Melt away microwave grease and food splatter using 1 fruit for 3 minutes
A cleaning expert said you can remove food splatter in minutes and get your microwave sparkling after the festive period
Sophie Law Deputy Editor Spare Time and Rebecca Koncienzcy Content Editor for Spare Time
09:26, 27 Dec 2025
Following the festive frenzy of Christmas cooking, with reheated leftovers, bubbling sauces and perhaps one too many hot chocolates, your microwave is probably looking rather tired. From splattered gravy to persistent grease and mysterious odours, it doesn’t take long for this kitchen workhorse to appear somewhat battered.
The post-Christmas period presents an ideal opportunity to give your microwave a thorough deep clean. Fortunately, you won’t need to scrub vigorousl…
Melt away microwave grease and food splatter using 1 fruit for 3 minutes
A cleaning expert said you can remove food splatter in minutes and get your microwave sparkling after the festive period
Sophie Law Deputy Editor Spare Time and Rebecca Koncienzcy Content Editor for Spare Time
09:26, 27 Dec 2025
Following the festive frenzy of Christmas cooking, with reheated leftovers, bubbling sauces and perhaps one too many hot chocolates, your microwave is probably looking rather tired. From splattered gravy to persistent grease and mysterious odours, it doesn’t take long for this kitchen workhorse to appear somewhat battered.
The post-Christmas period presents an ideal opportunity to give your microwave a thorough deep clean. Fortunately, you won’t need to scrub vigorously to refresh the appliance and restore its sparkle.
According to one cleaning enthusiast, all that’s required is a lemon.
The cleaning expert, known as Lucykalice on TikTok, has revealed her swift technique for tackling a grimy microwave, reports the Express.
She said: "I have tried and tested many ways to clean a microwave, but I will never not use a lemon.
"It’s the easiest method and it also leaves your kitchen smelling so nice.
"All you need to do is squeeze half a lemon into some water, pop it in the microwave for about three to five minutes, let it sit for a couple of minutes afterwards because all the steam loosens the dirt, and then you can just wipe everything away so easily."
Lemons contain citric acid, which naturally dissolves grease and grime.
This acts as a mild yet powerful degreasing agent on the microwave’s interior surfaces, door and ceiling.
The citrus fruit also eliminates unpleasant smells - including leftover food, fish or burnt grease - rather than simply covering them up.
Once the lemon water has been removed, Lucy suggests adding a drop of washing-up liquid to it and using a scrubbing sponge to tackle any stubborn stains or marks on the interior.
"I can’t believe how shiny it is," she added.
How to clean a microwave
Unplug the microwave (if possible) for safety and remove the turntable plate and roller ring to place in the dishwasher.
Fill a microwave-safe bowl halfway with water and squeeze half a lemon into it.
Place the bowl in the microwave and heat on full power for three to five minutes, until the water is steaming and the door/window has fogged up.
Once the time is up, keep the door closed for another couple of minutes to allow the steam to loosen all the dried-on splatters.
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Take the bowl out of the microwave and add a couple of drops of washing-up liquid to the lemon water. Use a cloth or sponge to wipe down the walls, ceiling, floor, and inside of the door.
Wipe the exterior of the microwave with the lemon water using a damp cloth.