Microwaves are often a widely used appliance, and given their proximity to food, keeping yours clean should be a priority. However, the task can be daunting, especially if you are short on time.
However, there is a simple «trick» that, according to users of Reddityou can get the job done in «minutes» and with minimal effort.
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As an added boost, cleaning solution is also a fairly inexpensive option.
According to user glitterroo, all you need is a slice of lemon.
Sour fruits are not expensive, but they pack a punch when it comes to cleaning.
The Reddit user said: «Pour about a half cup of water into a microwave-safe bowl.
«Squeeze the juice out of a lemon wedge, then drop the lemon wedge into [el tazón].
«Microwave until it starts to smoke inside.
«Leave it there for a few more minutes. When you open the door, the acidity of the lemon steam will have loosened any dry food on the inside walls of the microwave.
«You’ll be able to easily wipe it off with a paper towel, even things you wouldn’t be able to remove otherwise. It’s very satisfying.»
How do lemons work to clean microwaves?
Lemon juice is widely used in cleaning thanks to its antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Sour fruit can not only remove bad odors, but it can also remove stubborn buildup.
High in citric acid, but low in pH, lemon juice is a natural bleaching agent that is much less harsh than chemical bleach.
Lemons also smell great and aren’t likely to harm materials around what you’re cleaning, like fabric or wood.
Step-by-step guide to cleaning your microwave with lemon
To clean your microwave with lemon, you will need to fill a small microwave-safe container with water.
- Measure about a half cup of water into the container.
- Next, cut the lemon in half and squeeze its juice into the water.
- If your microwave is particularly dirty, consider dropping the remaining lemon halves into the water.
- As the microwave heats up, the water vapor and lemon juice clean your appliance.
- The next step is to microwave the bowl of lemon-infused water on high for about three minutes, or until you notice the liquid begin to bubble.
- Let stand for five minutes, during this time do not open the microwave door.
- The longer the steam has to circulate through the appliance, the easier it will be to clean off any food build-up.
- After five minutes, remove the bowl of water from the microwave. If your appliance has a turntable, remove it and clean it.
- Then use a clean cloth to wipe down the inside.
- Stubborn stains can be rubbed off with a damp kitchen cloth.
- Finally, be sure to clean the microwave door before replacing the turntable.