Today’s task: The Microwave

If it’s been a long time since you cleaned it, this might take longer than 15 minutes. But hopefully some of my tips will help you cut down on time and it will be something you don’t completely dread doing.

*Start by filling a microwave safe bowl about 2/3 of the way full with water. I like to add a citrus rind. It smells good and smell means a lot in a microwave. Microwave on high for 3 minutes. The steam from the water and heat helps loosen food particles on the microwave.

*While the water is microwaving. Wipe down the front of the microwave with a wet cloth. If the buttons look grimy or there is any greasy film (happens often especially if you have a microwave over your stove) use rubbing alcohol on a paper towel. It cuts right through the grim and sanitizes (bonus!)

*Open your microwave, remove the bowl (you’ll probably need hot pads) and wipe it down with a wet cloth. If you have some really stubborn food particles you might need to repeat heating it and wiping it down. Butter or something similar must have exploded in mine this last time because there was some on the microwave top. I ended up having to use rubbing alcohol to get it off.

*Use a paper towel to wipe off the top of the microwave (to remove dust). Then wipe it down with a wet cloth.

*If you have a microwave over your stove, be sure to wipe down the underside of the microwave too. It might get food particles on it from using the stove top.