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Monthly Clean Home Challenge: The Microwave

Welcome back to the Monthly Clean Home Challenge daily task!  I am on a quest to maintain a clean and organized home in less time and the goal is simple; four daily tasks, four weekly tasks and one additional quick task each week day. 

In no particular order, here are the individual tasks I am tackling each day this month:

1. Make cleaning supplies
2. Cycle clean appliances
3. Clean out cars
4. Clean out microwave
5. Wipe down cabinets/appliances
6. Wipe down trim/doors
7. Clean out one drawer
8. Clean out fridge
9. Clean out freezer
10. Vacuum under furniture
11. Vacuum mattresses
12. Clean oven
13. Clean out one closet
14. Wash out garbage can/recycle bin
15. Wash windows
16. Scrub grout
17. Clean out one cabinet
18. File paper piles
19. Purge bathroom toiletries
20. Clean out pantry

Today I am chatting about the extra task: Cleaning The Microwave.


When it comes to the microwave, in a perfect home and world, we would clean it after every use.  And considering we don't really use our microwave all that often, you would think that it would be easy to keep up on.  However, microwaves are known for their ability to heat things up fast!  So taking time to clean it after or in the moment is not always realistic for us.


Splatters and grime tend to build up over the course of a few uses.


Today's task is super simple and if you do it while cleaning up the kitchen after dinner, it just builds right into that process with only an additional 1-2 minutes of time.

Start by filling a bowl with half vinegar and half water, about a cup of each.


Place the bowl in the center of the microwave and turn the microwave on high for 5-10 minutes to allow the water/vinegar combo to steam the interior.


To avoid any risk of dangerously overheating/exploding, float a toothpick {or any other non-metallic item} within the bowl.  Once the timer goes off, carefully remove the bowl from the microwave.  The bowl will be very HOT, oven mitts are highly recommended.

Using a damp microfiber cloth, wipe down the inside walls and door of the microwave.


Remove the rotating plate and wash that as well.

Is the steaming process necessary?  YES!  I have tried to scrub the interior of the microwave without steaming and it requires a lot of oomph!  Steaming kills germs and makes the cleaning process easy breezy.  If you are still having any trouble getting your microwave to sparkle, a little of the vinegar/water spray mixture should help you out.


I always give the front a quick cleaning with the cloth as well.


And you are done!  Little cleaning moments like these only take a minute or two {after the wait time for the heating}, yet leave you feeling productive when it is done.  Love that!