Microwave oven absorbs food aromas very intensively, and over time a specific “cocktail” of odors of fish, spices or burnt fat is formed inside. Washing with a sponge does not always solve the problem, as grease particles settle in hard-to-reach places and on the ventilation grille. The most environmentally friendly and effective way to make your appliances fresh again is to use citric acid or fresh citrus.
This method is based on the principle of steam bath. When heated, the water with lemon juice evaporates and the particles essential oils penetrate the plaque on the walls, softening it and neutralizing the bacteria that are the source of the stench.
Preparation of the cleaning solution
You will not need expensive chemicals for the procedure. It is enough to prepare a deep container suitable for microwave use (glass or ceramic) and one large fruit.
-
Pour about 400-500 ml of clean water into the bowl.
-
Cut the lemon in half and squeeze the juice into the water.
-
Put the remaining peel into a container as well, as the zest contains the maximum concentration of juice aromatic substances.
-
If fresh fruit is not available, it can be substituted with citric acid powder (one tablespoon per glass of water), but natural juice will give a more pleasant and lasting flavor.
Step-by-step sanitizing process
In order for the cleaning to be as effective as possible, a certain sequence of actions must be followed.
-
Place the bowl with the solution in the chamber and set the maximum power.
-
Start the timer for 5-10 minutes (the time depends on the degree of soiling and the power of the appliance). The liquid should be actively boiling, creating a dense steam inside.
-
After switching off the timer keep the door closed for another 10-15 minutes. This is the “sauna effect”, which allows the condensation to have maximum effect on dried fat and unpleasant odors.
-
Carefully remove the bowl (use oven mitts as the water will be very hot).
-
Wipe the interior surfaces with a dry soft cloth or microfiber cloth.
Additional benefits of lemon cleaning
In addition to removing odors, this method helps with a number of other household problems. Organic acidsThe organic acids in the juice effectively dissolve stubborn grease splatters that are difficult to clean with ordinary water. After the treatment, the surface is glossy and the kitchen retains a light, fresh scent without the use of artificial fragrances.
Using lemon is a safe alternative to aggressive household chemicals, especially if there are children or people with allergic reactions in the house. Regular prophylaxis in this way every two weeks will keep the hygiene of the appliance at a high level.
The cleanliness of household appliances directly affects the quality and flavor of the food cooked in them.
