The essentials in 30 seconds
Make sure the controls are off and the microwave is cool. For heavy dirt or smells, heat 1 cup (250 ml) of water with 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of lemon juice or vinegar for 2 to 5 minutes: the steam softens the soil. Then wipe the inside with mild soap and water on a soft cloth or sponge, rinse with clean water and dry with a soft, lint-free or microfibre cloth. Wash the turntable with a mild cleanser, and put it back before using the microwave again. Never use scouring pads, steel wool, abrasive cleaners or gritty cloths inside the cavity or on the controls.
- Clean the cavity regularly: built-up food can cause arcing.
- Keep the area where the door meets the frame clean.
- The container will be hot: use an oven glove.
How to clean a microwave
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01
Switch off and let it cool
All controls off, oven cool.
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02
Make the steam
Put 1 cup (250 ml) of water in a microwave-safe container with 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of lemon juice or vinegar.
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03
Heat it
2 to 5 minutes. The steam softens dried-on food and helps remove odours.
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04
Take the container out
Carefully, with an oven glove.
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05
Wipe the cavity
Mild soap and water on a soft cloth or sponge: walls, ceiling, floor, the inlet cover, the rack supports and the area where the door touches the frame.
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06
Rinse and dry
Wipe with clean water, then dry with a soft, lint-free or microfibre cloth.
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07
Clean the turntable
See below, and put it back straight away.
Cleaning a microwave with lemon or vinegar
Whirlpool suggests either lemon juice or vinegar: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) in 1 cup (250 ml) of water, heated for 2 to 5 minutes, to help remove odours, after cleaning out food debris and spills. In this method the steam softens the dirt, and the lemon juice or vinegar helps with smells. Choose the one whose smell you prefer.
Microwaves with a steam clean button
Some Whirlpool microwaves have an automatic steam clean cycle. Put 250 ml of water in a container in the middle of the cavity (Whirlpool recommends a light, microwave-safe plastic container 17 to 20 cm wide and under 6.5 cm high), press Steam Clean and then Start. When it finishes, take out the hot container with a glove and wipe the inside with a soft cloth and mild detergent. Adding lemon juice or vinegar to the water improves cleaning and removes odours.
Turntable, controls and outside
| Part | How to clean it | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Cavity, average dirt | Mild, nonabrasive soap; rinse; dry with a soft, lint-free cloth | Scouring pads, steel wool, abrasive cleaners, gritty cloths, recycled paper towels |
| Cavity, heavy dirt | Steam 1 cup of water for 2 to 5 minutes, then mild soap and water | Scraping |
| Turntable | Mild cleanser and a scouring pad; many are dishwasher-safe (check the manual) | Running the oven without it |
| Traditional controls | Mild soap and water on a soft cloth; dry completely | Abrasive cleaners, steel wool, gritty cloths |
| Glass controls | Glass cleaner on a soft cloth, not sprayed on the panel | Spraying directly on the panel |
| Stainless steel outside | Wipe in the direction of the grain | Rubbing across the grain |
What not to use to clean a microwave
- Soap-filled scouring pads, steel wool and abrasive cleaners inside the cavity or on the controls.
- Gritty washcloths or recycled paper towels, which can scratch.
- Spraying cleaner directly on a glass control panel.
- Using the microwave without the turntable after cleaning.
How to clean a microwave: frequently asked questions
What is the easiest way to clean a microwave?
Heat 1 cup of water with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar for 2 to 5 minutes, then wipe the inside with mild soap and water and dry it.
Does the lemon microwave cleaning hack work?
Yes. Whirlpool recommends heating water with lemon juice or vinegar to help remove odours and soften dirt.
Lemon or vinegar: which is better for cleaning a microwave?
Whirlpool suggests either, in the same amount. Pick the one whose smell you prefer.
How long should I microwave water to clean it?
2 to 5 minutes for 1 cup (250 ml). Take the container out with an oven glove.
Can I use a scouring pad inside the microwave?
No. Scouring pads, steel wool and abrasive cleaners damage the cavity. A scouring pad is fine on the turntable.
How do I get rid of a bad smell in the microwave?
Clean out all food residue first, then heat water with lemon juice or vinegar and dry the inside with a microfibre cloth.
Sources
Manufacturer guidance, checked on 2 November 2026 (02/11/2026).
- Whirlpool · Cleaning the interior or cavity (countertop microwave) ↗Controls off and oven cool; soap, water and a soft cloth; no scouring pads, abrasive cleaners, steel wool, gritty washcloths or recycled paper towels; stainless steel along the grain; regular cleaning to prevent arcing; cavity, inlet cover, rack supports and door area; heating 1 cup of water 2 to 5 minutes for heavy soil; rinsing and drying. Read in the browser.
- Whirlpool · Interior odors and smells (over-the-range microwave) ↗Cleaning with mild soap first; 1 cup (250 ml) of water with 1 tbsp (15 ml) of lemon juice or vinegar for 2 to 5 minutes; drying with a microfibre cloth. Read in the browser.
- Whirlpool · Steam cleaning (microwave) ↗Automatic steam clean cycle with 250 ml of water; container size and material; heat-resistant glove; lemon juice or vinegar for better cleaning and odour removal. Read in the browser.
- Whirlpool · Cleaning the turntable (countertop microwave) ↗Mild cleanser and scouring pad; dishwasher if the manual allows it; never operate without the turntable. Read in the browser.
- Whirlpool · Cleaning the control or keypad (countertop microwave) ↗Mild soap and water on traditional controls; glass cleaner on a cloth for glass controls; no abrasive cleaners. Read in the browser.
Microwave sparking or not heating?
Stop using it, unplug it and note the model number before contacting the manufacturer or a repair service.