Home Expert Shares Simple Hack To Clean Your Microwave With Virtually Zero Work

A home expert on TikTok shared his advice for easily cleaning a microwave in a popular video on the platform.

Ken Long, a home expert based in Ontario, Canada, explained in a viral video that rather than scrubbing and scrubbing at the inside of your microwave, there's a much easier method.

Since Jan. 23, the video drew more than 270,000 views to Long's account, which has more than 655,000 followers.

Here's what he advised.

'An easy way'

Long advised his viewers to put a cup of water in a glass measuring cup, then add two-to-three drops of dish soap.

"Now place it in your microwave on high for three minutes," Long said, adding, "When it's done, leave the door closed and let it sit for five minutes.

"This is going to create a steam in your microwave, and the soap is going to help break down any grease and caked on food, which makes it extremely easy to wipe clean."

The Kitchn, meanwhile, offered a few other methods.

• Vinegar and Water: Fill a microwave-safe bowl with one cup of water and two tablespoons of white vinegar. Heat it on high for five minutes, then let it sit for a few minutes before wiping the interior with a sponge or cloth.
• Lemon and Water: Slice a lemon in half, place it in a bowl with water, and microwave it for five minutes. The steam will loosen grime, making it easy to wipe away while the lemon leaves a fresh scent.
• Baking Soda Paste: Mix baking soda with a little water to form a paste. Apply it to stubborn stains, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub and wipe clean.

The Importance of a Clean Microwave

Keeping your microwave clean is essential for both cleanliness and hygiene, as well as appliance longevity.

Food splatters and grease buildup can become breeding grounds for bacteria and mold, potentially contaminating your meals and posing potential health risks.

A dirty microwave can also emit unpleasant odors and affect the flavor of your food.

Accumulated grime can also make the microwave less efficient, leading to uneven heating and even damage to its internal components. Regular cleaning prevents these issues.

Users React

TikTok commentators had a range of reactions.

"What amazes me is people don't use a cover, plate or even a paper towel to cover their food," user @dabadochaka posted.

"I tried this yesterday [Oh my God], so easy to remove the grime from the microwave," user @paulamitchell653 added.

Finally, user @moopl01 had a simple suggestion: "Or, wipe it clean each time it's used."