Samsung and LG both publish steps for cleaning a microwave. Samsung steams the interior with a bowl of water, then washes the turntable and wipes the exterior, panel and door seals. LG washes the interior with warm soapy water, boils water for stubborn stains or odors, and cleans the exterior and front glass. Check your manual for your model. Samsung says to wash the turntable weekly, and LG recommends cleaning the microwave weekly.
Steps, by source
Samsung: steam clean and wipe down
Steam cleans the interior, washes the turntable, and wipes the exterior, control panel, underside and door seals. Source: Samsung: Clean the microwave inside and out.
- If your microwave has a Steam Clean feature, follow the instructions in your user manual. Otherwise, place 2 cups of water (add lemon juice for extra freshness) in a 4-cup, microwave-safe bowl.
- Run the microwave at High power for 5 minutes or until the water boils.
- Let the water stand in the microwave for 1 or 2 minutes before removing the bowl.
- Repeat the steaming as needed to break up tough stains or stuck-on food.
- Clean the cavity with a dry dishtowel.
- Remove the turntable and wipe under the rack with a paper towel.
- Clean the roller rings and wash the turntable. The turntable is dishwasher safe, or wash it carefully in warm, sudsy water. Make sure it's dry before putting it back.
- Wipe the exterior with a soft cloth and warm, soapy water, then rinse and dry.
- Wipe the control panel with a damp cloth and dry it thoroughly.
- Clean grease and dust from the bottom of the microwave using a solution of warm water and detergent.
- Keep the door seals clean, and wash the glass door with very mild soap and water using a soft cloth.
What the source lists: 4-cup, microwave-safe bowl; Water (2 cups); Lemon juice (optional, for extra freshness); Dry dishtowel; Paper towel; Soft cloth; Warm, soapy water; Detergent (with warm water, for the bottom of the microwave); Very mild soap (for the glass door).
From the source. Never use any type of abrasive cleaner or solvent, such as alcohol, benzene, ammonia, or paint thinner on the microwave. Also, never use steel wool or bleach. Doing so will damage the finish and rust will form.
From the source. When cleaning the exterior, be careful to not get liquid in the vents of the microwave.
From the source. However, be careful with the turntable tray right after cooking because it may still be hot.
From the source. Do not use cleaning sprays, large amounts of soap and water, abrasive cleaners (like chlorine bleach), or sharp objects on the panel.
From the source. Always ensure that the door seals are clean and that no grime or residue gets on them, since this could prevent the microwave's door from closing properly.
How often, according to Samsung: Clean the roller rings once a month, and wash the turntable once a week.
LG: wash the interior and glass
Washes the interior and turntable, uses boiled water for stubborn soils or odors, and cleans the exterior and front glass. Source: LG: Clean the microwave interior and exterior.
- Remove the turntable and support ring.
- Clean the interior with warm soapy water and a nonabrasive sponge or soft cloth.
- For stubborn stains, boil a cup of water in the microwave for 2 to 3 minutes.
- For odors, boil a cup of water with some lemon juice or vinegar in it.
- Reinstall the turntable and support ring.
- Unplug the power plug before cleaning the exterior.
- Clean stains and spots from the exterior with a mild detergent and a non-abrasive cloth.
- Clean the front glass with a neutral glass cleaner and a non-abrasive cloth.
- Plug the unit back in.
What the source lists: Warm soapy water; Nonabrasive sponge or soft cloth; Cup of water; Lemon juice or vinegar (for odors); Mild detergent; Neutral glass cleaner; Non-abrasive cloth.
From the source. Use only mild non-abrasive soaps or a mild detergent.
From the source. DO NOT use benzene or thinners as this may damage the finish.
From the source. Do not spray the cleaner directly onto the oven.
How often, according to LG: For maximum performance, it is recommended that you clean your LG microwave on a weekly basis.
Questions
How do I get stuck-on food out of a microwave?
Samsung says to run a bowl of water at High for 5 minutes or until it boils, let it stand 1 or 2 minutes, and repeat as needed. LG says to boil a cup of water in the microwave for 2 to 3 minutes for stubborn stains.
How do I get rid of a smell in the microwave?
LG says to boil a cup of water with some lemon juice or vinegar in it.
How often should I clean it?
LG recommends cleaning the microwave weekly. Samsung says to clean the roller rings once a month and wash the turntable once a week.
Is the turntable dishwasher safe?
Samsung says the turntable is dishwasher safe, or you can wash it carefully in warm, sudsy water.
What should I not use?
Samsung says never to use abrasive cleaners or solvents such as alcohol, benzene, ammonia or paint thinner, and never steel wool or bleach. LG says not to use benzene or thinners.
Models vary, check your manual. These steps come from the sources linked above and HouseHack doesn't verify them. Follow your appliance's manual and safety labels.
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