A 37p lemon hack cleaned a filthy microwave in under five minutes, according to a lifestyle reporter who tested the method. The natural approach uses steam from heated lemon water to loosen baked-on grime.
Why microwaves get dirty so fast
Microwaves accumulate dirt quickly. Food can bubble over, spray, and leak during heating, depositing particles on interior surfaces, the roof, the door, and the rotating plate. If not wiped immediately, these residues set and solidify, becoming harder to remove later.
The reporter's appliance was in poor condition due to numerous food splatters. What should have been a quick clean had become a substantial task, with layers of grease and dirt coating the interior.
The lemon cleaning method
Instead of using a powerful cleaning agent, the reporter tried a basic lemon technique. A lemon was placed in water and microwaved, warming the liquid and allowing the citrus fruit to generate steam throughout the appliance. The steam helps soften baked-on food particles and break down grease, making removal easier.
After the lemon had softened, it was used to wipe away oily, dirty patches, rubbing over persistent stains before cleaning everything with kitchen roll.
Cost-effective and chemical-free
The combination of heat, steam, and lemon broke down the grease, leaving a fresh scent and an exceptionally clean interior. Lemons cost as little as 30p each, making the trick incredibly cost-effective and free of chemicals.
Lemons can also clean other surfaces, such as wooden chopping boards. They are antibacterial due to their high citric acid content, which helps prevent the growth of harmful germs.
