hot water for about 5 minutes. Remove, then spray with your choice of cleaning solution and let soak for 15 minutes. Scrub the vent with a non-abrasive pad, then rinse with water.

Again using your choice of cleaning solution, spray the vent’s interior. However, avoid spraying on crevices and the light. Let the solution sit for about 15 minutes. Use a damp sponge or cloth to completely remove the solution. For hard-to-reach areas of the vent, use a small brush. Dry using kitchen towels, then reattach the filter.

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