This post explains how to clean a microwave with vinegar and water — a simple, natural method that really works. Using everyday ingredients, you can remove grease and grime without harsh chemicals.
I prefer to avoid harsh cleaners for appliances that get very hot. Often the simplest supplies are the most effective. For my microwave, I rely on one basic pantry item:
Plain distilled white vinegar. I keep a large bottle with my cleaning supplies because diluted vinegar is an excellent multi-purpose cleaner — it cuts grease, helps disinfect, and leaves surfaces streak-free. It’s inexpensive and effective, even on tougher messes.
Below is the routine I follow about once a month to keep my microwave fresh and clean.
Supplies Needed
½ cup white distilled vinegar
½ cup water
microwave-safe bowl
reusable kitchen cloths or scour sponges
Step 1: Steam everything up.
Begin with a microwave that needs cleaning.
This is what mine looked like before cleaning — not terrible, but it benefits from a monthly deep clean. To loosen dried-on food and splatters, fill a microwave-safe bowl with about ½ cup vinegar and ½ cup water.
Heat the mixture in the microwave for around 4 minutes so it boils and fills the interior with steam. Steam is what softens grime and makes it easy to wipe away. After the cycle finishes, leave the door closed for an additional 5 minutes to allow the steam to continue working.
Note: Microwaving liquids can pose risks in some units. If you’re unsure about your microwave’s power, start with 3 minutes and let it sit for 10 minutes before opening. If you don’t see enough steam, increase the time by one minute and check again.
When you open the microwave, the interior should be warm and steamy, and spills should have softened significantly.
Step 2: Wipe everything down.
After steaming, wipe the interior surfaces. Use a reusable cloth or sponge to remove loosened food and residue.
Wring your cloth so it’s damp rather than dripping, and be careful if it’s still hot. Wipe the ceiling, sides, floor, and inside of the door, paying attention to stubborn spots that may need a little extra scrubbing.
Vinegar leaves a streak-free finish, so you can also use the same diluted solution to wipe the outside of the microwave. Microfiber cloths work better than paper towels for this job because they scrub more effectively and are reusable.
If you prefer a sponge for tougher spots, use a non-scratch scour sponge to protect the microwave’s interior finish.
Step 3: Give the turntable some TLC.
Remove the turntable and wipe it thoroughly. Many turntables are dishwasher-safe—check your manual—so you can run it through the dishwasher when it’s especially dirty. Otherwise, a good scrub and rinse is usually sufficient.
Final Result
In just a few minutes, your microwave will be clean, fresh, and streak-free — ready to use until the next scheduled cleaning. This monthly maintenance is quick and keeps odors and baked-on messes at bay.
Video: Clean a Microwave with Vinegar
Bonus Tips & Tricks
- Use a microwave-safe cover to reduce splatters and cut down on how often you need deep cleans.
- Wipe spills immediately to prevent them from becoming baked-on and harder to remove.
- Adding a splash of lemon juice to the vinegar mixture can improve the scent if you find plain vinegar too strong.
- Follow this routine once a month, with quick touch-ups as needed after heavy use.
More Kitchen Cleaning Tips
- How to Clean a Dryer Vent
- Deep Clean a Dishwasher with Vinegar
- The Best Way to Clean Oven Racks
Share your favorite microwave-cleaning tips in the comments — I’d love to hear what works for you!