You should not clean inside a microwave with metal objects, bleach, or flammable liquids. These items can cause sparks, fires, or damage to your microwave. Instead, you should use safe and natural methods to clean your microwave, such as vinegar, lemon, or baking soda. In this article, we will explain why you should avoid certain cleaning products and methods, and how to clean your microwave effectively and safely.
Why you should not use metal objects to clean inside a microwave
Metal objects, such as forks, spoons, knives, or steel wool, can create sparks when exposed to the microwaves inside your microwave oven. This can damage the interior of your microwave, or even start a fire. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), metal objects can also interfere with the even distribution of heat, resulting in unevenly cooked food. Therefore, you should never use metal objects to clean inside a microwave, or to heat food in a microwave.
Why you should not use bleach to clean inside a microwave
Bleach is a powerful chemical that can kill germs and remove stains, but it is also very corrosive and toxic. If you use bleach to clean inside a microwave, you risk damaging the plastic or metal parts of your microwave, or creating harmful fumes that can irritate your eyes, skin, or lungs. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), bleach can also react with other chemicals, such as ammonia or vinegar, and produce dangerous gases. Therefore, you should never use bleach to clean inside a microwave, or mix it with other cleaning products.
Why you should not use flammable liquids to clean inside a microwave
Flammable liquids, such as alcohol, gasoline, or lighter fluid, can ignite when exposed to the heat or sparks inside a microwave. This can cause a fire or an explosion, which can damage your microwave, your kitchen, or your home. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), microwaves are one of the leading causes of home cooking fires in the U.S., and flammable liquids are one of the common factors contributing to these fires. Therefore, you should never use flammable liquids to clean inside a microwave, or to heat food or liquids in a microwave.
How to clean inside a microwave safely and naturally
Now that you know what you should not use to clean inside a microwave, you may wonder what you can use instead. Fortunately, there are many safe and natural methods to clean your microwave, using common household items that you may already have in your kitchen. Here are some of the best ways to clean inside a microwave:
Vinegar: Vinegar is a natural acid that can dissolve grease and food residue, and kill bacteria and mold. To use vinegar to clean inside a microwave, fill a microwave-safe bowl with one cup of water and one-fourth cup of white vinegar. Place the bowl inside the microwave and heat it on high for about five minutes, or until the mixture boils and steams up the microwave. Carefully remove the bowl and wipe the inside of the microwave with a damp cloth or sponge. You can also add some lemon juice or essential oils to the vinegar mixture to mask the vinegar smell and add a fresh scent.
Lemon: Lemon is another natural acid that can clean and deodorize your microwave. To use lemon to clean inside a microwave, cut a lemon in half and squeeze the juice into a microwave-safe bowl. Add the lemon halves and one cup of water to the bowl. Place the bowl inside the microwave and heat it on high for about three minutes, or until the mixture boils and steams up the microwave. Carefully remove the bowl and wipe the inside of the microwave with a damp cloth or sponge. You can also use other citrus fruits, such as orange or lime, to clean your microwave with this method.
Baking soda: Baking soda is a natural alkaline that can neutralize odors and remove stains. To use baking soda to clean inside a microwave, sprinkle some baking soda on a damp cloth or sponge and scrub the inside of the microwave. You can also make a paste of baking soda and water and apply it to the stubborn spots. Let the paste sit for a few minutes, then wipe it off with a damp cloth or sponge. You can also add some vinegar to the baking soda paste to create a fizzing reaction that can loosen the dirt and grime.
Cleaning inside a microwave is an important task that can keep your microwave in good condition and prevent food contamination. However, you should not use metal objects, bleach, or flammable liquids to clean inside a microwave, as they can cause sparks, fires, or damage to your microwave. Instead, you should use safe and natural methods to clean your microwave, such as vinegar, lemon, or baking soda. These methods can effectively clean and sanitize your microwave, without harming your health or the environment.
