How to Clean a Microwave Naturally with Lemon

Do you ever open your microwave and cringe at the sight of gunk caked to its walls? Cleaning your microwave can be tedious, but does it have to involve harsh chemicals? And what if those chemicals get into your food? Don’t worry; we’ve got the perfect solution for you!

This little guide will explain how to use lemons and a little bit of time to easily and naturally clean your microwave. You’ll never have to worry about unsafe chemical reactions associated with other cleaning products again! 

Ready to dive in? Read on for more information on how easy it is to get that sparkling-clean microwave.

Gather the Materials – Sponge, Microwave-Safe Bowl, Lemon, and Water

Cleaning the microwave is never anyone’s favorite chore, but it’s a necessary one. To make things a little easier, gather the needed materials: a sponge, bowl, lemon, and water.

No need for anything fancy; a normal kitchen sponge will do just fine.

Make sure the bowl is microwave safe. A glass or ceramic cereal bowl works just fine. You can use a bigger bowl if you have one that is microwave-safe and fits in the microwave.

One lemon works just fine, but you can add more. A few tablespoons of store-bought lemon juice will also work if you don’t have a lemon.

And the water can be simple tap water.

Cut the Lemon in Half and Squeeze into a Bowl of Water

When life gives you lemons, make sure you’re using them to their full potential! Cut a lemon in half, squeeze the juice into a bowl of water, and pop it in the microwave.

What does this accomplish, you might ask? Well, it’s a quick and easy way to get your microwave looking and smelling fresh and clean! The all-natural acidity of the lemon juice helps to loosen any dirt or grime, making it much easier to wipe away. And not only will it leave your microwave sparkling clean, but it’ll also leave a nice, fresh scent behind.

Use 1/2 a cup to a full cup of water, depending on the size of your bowl.

How you add the lemon is up to you. You can simply cut it in half and add the two halves. But the more juice you release into the water, the better.

If you want to keep your hands clean, slice the lemon into thick slices and add them to the bowl of water.

For the best possible clean, you’ll need to squeeze the lemon. Now, a juicer (or your hand) works just fine. But here are a few more tricks to getting the most juice out of your lemon:

Microwave it!

Yes, this really works. Just microwaving your lemon for about 10- 20 seconds helps break down the internal structures and fibers, releasing even more juice.

Roll it!

Firmly rolling your lemon against a hard surface, or cutting board, does the same as the above. It helps break down the lemon, so more juice will be released when it is cut open.

Squeeze it!

Cut your lemon in half, and squeeze. You can get the most juice out by getting your thumb in on the action. Use your thumb to puncture each juice sac (yes, that is what they are called) or little triangle. You’ll have a lot more juice.

Again, the key to cleaning with lemon is the acids in the juice. The juicier the water, the better. But, if time isn’t on your side, simply slicing or halving will work too.

Heat the Lemon Water Mixture for 3-5 Minutes

Now that you’ve played a game of lemon bop-it to get the juice out, it’s time to get cooking.

Place the bowl in the center of your microwave and heat it until the water starts to boil. This usually takes around 3-5 minutes, but it may vary depending on your microwave’s power.

The steam from that boiling water in your microwave is like a mini spa session for your beloved appliance. It gets into all the nooks and crannies, softening those stubborn food splatters until they’re all loose.

Enter the lemon juice! The citric acid inside is nature’s own little grime fighter, breaking down that dirt and lifting it from the microwave surfaces.

Remove the Bowl Carefully. It Will Be Very Hot

Let the bowl hang out in the microwave for a few minutes. It’s piping hot, and safety first. And remember, that water was just boiling. Let the bowl cool down, or carefully remove it using a pair of oven mitts or pot holders.

Wipe down the Microwave with the Sponge

Alright, we’ve had our citrusy steam party, and now it’s time for the grand finale: the wipe-down.

Start by carefully removing the bowl of lemon water (remember, it might still be very hot).

Now, dunk that sponge in some warm water and wring it out – you want it damp. Then, glide the sponge along the microwave’s interior, paying attention to those corners where stubborn grime likes to hide. Don’t forget the roof and the door! You’ll also want to clean the turntable.

Once you’ve removed all traces of food and dirt, do a final sweep with a dry cloth. Voila! Your microwave is now sparkling clean, smelling like a lemon orchard, and ready to reheat tomorrow’s pizza.

A Zesty Conclusion

And there you have it! A simple, natural, and oh-so-effective way to clean your trusty microwave. With just a lemon, some water, and a bit of elbow grease, you’ve transformed your handy kitchen appliance from grimy to gleaming, all while keeping things eco-friendly. 

No harsh chemicals, no artificial scents – just the refreshing aroma of citrus and the satisfaction of a job well done.

So next time your microwave looks like it’s seen better days, remember this little trick. Because nothing says ‘clean’ quite like the zesty kiss of lemon. Happy cleaning!