Can You Clean a Microwave With Bleach? Alternatives & More

We have all been there. You go to heat up last night’s leftovers, only to be greeted by a suspicious stain on the ceiling of your microwave. And as you try to remember the last time you gave it a good scrub, you can’t help but wonder: just how dirty is this thing, really?

The answer, unfortunately, is probably dirtier than you think. Even if you regularly wipe down the inside of your microwave with a damp cloth, there are plenty of nooks and crannies where bacteria can hide. That’s why it’s so important to clean your microwave regularly.

Speaking about cleaning a microwave, e of the most common questions is whether you can clean a microwave with bleach. The short answer is no, you should not use bleach to clean your microwave.

While bleach is a common and effective cleaning agent, it is not strong enough to kill all the bacteria that can accumulate in a microwave. In addition, bleach is highly corrosive and can cause damage to your appliance if not used properly. Finally, bleach has a strong smell that can linger in the microwave long after it has been used.

For all these reasons, it is best to avoid using bleach when cleaning a microwave. There are plenty of natural alternatives or commercial cleaners that are much safer and more effective.

What Are Better Alternatives to Cleaning a Microwave with Bleach?

Rather than using bleach, there are plenty of other options when it comes to cleaning your microwave. Here are some of the best alternatives:

1. Vinegar

Vinegar is a great all-purpose cleaner that can be used to clean almost any surface. It’s also non-toxic and won’t leave any harsh chemical residue.

Here’s how to use vinegar to clean your microwave:

1. Start by mixing two tablespoons of vinegar with two cups of water. If you don’t like the smell of vinegar, you can also add a few drops of your favorite essential oil.
2. Place this solution in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it for five minutes on high power. This will steam up the interior of your
3. Wait ten minutes before removing the bowl. This will allow the heated vinegar to loosen any stubborn stains or food residue.
4. Carefully remove the bowl.
5. Remove the glass plate and turntable from the microwave.
6. Take a clean cloth and wipe down the interior of the microwave.
7. Finally, replace the turntable and glass plate.

2. Baking Soda

Baking soda is another safe and effective all-purpose cleaner. It can be used to scrub off tough stains and grime from the inside of your microwave.

Here’s how to use baking soda:

1. Mix two tablespoons of baking soda with one cup of water.
2. Place this solution in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it for five minutes on high power.
3. After five minutes, carefully remove the bowl followed by the glass plate and turntable.
4. Take a clean rag and wipe down the inside of the microwave.
5. Finally, replace the turntable and glass plate.

3. Lemons or Lemon Juice

Lemons are naturally acidic and can help to cut through tough grease and grime.

Follow these steps to use lemons or lemon juice:

1. Cut a lemon in half and squeeze the juice into a microwave-safe bowl.
2. Drop the lemon halves into the bowl and add a cup of water.
3. Heat the mixture in the microwave for five minutes on high power.
4. Wait ten minutes before removing the bowl.
5. Remove the bowl and glass plate and turntable.
6. Wipe out the inside of the microwave with a clean cloth or rag.
7. Reassemble the turntable and glass plate.

4. Dish soap and Water

Everyone has a bottle of dish soap lying around. You can use it to safely clean your microwave and leave it sparkling.

Follow these steps to use dish soap and water:

1. Mix a few squirts of dish soap with two cups of warm water.
2. Remove the glass plate and turntable from the microwave.
3. Soak and wring out a sponge in the solution.
4. Use the sponge to scrub the inside of the microwave. Start from the top and work your way down.
5. Rinse with a damp cloth and dry with a clean towel.
6. Finally, replace the turntable and glass plate.

In addition to natural cleaning agents, there are also a variety of commercial cleaners that can be used to clean your microwave. These products are specifically formulated to kill germs and bacteria. That being said, it is important to read the label carefully before using any commercial cleaning product in your microwave.

Tips for Cleaning a Microwave

No matter which cleaning method you choose, there are a few tips that can help make the process safer and easier.

Unplug the Appliance Before Cleaning To Avoid Electrical Shocks or Burns

Before you start cleaning your microwave, be sure to unplug it from the outlet. This will not only prevent any accidental electrical shocks or fires, but it will also give the appliance time to cool down so you can avoid getting burned by steam or hot food remnants.

Let the Microwave Cool Before You Start Cleaning

You should never attempt to clean a hot microwave. Not only is it dangerous, but the heat can actually make cleaning more difficult. It is best to let the appliance cool down before you start cleaning.

Be Careful When Removing the Glass Plate and Turntable As They May Be Slippery

Be careful when removing them as they may be slippery after being exposed to the steam and moisture from your cleaning solution. To avoid any accidents, use gloves or a kitchen towel when handling them.

Use a Gentle Scrubbing Pad or Cloth Rather Than an Abrasive Material That Might Scratch the Interior

When it comes time to actually scrub away any stubborn stains or food particles, be sure to use a soft cloth or scrubbing pad. Abrasive materials like steel wool pads can scratch the interior of your microwave and cause discoloration over time.

How Often Should I Clean My Microwave?

Most people use their microwave on a daily basis, which means it can quickly become covered in splatters and stains. While there’s no hard and fast rule about how often to clean the microwave, a good general guideline is to give it a thorough cleaning once a week.

If you notice any major splatters or spills, however, it’s best to clean them up as soon as possible to prevent them from hardening and becoming more difficult to remove.

Conclusion

Cleaning your microwave with bleach is not a good idea and should be avoided. There are plenty of natural alternatives or commercial cleaners that are much safer and can be just as effective. So, the next time you need to clean your microwave, reach for a natural cleaner or commercial product instead of bleach. Your microwave will thank you!