Burning food in the microwave is a common and sometimes unexpected problem. Whether it’s your morning coffee or a midnight snack, there are plenty of reasons why you might find yourself in this situation. It doesn’t matter if you end up with an overcooked pizza or some crunchy popcorn, all microwaves have a way of dealing with the aftermath. But what if you don’t know how to use your microwave? You’re not alone! But luckily, there are quite a few tricks that can help you handle the mess.
Here are some ways to clean a scorched microwave so that it looks like new in no time at all!
Related Article: Can You Break a Microwave by Running it Empty?
What to do if you scorch something in the microwave
It’s a truth universally acknowledged that microwaves are not always known for cooking food perfectly. Whether it’s your morning coffee or a midnight snack, there are plenty of reasons why you might find yourself in this situation — and no one knows how to handle the aftermath better than microwaves themselves. Still, most people don’t know how to use their microwaves!
When something gets burnt in the microwave, it doesn’t matter what it is; all microwaves have a way of dealing with the mess. But if you don’t know how to use your microwave, you’re not alone! Luckily, there are quite a few tricks that can help you handle the scorch.
For starters, don’t panic! The first step is actually pretty simple: remove anything else from the oven and turn off power to avoid further mishaps. Then wait for five minutes before opening up the door. This will release any steam inside and help to cool down any remaining hot spots that may be on fire. If your microwave has a rotating plate, make sure it has stopped spinning before opening up the door so you don’t send everything flying while trying to clean up the mess. Once it has cooled down enough to open up safely, take out anything that needs cleaning and place it on top of a paper towel or dish cloth (to prevent any further damage), then put it in the sink. Finally, scrub away at any burnt bits with soap and water until they’re gone!
Clean the microwave with water and vinegar
First, turn off your microwave and unplug it. Then get a bowl of water mixed with 2 cups of vinegar. Put the mixture in the microwave and leave it for 30 seconds to steam up the microwave and loosen any remaining food particles. Afterward, use a sponge or rag to wipe down the inside of the microwave.
Make your own cleaning spray
One of the easiest ways to clean a scorched microwave is with a homemade cleaning spray. It takes just one ingredient: white vinegar. Pour some vinegar into a bowl and fill it halfway with water, then mix it up until it’s fully dissolved. Next, place the bowl on top of your stovetop or rangehood and turn the heat to high so the vapors can fill your kitchen. This will help remove any stuck-on food that’s left in the microwave.
Pour half of your mixture into a spray bottle and shake it up. Now you have an easy way to apply the vinegar mixture to any hard-to-reach areas in your microwave without having to worry about spilling any liquid on your floor!
Clean the microwave with baking soda and vinegar
One great way to clean a scorched microwave is by using baking soda and vinegar. All you need to do is pour about two cups of baking soda onto a bowl and then place the scorched item on top of the bowl. Pour some vinegar on top of the scorched items so that it covers them completely. Next, let the mixture sit for about five minutes.
After this time, remove the baking soda and vinegar from inside the microwave by using a dishcloth or paper towel. The dishcloth should be damp but not wet; wet cloths can cause damage to your microwave. Then, spray some water onto the inside of your microwave with a plant mister or spray bottle so that there is no leftover debris. Finally, wipe dry with a paper towel so that there are no excess droplets left behind that could cause damage when they touch and start arcing electricity!
After these steps have been taken, your microwave should be back to its shiny self in no time at all!
Use a cleaning tablet
Microwave cleaning tablets are a great way to handle a scorched microwave. You might be familiar with these products as they’re used in ovens and other appliances too. They work by using active oxygen, which reacts with the burnt food residue and breaks it down into water and carbon dioxide. Cleaning tabs are made for use without water so you don’t have to worry about getting anything wet!
The cleaning process is quick and easy: just place the tab on a microwave-safe plate or dish, put your food over the top of the tab, press start, and walk away while it does its job. The best part? These tabs cost less than $2 at your local grocery store. It’s worth noting that not all tabs will work for every type of microwave – make sure you read the label before you buy!
Use white distilled vinegar
One of the simplest methods to clean burned food from a microwave is with white distilled vinegar. Simply pour about half a cup of white distilled vinegar in a microwave safe bowl or container and heat it up for about 5 minutes on high. Let the mixture cool before wiping down the inside of the microwave with a cloth or sponge, then wipe away any residue that remains.
How to clean the outside of a microwave
One of the easiest ways to clean a scorched microwave is by using plain water and a sponge. You want to wet the sponge, not soak it, and then wipe the inside and outside of your microwave. Make sure you’re not scrubbing too hard or you could scratch the inside of your microwave, which defeats the purpose of cleaning it. If you have an especially tough mess on your hands, you can use a little bit of dish soap to give it that extra bit of power.
Once you’re finished wiping down all surfaces with your damp sponge, dry off any excess water from the outside. You don’t want water leaking out onto your countertops or floor! If everything looks good, you can pat yourself on the back for doing such a great job!
How to clean the inside of a microwave
#1. Remove the microwave’s metal rack and any large pieces of food, such as a charred piece of lasagna or bag of popcorn.
#2. Fill a mug or bowl with 2 tablespoons of vinegar and microwave it for one or two minutes.
#3. Remove the mug or bowl from the microwave and pour the vinegar over all of the inside surfaces, letting it soak in for 10 minutes.
#4. Rinse off the inside with water and scrub if necessary using a toothbrush, sponge, or dishcloth to remove any burnt-on food particles.
FAQS
What should I do if I accidentally spill something in the microwave?
If you accidentally spill something in the microwave, you’ll want to take a bowl and spoon of water and cover the spill. If it’s just a small amount, this will usually do the trick. For more serious spills, you might need to do a little scrubbing with dish soap and water.
How can I avoid overcooked food in the microwave?
It’s not always possible to avoid overcooked food in the microwave, but there are a few precautions that will help. One is to check your food halfway through cooking time. Another is to use less power or cook for less time (or both). You can also rotate your food while it’s cooking to ensure that all sides get cooked evenly.
How long should microwaves last?
Microwave ovens have an average lifespan of 10-12 years, but it really depends on how often you use yours. Most microwaves have an internal light that tells you when it needs to be serviced or replaced, so keep an eye on that light!
Conclusion
The next time you scorch something in the microwave and think your dinner is ruined, don’t worry. We’ve got you covered with seven foolproof cleaning methods to quickly clean your microwave and get back to cooking.
Want the best results? Try using white distilled vinegar to clean the inside of your microwave (just don’t forget to turn on the exhaust fan) and baking soda and vinegar to clean the outside. And if you’re looking for easy cleanup, make a DIY oven cleaner by combining equal parts water and white distilled vinegar in a spray bottle. Now go ahead and enjoy dinner with your clean microwave!
