If you have been regularly using your kitchen appliances, you may wonder how to clean a microwave vent. Many of the best microwaves, particularly range models, will need their vents to be regularly cleaned and maintained. Keep reading to learn all about this process.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Built-in microwaves, otherwise known as range microwaves, tend to have large vents that can become dirty and greasy over time.
- Use a commercial degreaser on these vents or use a toothbrush to scrub between each partition.
- You can also remove some of these vents and dip them in a solution of soap and water. Removing the vent could provide access to grease filters or another type of microwave filter.
What Microwaves Have Vents?
Not all microwaves have traditional vents that can be removed and cleaned. Countertop microwave vents, for instance, are simply used to disperse residual heat, so they won’t get greasy or dirty. Over-the-range microwaves, however, sit directly over oven burners, so these vents can easily become dirty and gross over time. Left unmaintained, these vents can become damaged and lead to further damage throughout the microwave, leading you to learn how to fix a microwave door hinge and related repair issues.
Insider Tip
If your microwave vent cannot be removed and it is high above the oven, be sure to use a step ladder.
How to Clean a Microwave Oven Vent
There are numerous ways to clean a microwave oven vent, each of which is on the simpler side. You should stick with gentle cleansing agents, so if you are wondering if you can clean a microwave with bleach, the answer is no.
Commercial Degreasers
You can use commercial degreasing agents to clean a microwave vent, though this option should be reserved for intensive cleaning tasks. For regular maintenance and light cleaning, using a commercial degreaser could be overkill. To clean a microwave vent with a commercial degreaser, follow the instructions on the label and make sure to give the vent plenty of time to dry after you finish.
Dish Soap
If you can, remove the vent with a screwdriver or a related tool. Then fill the sink or a large container with hot water and dish soap. Place the entire vent in the container and let it sit for 20 minutes or so, rotating regularly so you don’t miss any part of the vent. Once that is done, remove the vent from the soapy water, rinse it off with warm water, and wipe it down to dry. Make sure it is completely dry before reattaching it to the microwave oven.
Toothbrush and Cleaner
You can use a toothbrush and a standard cleaning formula on a microwave vent. Just spray the cleaning solution on the toothbrush and carefully scrub between each vent. After, make sure the vent is dry by using a paper towel, a dishtowel, or clean cloths.
F.A.Q.S
How to clean your stainless steel ventilation range hood?
Follow the same procedures as listed above, though you may be able to use a simple solution of white vinegar and water when it comes to stainless steel.
How to clean a microwave charcoal filter?
To clean charcoal grease filters, remove them and let them sit in soapy water for around 20 minutes. After, rinse them with clean water.
How to clean the microwave smell?
There are many ways to get deodorize a microwave, including using baking soda, a lemon, or white vinegar with a cup of water.
STAT: American engineer Percy Spencer is generally credited with inventing the modern microwave oven after World War II from radar technology developed during the war. Named the “Radarange”, it was first sold in 1946. (source)
