Cleaning Microwave Over the Stove
Everyone was so helpful to me regarding my last request for cleaning my wood cabinets, I have a new request. My microwave is situated over my stove so when I cook or fry it splashes to the microwave. I clean the front of the microwave. with glass cleaner it shines the glass front but it does nothing to remove the grease spots left from frying...no matter what I use those little grease spots are always left behind and makes my microwave. look dirty even though I clean it down after each time I cook. HELP. What can I do use or do to get rid of those nasty little grease spots.
Adele
RE: Cleaning Microwave Over the Stove
Maybe some baking soda with some gentle rubbing might do it. (03/03/2005)
By Kathy.
RE: Cleaning Microwave Over the Stove
"Elbow Grease" as my mom would say! Use a scouring pad or a rag with Soft Scrub. Maybe you could somehow attach some aluminum foil to the bottom of the microwave when frying and remove it when you are done. Also, I have seen grease spatter prevention lids that allow steam to escape but keep the grease from spattering. (03/03/2005)
By Cavelady
RE: Cleaning Microwave Over the Stove
I heard that spraying WD40 on it and wiping off would work on overhead fan so why not on a microwave? (03/03/2005)
By Donna Marie
RE: Cleaning Microwave Over the Stove
"elbow grease" is always the fun way, but I prefer to use a cleaning product called Mean Green. (you can purchase at wal-mart or dollar general.) any who, just spray it on, undiluted, full strength, let it sit for a minute or two and scrub it off with a sponge (03/03/2005)
By april
RE: Cleaning Microwave Over the Stove
Elbow grease and a microfibre cloth will remove the initial goop. Afterward, wipe daily with a damp microfibre cloth. (03/03/2005)
By beanygurl
RE: Cleaning Microwave Over the Stove
Try Wd-40. Someone told me about this trick and I was so dubious, but it worked beautifully. I was ready to pitch my vent hood and microwave over my stove from the built-up grease on the top and in the vents, and with one application it was removed. After applying, I waited for about 30 seconds and wiped it off with a clean, soft cloth. I re-applied to make sure I had it all, and I did. That was almost five years of grease gunk build-up. I KNOW this works, and with no "elbow grease"! (03/04/2005)
By Ronsan
RE: Cleaning Microwave Over the Stove
I believe "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure"... therefore, why not invest in one of those screens with a handle that fit over the skillet. They wash up just fine in the dishwasher. (03/04/2005)
By Marian
RE: Cleaning Microwave Over the Stove
Have you tried ammonia? No water with it but just ammonia on a cloth. (03/04/2005)
By luci330
RE: Cleaning Microwave Over the Stove
I use a natural citrus based cleaner that eats right through it. There are a few available now. (03/04/2005)
By Vicki
RE: Cleaning Microwave Over the Stove
I also have a microwave over my stove. When using the stove top, most of the time I am cooking something that steams, ex. - vegetables, pasta, tea kettle. The steam usually steams up under the microwave and towards the front. I have a exhaust fan but sometimes I purposely don't use it so I can take advantage of the steamed up area and wipe off any residue from cooking. (03/04/2005)
By mkymlp
RE: Cleaning Microwave Over the Stove
The best thing I've found for caked-on grease is Arm & Hammer Washing Soda, sold in the laundry aisle. It cuts through every kind of dirt and cleans everything. Do wear gloves though. While nontoxic, washing soda is very drying to the skin. And avoid frying food whenever possible. If it leaves that residue on the bottom of your microwave you can bet that over time grease is embedded in your curtains, upholstery, etc. It's nasty and makes your house stink. You may not be able to smell it -- living there you've grown accustomed to it. but believe me visitors can. Go out for fried food if you must have it! (03/04/2005)
By Mary
RE: Cleaning Microwave Over the Stove
Magic Sponge! Believe me- these things are MAGIC. From fingers prints on flat wall surfaces (without damaging the paint) to cutting right through grease on microwaves above stovetops and on kitchen cabinets! I have found a hundred uses for these things. They've made my small appliances look new again, too. I have one of those cleaning steam cleaners (As seen on TV)- and this simple 'magic sponge' worked circles around it when it came to cleaning the goo from grease off my kitchen cabinets above the stove! Just use it along with a bit of 409 or something similar! I'm telling you.... I'm a believer! Buy a couple of packs though, b/c as you use them... they break apart (they're supposed to). (10/11/2005)
By Jackie
RE: Cleaning Microwave Over the Stove
Rather than using WD40 and dealing with the smell that it leaves behind - I just tried Orange Glo. It works great and smells a whole lot better than the stench of the WD40. I let it set for a few minutes after applying it with a soft tooth brush and then wiped it with a paper towel. After a second application the appliance looks new. Good Luck !!! (08/22/2006)
By J. B.
