Cleaning Microwave - What can you use?

[lemonlady]

Got a new one and just curious what people use to give it a good clean when its messy.

[SaintGeorge]

Cover food so it doesn't splash in the first place.

[SunshineSmith]

Lemonlady,

use a bowl with water... and lemon juice... 5 minutes at high... it really softens any hard crap inside the microwave.

easy peasy!

[calsworld]

If you wipe it when the mess is made with warm water and small amount of washing liquid, that should keep it clean.

I'm sure I saw someone on 'How clean is your house'(?), a bowl of water with lemon juice in, microwaved for a minute, then just a wipe with a damp cloth - the steam is supposed to loosen off anything baked on and the lemon neutralises smells.

However, I'm sure I've also read something about not microwaving water so best get verification on that one!!

[calsworld]

x-posted with SunshineSmith...

[lemonlady]

Oh thanks sunshine,
Will try cover the food eh. Would never ever thought to do that.

[SunshineSmith]

You are very welcome

[SaintGeorge]

Don't use clingfilm to cover though, if in direct contact with the food.

OK stretched over top of container.

I use upturned saucers a lot for small dishes, or I have a proper microwave splatter cover for big dishes and plates.

Quick wipe with a cloth if micro gets steamy or the outside needs it, but otherwise barely have to touch it.

[FourArms]

You shouldn't microwave water by itself as it can superheat and almost explode when it is moved causing nasty burns. Water with lemon in is fine though IIRC.

I now use microwave pans (Pampered Chef, but available much cheaper elsewhere) with lock on lids and steam vents, which means I seldom have any mess in the microwave. I reheat meals (batch cook and freeze) in their plastic containers with the lid loosely on the top so they don't splatter.

I also stick the microwave turn plate in the dishwasher once a week or so.

[lemonlady]

Tried the lemon and water, it worked a treat.
although I do cover the food its still sometimes splills out.

Thanks ladies, one more thing not to worry about.