Both lemon and vinegar are effective natural cleaners for your microwave, but lemon has a slight edge over vinegar in terms of smell and versatility. If you want to clean and deodorize your microwave with minimal effort and cost, lemon and vinegar are two of the best options you can use. In this article, we will compare and contrast these two methods and show you how to use them to get rid of the dirt, grease, and odors in your microwave.
Lemon and vinegar are both acidic substances that can break down the food particles and stains that stick to the inside of your microwave. They also have antibacterial and antifungal properties that can kill germs and prevent mold growth. Unlike some commercial cleaners, lemon and vinegar are safe, eco-friendly, and inexpensive. You probably already have them in your kitchen, so you don’t need to buy any special products or ingredients.
How to Clean Your Microwave with Lemon
To clean your microwave with lemon, you will need:
A lemon
A microwave-safe bowl or measuring cup
Water
A sponge or cloth
Here are the steps to follow:
Cut the lemon in half and squeeze the juice into the bowl or cup. You can also add some lemon slices or peels to boost the lemony scent.
Fill the bowl or cup with water until it is about halfway full.
Place the bowl or cup in the microwave and heat it on high for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the water boils and creates steam.
Leave the bowl or cup in the microwave for another 5 minutes, or until the steam condenses on the walls and ceiling of the microwave.
Carefully remove the bowl or cup from the microwave and set it aside. Be careful not to burn yourself with the hot water or steam.
Wipe the inside of the microwave with the sponge or cloth, starting from the top and working your way down. The steam should have loosened the dirt and grease, making it easy to wipe off. If there are any stubborn spots, you can dip the sponge or cloth in the lemon water and scrub them gently.
Wipe the outside of the microwave with a damp cloth and dry it with a soft towel.
To clean your microwave with vinegar, you will need:
White vinegar
A microwave-safe bowl or measuring cup
Water
A sponge or cloth
Here are the steps to follow:
Pour one cup of water and one cup of vinegar into the bowl or cup. You can also add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to mask the vinegar smell.
Place the bowl or cup in the microwave and heat it on high for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the water boils and creates steam.
Leave the bowl or cup in the microwave for another 10 minutes, or until the steam condenses on the walls and ceiling of the microwave.
Carefully remove the bowl or cup from the microwave and set it aside. Be careful not to burn yourself with the hot water or steam.
Wipe the inside of the microwave with the sponge or cloth, starting from the top and working your way down. The steam should have loosened the dirt and grease, making it easy to wipe off. If there are any stubborn spots, you can dip the sponge or cloth in the vinegar water and scrub them gently.
Wipe the outside of the microwave with a damp cloth and dry it with a soft towel.
Enjoy your clean and sparkling microwave!
Which Method Is Better?
Both lemon and vinegar are effective and easy ways to clean your microwave, but they have some pros and cons that you may want to consider. Here are some of the factors that may influence your choice:
Smell: Lemon has a pleasant and refreshing smell that can mask any unpleasant odors in your microwave. Vinegar has a strong and sour smell that some people may find unpleasant or irritating. However, you can add some essential oils to the vinegar water to improve the smell.
Versatility: Lemon can also be used to clean other appliances and surfaces in your kitchen, such as your garbage disposal, cutting board, sink, and countertops. You can also use it to polish metal, remove stains, and freshen up your fridge. Vinegar can also be used to clean other appliances and surfaces in your kitchen, such as your coffee maker, dishwasher, oven, and windows. You can also use it to remove odors, unclog drains, and kill weeds.
Availability: Lemon and vinegar are both widely available and inexpensive, but you may not always have fresh lemons on hand. You can use bottled lemon juice instead, but it may not be as effective or smell as good as fresh lemon. Vinegar, on the other hand, has a long shelf life and can be stored in your pantry for a long time.
Lemon and vinegar are both great natural cleaners for your microwave, but lemon has a slight edge over vinegar in terms of smell and versatility. However, you can choose whichever method suits your preference and availability. Either way, you will end up with a clean and germ-free microwave that will make your cooking and reheating easier and safer. Try these methods today and see the difference for yourself!
