Tips for Cleaning Microwave

All it takes is one round of leftovers or burnt bag of popcorn to turn a sparkling clean microwave into a grimy, smelly mess. The key to keeping a clean countertop microwave is regular maintenance — every few days, at the very least. When you notice stains on your microwave's interior or want to get rid of stuck-on food, turn to this foolproof guide on how to clean a microwave by Carolyn Forte, Director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab.

Unlike other kitchen appliances, you can clean a microwave with everyday cleaning products you already have in your house, including all-purpose cleaner, baking soda, dish soap or vinegar (white or apple cider). That's right, stay away from bleach because General Electric warns it actually weakens the plastic interior and damages the appliance in the long-run. Unless you let tomato sauce splatters sit for too long, microwaves don't usually stain like most countertops and sinks, so the whitening cleaner is unnecessary to begin with.