RE: Cleaning Microwave Over the Stove
I was reading about buying products that are citrus based, I didn`t have any in the house so I dipped a cloth in orange juice, & washed it with that dried it, and washed it with a soapy cloth, and it worked. (09/09/2006)
By Betty
Cleaning Your Microwave
Place a wet/soapy sponge in the microwave for 1 minute on high. When it's done, use a wet towel to clean the oven. The sponge is now clean, and the oven is clean and odor free.
By Dorothy from Sardis, OH
Cleaning the Microwave
A super easy way to clean your microwave (even easier than boiling a cup of water and letting it sit) is to throw in a wet dish cloth (wring it out a bit first). Then microwave it on high for one minute. Let it stay in the microwave for ten more minutes without opening the door. After ten minutes take the dish cloth and wipe out the microwave. Everything just slides right off.
By Debbie (01/10/2005)
Steam Cleaning the Microwave
Steam clean your microwave. Add four tablespoons of lemon juice to one cup of water in a microwave-safe bowl. Boil for five minutes in the microwave, allowing the steam to condense on the inside walls of the oven. Wipe clean.
By Chell (01/20/2005)
RE: Easily Cleaning a Microwave
If you boil water or anything in the microwave please leave it there as it will explode in your face if you try to bring it right out. There is a safety alert out on this..
(01/22/2005)
By Tonya
Cleaning the Microwave
For a Microwave that needs cleaning put a bowl filled with cold water in there for 6 minutes. When it is done remove the bowl and simply wipe down the inside of your microwave. You will be amazed at how easily it wipes clean!
By Crazy Momma (02/10/2005)
Cleaning the Microwave
To soften hardened food and eliminate odors from your microwave - place a bowl with warm water and cut up lemons and set high for five min. You will have an easy clean when the hard dried food has softened - and odors eliminated
By JOAN (02/17/2005)
Cleaning the Microwave
The easiest way that I have found to clean my microwave is to fill up a mug with water. Put it in for a few minutes. Let it sit for about 5 or 10 mins. (longer if you have a lot of dried food splashed inside.) Then all you have to do is wipe out the inside and you're done.
To make it smell fresh you can put some vanilla in your cup of water. Your microwave is clean and smells good too.
By luv2craft (05/09/2005)
RE: Easily Cleaning a Microwave
Need to clean that nasty microwave? Don't waste your money on those expensive towelettes, simply place a mug of water inside the microwave, heat for around 1 to 2 minutes, carefully remove the mug and easily wipe the inside of the microwave clean as a whistle.
By Harm0ny (08/29/2005)
RE: Cleaning Your Microwave
Wow Dorothy and Debbie ... thanks! I just tried this method with the wet dish cloth and it worked fantastic! After 10 minutes the cloth is easy to handle and the gook just comes right off so much easier than with the boiled water method. Try this next time. I just happened to have a leftover slice of lemon in the fridge. I placed it on top of the dish cloth before microwaving and after waiting the 10 minutes, I squeezed the lemon on to the dish cloth. Now the microwave is clean and lemon fresh! (07/20/2006)
By mef1957
RE: Cleaning Your Microwave
Articles are popping up all over for those of us who think the Microwave cleans sponges or rags! I understand that it only cleans "normal" household bacteria, NOT "harmful" bacteria, virus, mold, so we should NOT rely on it too much. Instead I have now started using the older sponges (1 month old) for-tubs, mud, paint, auto cleaning, replacing them rather than thinking their many pores are sterilized-when in fact they are only "sanitized", lightly cleaned.-If anyone in the home is even slightly ill, I switch-everyone to paper/plastic disposables, use bleach-where they cough/vomit/lie but in water (1/4 cup to-1 qt. water) and begin with paper towels even on the phone mouthpieces and doorknobs/lightswitches.
