Yucky Microwave? Here's how to Clean it Super Easy...

Microwaves. . . Probably the most used appliance in our kitchens.  It's no wonder they get so yucky so quickly.  The thought of cleaning them may even strike fear into the hearts of some. . .  But, take heart!  Cleaning that grime monster doesn't have to be as treacherous as you think!  In fact, all you need is one ingredient and a few minutes!

So, what is the magic ingredient which will be your shining knight?  Need you ask, I say?  I'll allot you one guess.  If you said Vinegar, then you are absolutely correct!  That's right, good ol' vinegar comes to the rescue again.  If you have not bought yourself a gallon or two by now, you probably should!

Alright, here's all you need to do:

1. Arming yourself with either White Vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar (especially good if you really need to cut tough odors!) spray the entire inside (don't forget the inside of the door!)  If you don't have a spray bottle handy, place a bowl with solution of 1/2 cup of vinegar and 1/2 cup water inside. 
2. Now, simply run the microwave for 1 minute.  Two minutes if you used the bowl method. The steam combined with the vinegar for this will loosen the grime, making it super easy to tackle.
3. With a scrub sponge, quickly go over the inside, tackling any tough spots.  If you used the bowl method, you can also dip your sponge into the solution for extra scrubbing power.
4. Wipe clean with a cloth or two.  Voila!  Your microwave is clean!

Now that your microwave is sparkling clean (how long has it been since you've seen it this way?), you may be wishing it would always stay this way.  Well, that is easy, too!  To keep your microwave everlastingly clean, all you need do is be diligent about covering the contents every time!  I keep a basket stocked with old cloth napkins beside the microwave just for this purpose, but there are also plastic microwave plate covers you can purchase at the store specifically for this.  Personally, I am not keen on the idea of heating up plastic with my food.

Do this devotedly and your microwave will virtually never need to be cleaned again!  However, I would still advise doing at least a quick spray and wipe weekly or so to keep it fresh smelling.