Microwave stains can be removed without scrubbing by heating a mixture of water, distilled vinegar, and lemon juice for seven minutes, according to a cleaning hack shared on TikTok.
The Simple Cleaning Hack
The account America's Test Kitchen, which has 962,500 followers, demonstrated the method. It instructs adding one quarter cup of tap water, one quarter cup of distilled vinegar, and a spritz of fresh lemon juice to a microwave-safe bowl or measuring cup.
The bowl is then placed in the microwave and heated on full power for seven minutes. As the liquid heats, it steams and softens dried-on messes.
How to Finish the Job
After the microwave beeps, the liquid should be left inside for a further couple of minutes. The account advises: “Remove it carefully, now you can wipe it down with a towel or sponge. Easy peasy.”
The vinegar and lemon neutralise odours and leave a fresh scent, the account added.
Why It Works and Other Uses
The boiling liquid evaporates and condenses on the interior walls, softening and lifting baked-on grease and food splatters. It also neutralises bad odours.
Vinegar and lemon can also be used for descaling kettles and coffee makers, dissolving soap scum, and wiping down glass, as both contain strong acids that break down mineral deposits and dirt.
However, lemon and vinegar should be avoided on natural stone, waxed or solid wood, cast iron, chrome, and electronic screens. They must never be mixed with chlorine bleach or hydrogen peroxide, as this can create toxic gases.
Lemon can be used on wooden chopping boards due to its antibacterial properties and high citric acid content, which helps stop the growth of harmful germs.
