"How to Clean a Microwave in 10 Minutes"

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Hye-seon] As home meal replacements (HMR) that can be easily prepared at home become more popular, the use of microwave ovens in households is increasing. In particular, due to the avoidance of dining out caused by COVID-19, the consumption of home meal replacements has shown a significant upward trend. Accordingly, the use of microwave ovens, which are typically used to cook home meal replacements, has increased compared to before, raising the importance of cleaning the inside of microwave ovens.

Microwave ovens are used in various ways, such as heating or defrosting food, and even for managing dishes or dishcloths, but cleaning is often overlooked. Especially, food can splatter inside the microwave while heating, and this food can harden, making stains difficult to remove and potentially causing bacterial growth, so careful attention to maintenance is necessary.

Here is some practical information on how to clean a microwave oven easily.

Cleaning the interior using vinegar and water

First, mix vinegar and water in a 1:1 or 1:2 ratio and put the mixture into a microwave-safe container. Place the container in the microwave and run it for about 5 minutes. The steam will cause the contaminated areas inside the microwave to loosen, making them easier to wipe. Then, use kitchen towels or wet wipes to clean every corner of the microwave.

Using microwave-specific cleaning sheets

A simpler method is to use microwave-specific cleaning sheets. Aekyung Industrial’s ‘1-Minute Steam Cleaner’ is an easy-to-use microwave cleaner. Insert one cleaning sheet into the microwave and run it for 1 minute. After confirming that the cleaner is not hot, wipe off the contamination inside the microwave. The steam generated during operation softens stubborn grime and dirt inside, and the baking soda contained in the cleaner effectively removes stickiness and stains from the microwave. The steam produced in this process contains an orange scent, providing a refreshing feeling after cleaning.