Your ways to clean the inside of a microwave (heating, cleaner, cleaning)

[howard555]

A microwave heats food fast and hot. We have accumulated several over the years and have found a good home for a couple of them. However the inside needs to be cleaned. Since the heating process was high temperature and during some of cooking you hear "popping sounds" as food particles think about flying around inside, what are your tips to clean a microwave?
We have over cleaner. Anything else to consider?

[Vectoris]

I just put a measuring cup in there with about a cup of water - let it boil in the microwave oven for 5 mins, and then wipe the insides clean with a a soft cloth and mild dish soap.

[TabulaRasa]

Boil a big microwave-safe mixing bowl of water in the microwave. The steam will soften any residue inside, and you should be able to then sponge down the inside with minimal elbow grease. Use a kitchen cleaning spray for anything stubborn or staining. Rinse with plain water.

I wouldn't use oven cleaner unless indicated, as the chemicals are likely designed to clean metal interiors and not plastic.

[Threerun]

Same as above- steam clean it.

We also use a microwave food cover- really makes it mess free.

[Gorges]

I also boil water in a class container and let it sit for several minutes after it boils. That's always taken care of any mess.

[cindersslipper]

First of all I microwave some water in there, with or without lemon juice.

Then I get my regular cleaner (50/50 white vinegar and dishwashing liquid) and squirt it about especially on any stuck bits.

I leave that for 5 and it wipes down to brand new.

I never use chemicals anymore btw - utter waste of money.

[SeaOfGrass]

I do the bowl-of-water trick, too, with some lemon juice. Then everything just wipes off very easily.

I also lay a paper towel over any food I'm heating to try to prevent it from getting dirty in the first place.

[jacqueg]

Another vote for steaming water. Works great.

DO NOT use oven cleaner. Way too strong for the interior of your microwave.

[399083453]

I use simplegreen for cleaning pretty much everything.

[L0ve]

Glass pyrex bowl filled with water, vinegar and lemon juice. Heat to a rolling boil to steam the inside, then wipe clean.