How to clean a microwave

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1. To begin, with the microwave cold, remove any turntables and, if you have a combi-microwave, also remove any shelves or racks. Put the turntable and racks into a sink of hot, soapy water; if any are particularly dirty, leave to soak for 15 minutes. Using an E-Cloth oven cloth or a non-scratch scourer, scrub to remove any burnt-on food or stains. Rinse and dry thoroughly. You can also put them in the dishwasher if it's safe to do so, as indicated by the manufacturer.

2. Wipe the inside and base of the microwave to remove any crumbs or stuck-on food. In a microwavable bowl, mix 5 tbsp of white vinegar with 285ml (one cup) of water. Set the bowl on the floor of the microwave, close the door and select the highest power setting. Run it until the microwave becomes steamy – the time will depend on the size and power of your microwave. Be careful not to heat for too long as the water may boil over. Once the microwave is steamy, stop heating and leave with the door closed for 10 minutes.

3. With care, wipe the interior sides, roof and floor of the microwave with a sponge, being mindful that it may still be hot. We prefer Bower eco sponges, as they're small and can reach into all the awkward places. Then, buff up the surface with a polishing cloth. If there are remaining stains, which is likely if it has been a while since the last cleaning, proceed to step four; otherwise, skip to step five.

4. Use a thin layer of a power cream, such as Ecover cream. Cover stains or areas sparingly with the cream and leave it for at least 30 minutes, then wipe clean. If there are any smears, buff them out with a polishing cloth.

5. Spray a damp cloth with an all-purpose antibacterial spray; we like Neat Anti-Bac Multi-Surface, as it effectively cleans various surfaces, including glass and stainless steel. Wipe the inside edges of the microwave, the inside of the door, and any seals. Close the door and respray the cloth, never directly onto the microwave. Wipe over all outside surfaces, paying particular attention to handles, knobs and clean digital or push buttons gently.

6. Finally, if you want your microwave to sparkle, buff it with a soft polishing or J-Cloth; this is particularly lovely with stainless-steel machines.

7. Take a moment to stand back and admire your hard work; it was worth it.

Tips for keeping your microwave cleaner:

Give the inside a quick wipe to clean off any spilt or splatters of food after every use.
Cover food with a lid or splatter cover when cooking; even a (microwavable) saucer or plate can act as a guard.
If there are residual food odours, try to eliminate them as soon as possible by leaving the door open when not in use.
Alternatively, for a fresh-smelling scent, place a couple of lemon slices in water in a microwave-safe bowl, heat on high for two minutes, and then, with the door closed, let it cool. Finally, wipe the inside of the microwave with a soft sponge or cloth.
Always refer to the manufacturer's guide before cleaning your microwave, as different models may have specific care instructions.

What not to do:

Never use aggressive oven cleaners, abrasive materials or bleach on a microwave.
Do not use metal scourers, rough sponges, pan cleaners or glass scrapers on any part of the microwave.

Top-rated microwaves

Sage the Combi Wave 3-in-1 microwave oven

Available from Harts of Stur (£397.95), Sage (£399.95), Lakeland (£419.99)

This sleek, intuitive combi microwave is packed with smart features and preset programmes, making it a breeze to use straight out of the box. It combines air frying, convection and microwave cooking for fast meals, with an inverter system that ensures even results. Ideal for families, though you may need to tweak your usual cooking temps.

Available from:

Samsung 32L Solo Microwave MS32DG4504ATE3

Available from Amazon (£149), Samsung (£149), Argos (£149)

With plenty of room for big bowls and family meals, this 1000W solo microwave is a strong choice for busy households. It heats food quickly and evenly, with useful features like a deodorisation setting, eco mode and the option to save your most-used settings. While it’s bulky and the manual lacks detail, it’s powerful, practical and easy to use day to day.

Available from:

Sharp digital combination microwave YC-QC254AU-B

Available from Currys (£149)

This flatbed microwave looks smart on the counter and is easy to clean, thanks to its turntable-free design. It’s roomy and versatile, offering microwave, grill and convection functions, as well as quality accessories. The jacket potato preset worked brilliantly, though the auto-defrost was slower than others on test. Quiet in use and precise to control, it’s a solid option if you’ve got the space.

Available from: