How to Clean a Microwave With a Bowl of Water

Step by step

1. 1

   Pour 1 cup of water into the bowl

   Measure 1 cup of water into your microwave-safe bowl and set it in the middle of the turntable. GE uses 1 cup in its own directions, and Whirlpool’s steam clean uses 250 mL, which is about the same.

   If you like, add a few slices of lemon or a splash of white vinegar. Whirlpool says lemon juice or vinegar in the water helps with cleaning and odors. We found no test showing either one loosens food better than plain water, so think of them as mostly for the smell.

2. 2

   Heat it on full power for 3 minutes

   Close the door and run it on full power for 3 minutes. That is GE’s time for cooked-on food. Do not run it longer, because the FDA says not to heat water past the maker’s recommended times. Water heated past boiling can look perfectly still.

   What it looks like: the window fogs up with steam.

3. 3

   Keep the door shut 5 more minutes

   When the timer goes off, leave the door closed for 5 minutes. GE calls for 5 minutes of stand time after the heating. The steam keeps working on the dried spots while you wait.

1. 4

   Lift the bowl out slowly with a mitt

   Open the door and keep your face back. Put on an oven mitt and lift the bowl out slowly and level. Whirlpool says the container will be hot and to use a heat-resistant glove.

   Move slowly, because the FDA warns that even a slight bump, like picking up the cup, can make superheated water erupt.

2. 5

   Switch it off and wipe it down

   Unplug the microwave or switch it off at the outlet, since GE’s manual says the power should be off before you clean any part of it. Then wipe the walls, ceiling, door and floor with a soft cloth or sponge and a drop of dish soap in warm water. Whirlpool finishes its steam clean the same way, with a soft cloth and mild detergent.

   What it looks like: everyday splatter wipes off without scrubbing.

3. 6

   Rinse with a damp cloth and air it out

   Go over everything once more with a cloth dampened in plain water to take off the soap. GE’s manual says to clean greasy spatters with a sudsy cloth and then rinse with a damp cloth. Leave the door open for a few minutes to air it out.

When it will not work, and what to do instead

Steam handles everyday splatter, but old, burnt-on spots can take more. Here is what to do.

• Some spots are still stuck. Run the steam again with a fresh cup of water: 3 minutes, then 5 minutes of rest, then wipe. On stainless steel interiors, GE says a plastic pad or scrubber can be used.
• The walls are painted, not stainless. Be gentle. GE’s manual says not to use abrasive cleaners on the walls and that cleanser can scratch the paint. Stick to a soft cloth and a second round of steam.
• It still smells. GE’s manual says an occasional wipe with baking soda and water keeps the inside fresh, and that leaving the door open a few minutes after cooking airs it out.
• You were thinking of oven cleaner. Please do not. GE says never to use a commercial oven cleaner on any part of a microwave.
• Your microwave has a Steam Clean setting. Use it. Whirlpool’s version also starts with about 1 cup of water in a microwave-safe container, and your manual will have the details.

Why it works

Here is what the bowl is doing. As the water heats, it fills the closed box with steam, and the steam settles on every wall and every dried drip of sauce.

That moisture softens everyday splatter so it wipes right off. It works like soaking a crusty oatmeal pot, except the soak comes to the mess as a cloud.

The 5 minutes with the door shut does two jobs. The steam keeps working on the walls, and the water has time to settle before you move the bowl.

There is always that one bowl of chili that pops on reheat, and you shut the door and decide it is a problem for another day. A week later it has dried on like paint.