Have you ever opened your microwave to find a splattered mess from last night’s leftovers? Or maybe you've been greeted by an unpleasant odor when you go to reheat your coffee? And don’t get me started about the shared microwave in the office… if those microwave walls could talk… they’d tell you a thing or two about your coworker’s leftovers!

While it doesn’t always get the praise it deserves, the microwave really is an undisputed kitchen hero. It quickly reheats leftovers and cooks meals from scratch in minutes, so let’s treat it accordingly. The first order of business? Keeping it clean! Not only is this important for sanitary reasons, but good cleaning habits will maintain the performance and lifespan of your microwave.

Let’s dive into some easy and effective ways to keep your microwave sparkling clean and smelling fresh, including a handy tip involving Anyday dishes, of course:

How does an Anyday help keep your microwave clean?

There’s no debate — microwaving food in a covered Anyday dish is the key to keeping your microwave clean pretty much all of the time. The vented, silicone-lined lid keeps food splatters inside the dish which means you’ll hardly ever have a reason to scrub the microwave walls. Despite an occasional spill-over if the dish is over-capacity (usually pasta or oatmeal), our dishes are hands-down the most effective way to maintain your microwave.

Why clean your microwave?

Here are some reasons why you should care about keeping your microwave clean:

• Food Residue: Spills and splatters can build up, making your microwave harder to clean in the long run.
• Odors: Leftover food residue can get trapped and stink up your kitchen.
• Health: A dirty microwave can become a breeding ground for bacteria and mold — yuck!
• Performance: A clean microwave heats food more evenly and efficiently.

The best microwave cleaning methods

Here’s the good news: cleaning a microwave is a lot easier than many of the other appliances in your kitchen. Most microwaves have a removable plate that can be washed in the sink or in the dishwasher, and the smooth, metal walls are super simple to wipe clean. Definitely easier than scrubbing a burnt toaster oven or greasy stovetop, that’s for sure!

When the inevitable splatter and buildup does happen, it’s important to use the right tools for the task. Most of these methods require common (and often natural) ingredients that will keep your microwave in top shape:

1. Vinegar steam cleaning: Vinegar is very acidic, making it a great cleaner and de-greaser. Start by mixing equal parts water and vinegar in an Anyday dish and microwave it (uncovered) for about 5 minutes. This steam bath will loosen the grime on the walls and make it easy to wipe it off with a dry cloth.
2. Lemon fresh: Looking for a scent alternative to vinegar? Acidic lemon juice also does the job, without the harsh smell. To clean the microwave, combine equal parts lemon juice and water in an Anyday dish. Microwave uncovered for about 5 minutes and then wipe the interior clean with a dry cloth.
3. Baking soda for tough stains: Encounter an especially stubborn stain? Baking soda is a great de-odorizer because of its mildly abrasive qualities. Start by making a paste with equal parts baking soda and water. Apply it to harder to scrub spots, wait 5 minutes, then wipe it off.
4. Dish soap method: For heavy-duty jobs, try microwaving a bowl of water with a few (1-2) drops of dish soap. Allow the steam to loosen the grime, and then wipe the microwave clean.

What NOT to do when cleaning your microwave

Avoid these mistakes to keep your microwave clean, safe, and odor-free:

• Ignoring spills: Clean up spills as soon as you notice them to prevent them from becoming caked-on messes.
• Using harsh chemicals: We recommend sticking to mild, food-safe cleaners with natural ingredients. Strong-smelling chemical cleaners can leave harmful residues and lingering scents in your microwave.
• Scrubbing too hard: Your microwave walls may be sturdy enough to withstand microwaves, but it's still vulnerable to scratches. Use a soft cloth or sponge and a gentle touch to avoid this.
• Neglecting the turntable: Remove and clean the turntable regularly to avoid food debris buildup. Try wiping the plate down by hand, or stick it in the dishwasher to disinfect it.

Removing odors with Anyday’s baking soda method

Struggling with microwave odors? Here’s a great tip using your Anyday dish:

The Baking Soda Method: Mix two cups of water and 1/4 cup of baking soda in your Anyday dish. Microwave uncovered for 3-5 minutes. After microwaving, leave the dish inside for another 5-10 minutes to let the steam work its magic. Carefully remove the dish (use oven mitts if needed), and wipe the interior clean with a cloth or sponge.

Tips for ongoing microwave maintenance

It may seem like a simple job, but maintaining your microwave makes a big impact. It’s worth paying some extra attention! To keep your microwave sparkling clean year-round, follow these general guidelines:

• Follow recipes and cook times: Stick to recommended cook times to prevent overflows and explosions.
• Cover your food: Cover food with a microwave-safe lid to reduce splatters. Make sure there’s a small vent for steam to escape.
• Regular wipe-downs: Wipe the interior with a damp cloth once a week to prevent build-up.
• Clean-up up spills: Clean spills right away to avoid stubborn stains.
• Use Anyday’s microwave-safe dishes: Our favorite way to prevent splatters? Use Anyday’s microwave-safe containers!

By following these tips, you’ll have a sparkling clean and odor-free microwave. Regular maintenance will maintain your microwave’s performance and keep your kitchen looking and smelling great.