How to Clean a Microwave Turntable and Interior Seals

Microwave interiors get gross fast. Splatters bake onto the walls and turntable, and the rubber seals around the door trap food particles that smell and harbor bacteria. The good news is that none of this requires harsh chemicals or scrubbing—microwave interiors are actually easier to clean than you think if you know the sequence. What looks like permanently baked grime usually loosens in minutes once you've softened it with steam, and the turntable can come completely out for a thorough wash. The seals are the part most people skip, but they're the difference between a microwave that smells neutral and one that carries the ghost of last week's fish dinner.

  1. Lift and Soak the Glass. Lift the turntable straight up and out of the microwave—it's designed to come out. Fill your sink or a basin with hot water and a squirt of dish soap. Place the turntable in the water and let it sit for at least 10 minutes. If the glass is cold from the microwave, the hot water will feel good on it and help loosen anything stuck.
  2. Let Steam Do the Work. Fill a microwave-safe bowl with 1 cup of water and add the juice of half a lemon or a splash of white vinegar. Place it in the center of the microwave and run on high for 3 minutes. The steam will rise and soften all the baked-on splatters on the walls, ceiling, and floor. Let it sit for another minute after the cycle ends so the steam keeps working.
  3. Wipe Every Interior Surface. Using a damp cloth or sponge, wipe every interior surface. Start at the top and work down. The splatters should come off easily now. For spots that resist, use a plastic scraper or the edge of an old credit card to gently lift them. Avoid metal scrapers, which can damage the interior enamel.
  4. Attack the Hidden Seals. The gasket (rubber seal) around the door is where food particles hide. Dampen a small cloth and work it into the grooves, using your finger to push the fabric into the crevices. If buildup is thick, fold a cloth into a point and use that to dig into the seal. Go all the way around the perimeter. This takes longer than the walls but makes a real difference.
  5. Scrub Both Sides Thoroughly. The turntable has been soaking, so the grime should lift easily now. Use a sponge or soft brush to scrub both sides. Pay attention to the underside and the grooves on the rim—food works its way into every crevice. Rinse it completely under running water until no soap remains.
  6. Dry and Reassemble. Dry the turntable with a lint-free cloth or let it air-dry on a towel while you finish the interior. Make sure the inside of the microwave is completely dry, especially the floor and seals. Then replace the turntable by aligning the notch with the drive shaft and pressing down until it seats firmly.
  7. Shine the Exterior Glass. While you're at it, use a clean damp cloth on the outside of the door glass and the frame around it. This completes the job and makes the whole unit look maintained. Dry it with a separate cloth to avoid streaks.