A microwave that hasn't been cleaned has the worst spatter spots in your kitchen — caked-on tomato sauce, dried coffee, exploded leftovers. The trick is the steam method, which loosens everything in 5 minutes. Here's the routine.
Step-by-step
Make a steam bowl
Fill a microwave-safe bowl with 1 cup water and 2 tablespoons white vinegar (or 1 sliced lemon). Place it in the center of the microwave.
Microwave on high for 5 minutes
The steam loosens every bit of dried food on the walls, ceiling, and turntable. Don't open the door immediately — let it sit for 3 more minutes after the timer ends so the steam has time to work.
Carefully remove the bowl
— it will be very hot. Use oven mitts. Set aside.
Wipe the interior with a damp cloth
Caked-on food should now wipe off easily. Pay attention to the ceiling — most cleaning routines miss it, and that's where dried-on splatter accumulates most.
Remove and wash the turntable
Most microwave turntables are dishwasher-safe — pop it out and run it through. Hand-washing with soapy water is fine. Don't put it back wet; let it air-dry to avoid scratches.
Use Affresh or kitchen cleaner for stains
For coffee or tomato sauce stains the steam didn't touch, spray Affresh appliance cleaner on a soft cloth, scrub gently, and wipe. Avoid abrasive scrubbers — they scratch the interior.
Recommended Gear
The gear we'd reach for. Prices shown on Amazon at click-through.
Affresh Microwave Cleaner Pouches
budget-friendly
Steam-cleaning pouches — drop in water, microwave, wipe clean. Easier than the lemon method.
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OXO Good Grips Kitchen Appliance Cleaning Set
budget-friendly
Purpose-built for exactly this job: the wedge tip clears gunk from door seals and vent slats, and the brush handles the turntable track a sponge can't reach.
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Weiman Cooktop Cleaner & Polish
budget-friendly
Cooktop cleaner that's also safe for stainless microwave exteriors — polishes and protects.
Check Price on Amazon →Frequently Asked Questions
How often should you clean a microwave?
Quick wipe after any spill (immediately, while it's wet). Full steam clean every 2 weeks for daily users; monthly for occasional. The signal you're overdue is a sweet-burned smell when you run it — accumulated food residue heating up.
Can you use the steam method without vinegar?
Yes — plain water works almost as well. Vinegar (or lemon) helps cut grease and removes odors but isn't strictly necessary. For severely stained microwaves, add baking soda to the water (1 tablespoon) for a stronger effect.
Why does my microwave smell?
Accumulated food spatter that hasn't been cleaned, especially on the ceiling and walls. Run a steam clean (5 minutes with lemon water), wipe everything down, leave the door open for 30 minutes to air out. Persistent smells often come from food trapped under the turntable — remove it and clean below.
How do you clean a microwave with vinegar?
Fill a microwave-safe bowl with 1 cup water + 2 tablespoons white vinegar. Microwave on high for 5 minutes. Let sit 3 minutes after the timer ends. Carefully remove the hot bowl. Wipe the interior with a damp cloth — caked-on food wipes off easily.
Want to dig deeper? See our guides to Best Microwave (2026), How to Clean an Air Fryer, and Best Toaster Oven (2026).