Cleaning a microwave?

cakergirl

We just bought a house, and th microwave is one of those in-the-wall units.  It is about 10 years old, works ok, but has a horrible odor and lots of stains,  I have tried Clorox wipes, and scrubbing bubbles kitchen, both of which just bring out the odor even worse and they don't even touch the stains.

 

Any ideas?  Bleach?  A vinegar?  

toothpastechica

easiest best simple trick ever. Heat up water in a bowl in the microwave, then use vineger on a cloth/paper towel to clean once theres condensation from the water covering the whole inside of the microwave.

That should help with the stains and the smell, you could try bleach too, but if the smell is still strong then its probably not in the 'shelf' of the microwave, but is within the microwave itself, in which case its probably just time to buy a new one...they do wear out.

cakergirl

That's what I am worried about.. But it's a built in model, so it's a little trickier than just buying a new one.  But at this rate I think we might be stuck replacing it anyway.

music11

toothpastechica:

easiest best simple trick ever. Heat up water in a bowl in the microwave, then use vineger on a cloth/paper towel to clean once theres condensation from the water covering the whole inside of the microwave.

I do this, and it works really well.  I usually throw in some dish soap into the bowl of water. 

brij2006

toothpastechica:

easiest best simple trick ever. Heat up water in a bowl in the microwave, then use vineger on a cloth/paper towel to clean once theres condensation from the water covering the whole inside of the microwave.

 I do this also, but put the vinegar in the bowl with the water, along with the sponge in the bowl. Heat it all in the microwave for a minute, then scrub it with the sponge that was in the water. Eats away at the smell, and the heat helps any gunk loosen.

CLL1001

brij2006:

toothpastechica:

easiest best simple trick ever. Heat up water in a bowl in the microwave, then use vineger on a cloth/paper towel to clean once theres condensation from the water covering the whole inside of the microwave.

 I do this also, but put the vinegar in the bowl with the water, along with the sponge in the bowl. Heat it all in the microwave for a minute, then scrub it with the sponge that was in the water. Eats away at the smell, and the heat helps any gunk loosen.

Just another variation of the same idea LOL. I mix one cup water and one cup vinegar.Run the microwave for 5 minutes and then just wipe everything off with a wet sponge. I just found this idea on pinterest a couple months ago and I can't believe how easy it was! And was kind of annoyed at all the effort I've put into cleaning the microwave in the past!

courtneygraham

Ok best trick ever!! Get a coffee mug or bowl..... fill with about 1 cup of water. Take 1/2 a lemon and squeeze the juice into the water. Microwave for about 3 min.... wipe clean. Works AMAZING!!!

Erikan73

I've seen the lemon juice idea but no water (i think) and add baking powder. The soaked baking powder acts as a gentle abrasive