I'm-careful, wear baggies or disposable gloves for the worst events which occur usually only 1-2 times/yr., if ever.-I've educated my family to immediately SWITCH to-plasticware and disposable cups kept for such times-to prevent dishwasher recycling of live cultures.-Frugal? We've not-sent the doctors to the Bahamas in 25 years!! And I keep a careful eye on that kitchen sponge and the-toothbrushes, too, replacing them AND the paste, which ALWAYS touches the contaminated brushes when applied, on about the third day of mild illnesses, and the fifth day of any illnesses that linger, then AGAIN when they are well.
I worked with doctors, in hospitals much of my-young adult life and know that THIS is one of their-"secrets" to healing...frequently changing the contaminated things almost DAILY, which might be-overkill, but definitely WORKS...but at what PRICE?-About $400/day...so I figure my similar practices-are truly FRUGAL and save ALL potential hospital-visits, not to mention any future REinfection. Many of-us think that if the sick person gets well, there is no-further chance for contamination.
Another secret is regular healthy nutritious ORGANIC food WHEREVER POSSIBLE, and lots of water to flush the system. (Remember those filled disposable-water pitchers at bedside in the hospital?) Acidolphylus for any area that burns like from acid, and vinegar for Esophogeal Reflux. For those-who haven't been reminded of these things, it can-become a lifestyle to accompany basic clean living-when one practices it routinely. Otherwise, common-illnesses can keep a family sick MUCH too long, and-cost MUCH more after all said and done. It's WORTH-THE EXTRA EFFORT and mind renewal.- (07/22/2006)
By lyndagayle62
RE: Cleaning Your Microwave
Cleaning the microwave. To get rid of hard-to-shift gunk in your microwave, just put cup of hot water in and bring to boil for 4 or 5 minutes. The condensed steam on the walls will cause the gunk to just slide-off when cleaned with a rag. (01/27/2007)
By Doris
RE: Cleaning Your Microwave
I don't know about anybody else, but I have trouble reaching the over the stove microwaves, I use micro fiber cloth with plain water and a pancake turner to reach the back and the top. This works very well and I can reach all the little bitty pieces and they come right off. (07/11/2007)
By BABBIE
Cleaning Your Microwave
Cleaning the inside of your microwave. Place a cup of water in the microwave, turn on the microwave, but keep an eye on the water level until the water is almost evaporated. Maybe 2-3 minutes. The moisture from the water will loosen anything that has spilled over or blown up. Remove cup, wipe out microwave.
Source: I discovered this one day heating water for instant coffee.
By Robin Z. from Gothenburg, Sweden
RE: Cleaning Your Microwave
Excellent advice for cleaning a microwave. I especially liked the advice to add lemon juice to the water as that will help get rid of odor.
One way to help keep the microwave from getting dirty is to purchase a plastic microwave food cover. They are very inexpensive, fit over almost all food you place for cooking and is quick and easy to clean. (07/17/2008)
By Deeli
RE: Cleaning Your Microwave
In my microwave, 2-3 minutes is enough time to brew a cup of tea or coffee, not nearly enough to evaporate a cup of water.
What I do is put a quarter to half cup of vinegar in my microwave; turn on for four to five minutes; remove cup and wipe out oven.
Works great. Use cider vinegar and vary the amount as well as the time, depending on the amount of cleaning needed and the size of the microwave. (07/18/2008)
By Ron
Cleaning Your Microwave
What is the cheapest way to clean out your microwave?
