Cleaning a dirty microwave without scrubbing (steam)
Splashes of dried tomato sauce? The steam will take everything off for you.
Recommended Materials
- Water bowl
- Lemon (or vinegar)
- Sponge
Steps to follow
Step 1
The principle (Hammam): Dried food stains in the microwave are hard as rock. Scratching damages the coating. The solution is to create a sauna inside to soften everything.
Step 2
Preparation: Take a microwave-safe bowl (glass or ceramic). Fill it halfway with water. Cut a lemon in half, squeeze the juice into the water and also put the two squeezed halves into the bowl. (If you don't have lemon, add 2 tablespoons of white vinegar).
Step 3
Heating: Put the bowl in the microwave. Run at MAXIMUM power for 3 to 5 minutes. The water should be boiling and giving off lots of steam. The lemon will deodorize.
Step 4
The wait (Crucial): When it rings, DON'T open the door right away! Let the steam act for 5 to 10 minutes with the door closed. This is where the magic happens: the lemon water vapor will settle on the walls and dissolve the fats.
Step 5
Cleaning: Open the door (watch out for the hot flash). Take out the bowl (with a glove, it's hot) and the turntable. Simply wipe a sponge or microfiber cloth over the walls, ceiling and door. The dirt comes off on its own without rubbing. Dry with a clean cloth.
Frequently Asked Questions
The mica plate ?
It's the little gray or silver cardboard on the right side inside. This is the waveguide. If it is black, burnt or has holes, you absolutely must change it (it costs a few euros online and it can be cut with scissors), otherwise your microwave will spark and die.
Precautions
- Be careful not to burn yourself with the bowl of boiling water.
- Do not block the vents.
