Use A Dishwasher Pod To Clean Your Microwave And Watch What Happens

It's a fact of life that microwaves get dirty — sometimes really dirty. Heated foods tend to boil and pop, due to the high temperatures generated by microwaves, splattering all over the inside of the oven. The stuck-on ingredients will then begin to cook onto the interior, becoming increasingly difficult to remove over time. If this is describing your appliance, you know that without the right method or rhythm of cleaning your microwave, it's an uphill battle. 

However, a simple kitchen cleaning ingredient can revolutionize and simplify the way you freshen up that grubby microwave. You likely use dishwasher pods on a daily basis when running a load of dirty dishes, but these powerful-for-their-size grime busters can help you easily clean a number of kitchen messes including in your cabinets, and, as it turns out, your microwave. All you need is a bowl of hot water, one dishwasher pod, gloves, and a cloth. 

Place the pod in the bowl of water and wait for it to dissolve; while this is taking place, remove the microwave turntable from the oven (you can place it in the dishwasher right away, although soaking it in warm soapy water first may be more appropriate if it, too, has succumbed to the baked-on-food dilemma). Now is also an ideal time to use a slightly damp cloth to wipe out any dry pieces of food that are strewn about the interior of the microwave.

Once the microwave is empty of all but the most challenging food splatters, it is time for your dishwasher pod to get to work. Arm yourself with your best gloves — since dishwasher pods are laden with strong substances, designed to remove grease and other food debris, they can be highly irritating and drying to your skin — and your cloth. Be especially cautious not to splash any of the solution in your eyes, as any direct contact will cause serious burns. Dip the cloth in the cleaning solution, wring out the excess liquid, and thoroughly wipe the interior surfaces of the microwave, remembering to get not only the interior and sides of the door but also the ceiling of the appliance itself.

You may find that working from top to bottom yields the best results in the shortest amount of time, but the most important thing to remember is to frequently rinse your cloth in clean water and repeat the dip, wring, and wipe technique. It should take very little time to notice the stains and splatters of food being erased from your microwave. Once satisfied with the cleanliness of your appliance, wipe down the entire microwave's insides with a clean, wet cloth to remove any leftover cleaning solution. Replace your turntable and the machine is ready to use again — only much cleaner this time around. 

And, if there is any remaining dishwashing pod water, you can use it to clean the inside of your refrigerator or other grimy kitchen surfaces.