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How to Clean a Microwave Using a Lemon and Water

After pacing around the kitchen for two minutes and 30 seconds, the aroma of last night’s lasagna fills the air. Finally the three minute alarm sounds and you sprint over to the microwave to retrieve your heaping plate of Italian cuisine. Unfortunately, after opening the microwave door you are instantly horrified at the sight of bright red sauce and tomato chunks along the walls of your once sparkling clean microwave. It’s time for damage control (after you finish that lasagna, of course).

Cleaning a Microwave
© Africa Studio – Fotolia.com

To clean the inside of your microwave, start by loosening up the grime. A popular way to loosen up crust in your microwave involves a lemon:

  1. Cut the lemon in half and squeeze the juice into a microwave safe bowl with ½ cup of water. After squeezing out the juice, drop the lemon halves in the bowl.
  2. Place the bowl in the microwave and heat for 3 minutes. After three minutes, don’t open the microwave door!
  3. Leave the door closed and set a timer for another 5 minutes. This allows the steam to loosen up the grime and caked-on food.
  4. After five minutes, remove the bowl (the bowl will be hot, so use an oven mitt for safety!) and start wiping off the stains with an S.O.S sponge. You’ll see last week’s remnants come off with ease.
  5. Don’t forget the microwave door!

With this tip you no longer have to fear heating up your cheesiest, sauciest meals. However, to be proactive and help limit a potential mess, you can always place a paper towel over the top of those extra messy meals.

Do you have your own unique way of cleaning the inside of your microwave? Or, do you have another cleaning or organization tip? Share it on the S.O.S Facebook page with the #SOSWhoKnew hashtag. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Pinterest, too!


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