By NewMom'08 from Austin, TX
RE: Cleaning Your Microwave
Use a microwave safe bowl with a few cups of water and a half of a lemon. run on high for 4 or 5 minutes. Wipe out with paper towels. (07/23/2009)
By monday67
RE: Cleaning Your Microwave
My "never fail" solution is as follows. First, put 2 or 3 cups of water in a pyrex, (or that type), glass bowl, something that can take boiling, or near boiling water. Pour a couple tablespoons of baking soda in the water, stir to dissolve. Heat slowly, no real need to boil like crazy, but heat until it does steam up the microwave. Let it sit for a few minutes. Then remove bowl, wipe out microwave with cloth moistened from the liquid in the bowl, leaving it clean and fresh. (07/24/2009)
By LJF
RE: Cleaning Your Microwave
I find the easiest way to do it is to put a small microwave safe bowl filled with vinegar in the microwave. Turn it on for about 5 minutes. This will not only steam the microwave (then you just wipe off the inside) but it will also deodorize it also. (07/24/2009)
By namepo
RE: Cleaning Your Microwave
If you're short like me and cannot reach the top in the back of the microwave after using your bowl of vinegar, try this. Place your cleaning cloth over the end of your pancake turner and use the very edge to reach those far away places. I prefer microfiber-cleaning cloths. (07/24/2009)
By BABBIE
RE: Cleaning Your Microwave
Once you get it clean, buy a microwave spatter lid which keeps your microwave virtually spatter free. You just place it over whatever it is you're cooking and it's dishwasher safe. I've also found that it keeps foods from drying out so much :-)
I've had mine for years and it only cost a couple of dollars at WalMart :-) (07/24/2009)
By Deeli
RE: Cleaning Your Microwave
I always wipe out the inside after heating my cup of tea. I let it sit in there for a couple of minutes. It gets steamy and then I wipe it with a dry cloth afterward. I don't have to use soap, even.. This keeps it really clean. (07/24/2009)
By c t
Cleaning a Microwave Over the Stove
There are grease spatters on the black-colored front of my microwave oven, which sits over my stove. What is a good product to remove the spots? Everything I use just smears it.
Connie from Imperial, MO
RE: Cleaning a Microwave Over the Stove
You know what I use? "Goo Gone." That stuff will take off everything! It used to be pretty expensive, but now I think you can get a good-sized jug at the hardware store for about $7.00 that will last for a really long time. Put some in a little spray bottle, spray it on, and let it sit for a few minutes and then wipe it off. That grease should come right off. (11/26/2006)
By Ted
RE: Cleaning a Microwave Over the Stove
Rubbing alcohol does a wonderful job! (11/27/2006)
By Annie
RE: Cleaning a Microwave Over the Stove
Vinegar is better than any commercial "glass cleaner" I have ever tried and it is non-toxic, so I am not afraid to use it around my family and animals. (11/27/2006)
RE: Cleaning a Microwave Over the Stove
All these ideas are good ones and will work well, but I combined a couple of household products for the best ever glass/mirror cleaner: Use 1 part vinegar, 1 part rubbing alcohol, and 1 part water. Spray sparingly and wait a few seconds before wiping with a lint-free cloth or spray the cloth, wipe, and dry with another lint-free cloth. (11/30/2006)
By hsorbits
RE: Cleaning a Microwave Over the Stove
The "best" product I've found by far for cleaning grease, old burned food, etc. is the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. Someone else mentioned it and, "trust me", this thing works miracles with very minimal effort on my part. It also works wonders taking soap scum off of glass shower doors. And no fumes or odors to contend with. (12/03/2006)
By em
(06/20/2008)
By Sappie
RE: Cleaning a Microwave Over the Stove
I would try Awesome. Do not add water. You can get it at the Dollar General or Wal-mart. I use it for everything. (06/24/2008)
By darlooney
Cleaning Your Microwave
This is a great tip on how to clean your microwave without using chemicals.
By Beth09/17/2010
Cleaning a Microwave Quickly