Open the microwave after reheating pasta and you might find tiny spots of sauce baked onto the ceiling. Before you scrub them, try loosening the splatters with steam. If you’ve just peeled an orange, a few strips in the bowl can add a citrus scent while the water heats.
A NewsBreak roundup of orange peel uses suggests this trick among several ways to reuse the scraps. The part worth keeping is the steam step. It works with plain water, so the orange peel is optional.
Steam the splatters before you wipe them
Check your microwave’s cleaning instructions first. If your model supports steam cleaning, follow its directions for the container, water amount, and cycle. Whirlpool’s Steam Clean instructions, for example, call for a microwave-safe container with about a cup of water, followed by a wipe with a soft cloth and mild detergent.
If your manual permits heating a bowl of water for cleaning, you can add a few strips of fresh orange peel for scent. Use a microwave-safe bowl and avoid overheating the water. Let the bowl cool before moving it. Then use a soft damp cloth to wipe the ceiling, walls, and inside of the door. Use a little mild dish soap on stubborn grease if your manual allows it, and wipe away the residue with clean water.
Use the scent as a bonus
A citrus smell can linger after the wipe-down, but check under the turntable if the smell of yesterday’s dinner comes back. Crumbs and spills can collect there even when the walls look clean. Wash the turntable according to the manual, dry it, and put it back in place.
If you’re considering a citrus-and-vinegar spray for the rest of the kitchen, check the surface first. Here’s where a vinegar-based citrus cleaner can cause damage.
