How to Clean a Microwave with Baking Soda: A Simple, Chemical-Free Method

Microwaves are a staple in most Aussie kitchens, from reheating leftovers to whipping up quick meals. But with daily use, they can get grubby fast. Bits of food splatter, liquids spill over, and steam builds up—before you know it, you’ve got a greasy, smelly microwave.

Regular cleaning isn’t just about keeping things tidy. It helps your microwave last longer, prevents bacteria from growing, and ensures your food always tastes fresh.

Rather than using strong chemical cleaners, baking soda offers a safe, natural, and highly effective solution. It’s gentle on surfaces, cuts through grime, and neutralises odours—all without leaving behind any harsh residues.

Common Causes of Microwave Buildup and Odours

Microwave mess is pretty much inevitable over time. Here are some of the usual culprits:

• Food splatters: Heating uncovered food—especially anything with sauces—can lead to bits of food exploding and sticking to the walls and ceiling.
• Spills and boil-overs: Liquids like soup or milk tend to bubble up and overflow, leaving sticky messes behind.
• Steam and condensation: Moisture from food or drinks collects inside the microwave, carrying grease and food particles with it. Over time, this creates a film on the interior surfaces.
• Neglecting regular cleaning: The longer mess sits, the harder it is to clean—and the more likely it’ll start to smell.
• All of this not only looks unappealing but can also affect how well your microwave works and even alter the taste of your food.

Cleaning Steps Using Baking Soda

Preparing the Solution

To start, mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with 1 cup of water in a microwave-safe bowl. Make sure it’s well dissolved. This simple solution is enough to break down grease and neutralise bad smells without the need for any synthetic cleaners.

Steam Cleaning the Interior

Place the bowl in the centre of the microwave and heat on high for 3 to 5 minutes. As the water heats, it creates steam infused with baking soda. This loosens up dried-on gunk and makes wiping it off a breeze.

Once the time’s up, don’t open the door straight away—let it sit for 2–3 minutes so the steam can continue working. The microwave will be warm and damp inside, perfect for tackling built-up grime.

Wiping Down Surfaces

Carefully take the bowl out (it may be hot—use caution). Then grab a soft cloth, sponge, or paper towel and wipe down the entire interior. Be thorough:

• Walls and ceiling—check all corners where splatters might hide.
• Turntable—remove it and wash separately with warm, soapy water. Let it dry before putting it back.
• Door, glass, and seals—grime often collects here and can cause smells if ignored.

If any stubborn spots remain, dip your cloth into the leftover solution or make a baking soda paste (just a bit of baking soda and water) and scrub gently.

Preventive Measures

Want to avoid deep cleans every week? These simple habits make a big difference:

• Always cover your food with a microwave-safe lid or even a paper towel to reduce splatter.
• Wipe up spills immediately—fresh mess is much easier to clean than dried-on residue.
• Give your microwave a quick clean weekly using the baking soda steam method or just a damp cloth and baking soda paste for spot cleaning.
• After use, leave the door open for a few minutes to let steam and moisture escape. This helps prevent odours from setting in.

When to Seek Professional Help

If odours linger despite thorough cleaning, or you notice rust, damage, or chipping inside the microwave, it might be time to call in a technician. Damaged interior surfaces can affect performance or even become a safety hazard. Also, if your microwave isn’t heating properly or you hear odd noises during operation, get it checked professionally.

Conclusion

Keeping your microwave clean doesn’t have to be hard—or involve harsh chemicals. Baking soda is a simple, affordable, and natural way to tackle grime and odours, keeping your appliance fresh and hygienic. With a bit of routine maintenance and some preventative steps, you’ll avoid the hassle of deep cleaning and extend the life of your microwave. Give it a go—you’ll be surprised how easy it is.