Need Advice - Cleaning Microwave

[Sara Emily]

Some folks around here (who shall remain nameless!) had a field day using my large microwave while I was away, and there are encrusted dried food splatters on ALL interior surfaces. :mad:

My usual cleaning method for this appliance is to nuke a bowl of water in it, to steam-soften debris, and then wash with a dishwashing detergent, rinsing thoroughly. When necessary, I also use those non-scratch pot cleaning pads and really apply the elbow grease. This mess seems too stubborn and too extensive to use those tried and true methods, and it would definitely be helpful if I could use a cleaning agent with a little more "muscle" (cleaning strength) to it, but I am sort of afraid of just experimenting without some good advice first. The manual for the unit has LONG since disappeared, so no help there. What do YOU favor when the mess just won't budge?

[shoyski]

Bumping this up as I would love to get some advice on this as well.

[Alisa]

I usually go with the "bowl of water treatment" but sometimes it just doesn't cut it - then I pull out my trusty baking soda paste. It THAT doesn't work I'd try my bottle of Vim. I find it works well and doesn't scratch. There may be better cleaners out there now - I haven't tried any new ones in a while.

[Wendy w]

Originally posted by Sara Emily
Some folks around here (who shall remain nameless!) had a field day using my large microwave while I was away, and there are encrusted dried food splatters on ALL interior surfaces. :mad:


I vote for making the "nameless" folks clean it up. I usually use the steaming bowl method too. I now add vinegar as I read that it was good for cleaning the microwave. In this case, you may want to use a larger bowl for a longer time and then let it sit and steam for awhile. Good luck!

[Sara Emily]

Alisa, What is Vim? Is it like another well known product I may be familiar with? It's not on S. Georgia shelves!

[Alisa]

Hi again - Vim is a bleach based cream cleanser - I just read the label and it's made/distributed by Unilever Canada - it may be one of those products that's available here but not in the States. I should have thought of that before I posted. Sorry!

[kls029]

hey, something that works for me is microwaving lemon juice (fresh or bottled) in a uncovered bowl for about 30-60 secs.

Then remove the bowl and wipe away gunk.

I love this but I do live only so the microwave stays fairly clean.

Good luck

[Grace]

I think they sell some stuff in the cleaning aisle at the grocery store specifically for cleaning the microwave. It's a spray of some sort. I've never bought it, but I know I've seen it. I think if I had the mess you have, I'd go looking for it and give it a try! And I also vote for the nameless people to do the actual cleaning....:D