Your microwave’s interior is splattered with food. Effortlessly get it clean like new again.

The secret weapon in your cleaning arsenal is steam. Fill the microwave-safe bowl with about one cup of water and add either a sliced lemon or two tablespoons of vinegar. If using lemon, you can also squeeze the juice into the water for extra cleaning power. Place the bowl in the microwave and set it to high for several minutes until the water boils and the window steams up. This helps to loosen the hardened food particles and greases inside.

Once the microwave turns off, don’t open the door immediately. Let the bowl sit for about 5 minutes. The trapped steam will continue to work on the grime, making it even easier to clean.

After the waiting period, carefully open the microwave (the bowl will be hot) and remove it. Take your sponge or microfiber cloth and wipe down the inside of the microwave. The loosened food should come off easily now. If you encounter any tough spots, you can use the non-abrasive scrub brush to gently remove them.