by Barb Hopkins

Created on: December 20, 2008   Last Updated: February 27, 2009

Exploding butter, lava-like spaghetti sauce, and splattered soup are some of the everyday messes that must be cleaned from our kitchen microwave. Cleaning out the insides of a microwave does not have to be difficult or time-consuming.

* General Cleaning

To clean the inside of a microwave that has not seen a recent food explosion is quick and easy. Most units have removable glass turntables. Remove the turntable, wash in warm soapy water, rinse and dry thoroughly. Handle the turntable carefully as they can become slippery when wet.

Before returning the turntable, using a wet dishcloth or sponge, wipe down the entire inside of the microwave including the ceiling. If a few food particles are stuck on, rub free with a plastic scrubbing pad or even your fingernail. Don't forget to wipe down the inside of the microwave door. Dry with a clean cotton towel or paper towel and replace the turntable. Wipe down the front of the microwave and the keypad too.

* Serious Cleaning

Foods explode in the microwave. Some of the most spectacular explosions come from hot dogs, sauces or soups, and let's not forget the two sticks of butter you were melting for the corn-on-the-cob. In our haste to get our meals to the table, we often put off cleaning our microwave messes. It's very easy to leave the mess or just half-heartedly dab at it. Often we were not the creator of the mess and before we know it, the microwave looks and smells like something out of science project gone wrong. When your microwave is in this state, serious cleaning is needed.

There are several tried and true techniques to loosen grease, grime, and grunge from the inside of your microwave while removing foul and burnt odors.

Tip 1: Fill a bowl with four cups of water and microwave it on high for 5 minutes. Let the water stand for five more minutes and then remove from the microwave. The steam from the boiled water will loosen baked on particles allowing them to be wiped away with a soapy, wet sponge. Rinse entire microwave with wet cloth after last particle in removed.

Tip 2: Fill a spray bottle with two tablespoons of baking soda and then fill with water. Spray the inside of your microwave with the baking soda and water solution. Let sit for a couple of minutes and spray again. Wipe away the wet grime and dry thoroughly with a towel.

Tip 3: Fill a bowl with two tablespoons of baking soda and three cups of water. Place a sponge or rag in the bowl and microwave on high for 5 minutes. Let stand in the microwave for 5 to 10

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