There’s nothing less appealing than cleaning a gross, splattered microwave full of mess, and it’s not always as easy as swiping it with a wet paper towel. Fortunately, there’s a way to get your microwave back to spotless condition without using harsh chemicals (because who wants that near their food?). If you’ve been avoiding cleaning this tricky appliance, we’ve got a trick that involves our favorite all-natural trick: a lemon.

It’s fast, easy, and requires barely any effort. Plus, you probably have everything you need in your home. The powerful combination of antibacterial lemons, which have citric acid, and steam from the water is a potent blend that not only breaks down grease but also neutralizes stinky smells.

The acid in lemons cuts through the grease in a way that only stronger chemicals can—as the lemon heats up, it will release natural citrus oils that cut through lingering food odors and replace them with a fresh aroma—similar to a lemon-scented cleaner, but minus the chemicals!

Here’s how to get the job done:

How to Clean a Microwave with a Lemon

To complete this popular cleaning hack, you’ll need to first microwave a 1/2 cup of water and a halved lemon in a bowl until the combination is steaming. Then, leaving the microwave door closed, let it stand for 5 minutes; the steam will loosen up food and stains.

After the time is up, wipe it clean with a microfiber cloth, dipping into the solution if needed.

What you’ll need

  • 1 lemon
  • Water
  • Small microwave-safe bowl or measuring cup.
  • Dry, clean cleaning rag or dishtowel

Instructions

Step 1

Add a 1/2 cup of water into the vessel. If you use a 2-cup liquid measuring cup, you should have plenty of space. You can add in a bit of extra water if you want, but a minimum of 1/2 cup is necessary in order for the mixture to boil and generate steam without fully evaporating.

Step 2

Cut your lemon in half and squeeze as much juice as you can into the water.

Then, place the squeezed lemon halves into the bowl or cup.

Step 3

Microwave the lemon water mixture on high power for 3 minutes until the liquid reaches a boiling point.

Step 4

After the microwave beeps, don’t take the mix out. Keep the door shut and let it steam for 5 minutes to loosen the grease and residual food sitting on the walls of the microwave. You can leave the bowl or cup in the microwave for a few minutes longer if needed, but the initial 5 minutes is essential for the steam to effectively loosen the mess.

Step 5

Open the door and clean the microwave, carefully removing the bowl or cup with the lemons.

If the microwave has a turntable, take it out and wipe it clean.

Using a rag or dishtowel, wipe the microwave sides, beginning with the ceiling and slowly working your way down the sides and finally to the base.

Step 6

Scrub those stubborn areas! While this part is significantly easier than starting on an unsteamed microwave, there might still be a few spots that you can’t wipe away with ease. In that case, dip the corner of the towel or rag in the lemon water, scrubbing until all the bits come off. You may want to do this with a microfiber cloth, which is better for removing tough messes.

Step 7

Don’t forget the door when you’re wiping everything down. If it has a darker color than the rest of the microwave, take a closer look to make sure you haven’t missed any hidden messes that might not have come off.

Step 8

Put the turntable back, and your cleaning process is finally done!