How to Clean a Microwave

Splatters of food from microwaving look bad, smell bad, and decrease the efficiency of your microwave. Fortunately, microwaves aren't hard to clean if you know how.

Steps
1. Soak a sponge, dishcloth, or small towel with water and put it on a plate or in a bowl. Microwave it for a minute or so and then set a timer for five or ten minutes. The idea here is to steam up the walls of the microwave and loosen the dried-on gunk.
2. While waiting for the steam to do its work, spray the outside of the microwave with your favorite grease-cutting household cleaner and wipe with a damp cloth. Pay particular attention to surfaces where fingers go: the handle and the control panel.
3. When the five or ten minutes are up, wipe the insides with a cloth or sponge (a different one than you just microwaved). The loose gunk should come off easily now, and without chemical cleaners inside the microwave.
4. Take out the glass tray or turntable and wash it like a dish. You could even run it through the dishwasher if you have the time.

Tips
1. Consider leaving the microwave open for a few minutes afterward, to let it dry and air out a bit inside.
2. To keep your microwave clean, cover food loosely when heating it.
Warnings
1. Use cleaners on your microwave according to manufacturer instructions.
2. Don't use abrasive cleaners on your microwave.
3. If you've done it right, the cloth or sponge you microwaved will be hot and steamy when you take it out. Handle it accordingly.
4. Don't forget to replace the glass tray or turntable.