Is It Safe To Use A Spray Cleaner To Clean Your Microwave?

Microwaves are messy appliances — splatter and spillage are inevitable. But when it comes to cleaning it, is a spray cleaner safe to use? They usually contain harsh chemicals, which have the possibility of leaching into your food the next time you use the device. If you don't feel comfortable using Windex on your cutting board, should you be comfortable using it in your microwave? Well, it depends if you properly rinse it with water afterward.

"According to Clorox's website, they do not recommend using their wipes inside the microwave because it is so difficult to properly rinse the inside of a microwave," Allie Echeverria, registered dietitian and home economic expert, told Better Homes & Gardens. "Windex recommends their multi-surface cleaner (the one in the yellow bottle) for microwaves, but this product must be rinsed with water."

To stay on the safe side, always read the label before spraying a cleaner into the appliance, and make sure to run a damp rag across its contents to ensure you don't leave any harmful chemicals behind.

If running a damp sponge across your microwave seems like an unnecessary second step, it might be helpful to learn why it's important to do. Rinsing with water helps to minimize the risk of any lingering cleaning product coming into contact with food or being inhaled. Aerosol sprays, wipes, and liquid cleaners are known to release VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which can lead to respiratory issues and headaches. This only increases if they have added fragrances. These scents evaporate rapidly into the air and mix with unstable molecules like ozone, which then irritate your lungs.

"The smaller the particles are, the deeper they go into the lung," Colleen Rosales, an indoor air chemist, told NewScientist. "Smaller particles cause serious respiratory problems, such as inflammation. They can also introduce chemicals into the bloodstream." By routinely wiping away any leftover spray residue with water, you better ensure the removal of any of these lingering particles.

If you're nervous about rinsing the spray properly, we have your back. Simply spray your product on a paper towel (and not directly on the appliance) and use it to wipe away any food splatter or stains. Once that's finished, take a damp (but not soaking) sponge, and wipe down each part of the microwave. This not only includes the sides and roof but also the glass tray and the inside of the door.

Afterward, thoroughly wipe down the interior surfaces to remove excess moisture. This helps prevent water from accumulating in the microwave and potentially causing damage or promoting the growth of mold or bacteria. If this sounds like too much of a process, you can also try cleaning your microwave by using all-natural methods, such as microwaving a cup of water and lemons for five minutes to create steam and then wiping down the appliance.