[LisaArbo]

Don't you love it when your family uses the microwave, stuff splatters everywhere and no one bothers to wipe up the mess? (Okay, maybe it's just my kids..............)

Anyway, I have a little hint to share to help! I'm sure a lot of you already know about this, but for those of you who don't...........here goes:

You can take any microwave safe dish or container..........fill it about half full of water. Stick it in the microwave and heat the water to boiling. Now let it sit for a half hour or so. DON'T OPEN THE DOOR FOR AS LONG AS POSSIBLE. The steam from the water will coat the inside of your microwave and you will be able to just wipe it out when you are ready. If stuff is REALLY dried in there, you might have to do it a couple of times. I got the hint from a friend in the restaurant business, and I've been doing it ever since.

**You can also put some lemon juice in the water..........makes the microwave smell clean and fresh!

[kimberah]

Great tip! Thanks!

[hghent]

This works great!!!! My sister was never one for cleaning when she was in college. I would go over and help her clean up and this was the only way I would touch her microwave!!! It was disgusting and this worked like a charm every time!!! Definitely use the lemon... you get a fresh, clean smell!!

[wildpookey]

OMG! This is such a great tip!

[CM_ANGEL]

Baking soda in the water also works wonders!

[lesliec]

That's awesome, my family will appreciate a clean microwave thanks to you. I don't do it the hard way.

[luv2sav]

This is the way I do it as well!

[Jamalfi]

I don't think it's just your kids that do this, my dh husband does this all the time. I have been doing this for a while now and it comes out great. Next time I will try it with the lemon.

[dfed913]

Now I know what I'll be doing tomorrow!

[FreebieMama]

Originally Posted by Jamalfi

I don't think it's just your kids that do this, my dh husband does this all the time. I have been doing this for a while now and it comes out great. Next time I will try it with the lemon.

I was just going to say, my kids are too small to reach the microwave, but it looks like a bomb went off in there. I cover everything I heat up, so that just leaves one person...

Thanks, Lisa!

[wildpookey]

OMG! I just tried this and it works like a charm! THANK YOU!
No more scrubbing the dried up food on the side walls of the micro!

[scrapquick]

I use about 3 parts water to 1 part vinegar and let it set about 5-10 minutes. Afterward, I pour the vinegar solution into my coffee maker (no grounds) and run it through to clean. (Must also run another pot of plain water to wash out vinegar)

[wannasavemoney]

thanks great. I do not need to scrub now

[KariAnn]

I do the same thing! it works great, i never thought about adding lemon though. I'll have to try that! Thanks.

[sebae1]

Just tried the water with a thin slice of lemon... worked beautifully and it smells so nice. Thank you. I also put two thin slices in the sink disposal (Mom's trick) to keep it smelling fresh.

[mom1093]

It's not just your kids!! I have cleaned the microwave this way & love it. I never thought to add the lemon juice. Thanks!!

[Alexdur85]

What a great tip.. Anyone know how long we have to put it on for it to boil?? I'll saw i'm using a regular size cereal bowl?

[Grettas3]

I do a little variation on this, I get my kitchen sponge soaking wet and pop it in the microwave for about 2 minutes...let it sit for another couple of mins. Not only does it loosen up the crud in the micro it sanitizes your sponge.

[jingram]

Great idea!!!

[BreaMarie]

Thank you for the tip! I have some spaghetti sauce stuck to the walls of my microwave that I think has turned to cement