Video:No-Fuss Microwave Cleaning

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Transcript:No-Fuss Microwave Cleaning

Hi, I'm Jonathon Stewart with About.com Home and Garden with today's 90-second quick tip.

What do you get when you mix kids, leftovers, busy schedules, marinara, coffee, and easy mac-n-cheese? That's right, a disgusting microwave oven.

But before you put a clothespin to your nose and dive in with a jackhammer, give this easy cleaning tip a whirl. Check it out.

Wipe Away Loose Crumbs

Probably the toughest thing about keeping your microwave clean is that once food gets splattered on the top and sides of the oven, it's left there to bake into that crusty mess time and time again.

Start by wiping up any loose crumbs with a damp dishrag.

Microwave a Wet Sponge or Cup of Water

Next, thoroughly soak a clean sponge with plain water, or simply measure a half cup of tap into a microwave-safe bowl. Put your sponge or bowl into the nuker, and set it to high for about two minutes.

When the time's up, use an oven glove or pot-holder to remove the bowl or sponge. Then, using a dishrag or another sponge, simply wipe away the grime and gook effortlessly.

Clean With White Vinegar

If you're still stuck with any tough-to-get rid of stains, try dampening your rag with a dab of plain white vinegar, which is a great natural solvent.

Once your microwave has regained its manufacturer's sparkle, let it air out for just a few minutes, and then let the gook building begin again.

Don't Use Chemicals

Never use bleach or other chemicals to clean your microwave, or even the removable tray if you've got one.

As a good rule of thumb, if you wouldn't eat it on its own, don't use it to clean something that going to cook stuff you'll be eating later on. Not that I'd eat plain white vinegar either, but you could, if you wanted to.

Thanks for watching. To learn more, visit us on the Web at homegarden.about.com.