To clean a microwave, make sure it is off and cool, steam the inside with a bowl of water (add lemon juice or vinegar if you like) until the window fogs, leave the door shut a few minutes, then wipe the cavity, turntable and door seal with a soft cloth and mild soap. Over-the-range models also have a grease filter to wash.
PCBy the Pixl Canada install team. Checked October 31, 2026. 6 min read.
- Steam method with the safety step
- Over-the-range filter care
- What not to do
- What a new install costs with Pixl
- Steam softens baked-on splatter. Put a stir stick in the water so it cannot superheat.
- Use mild soap and a soft cloth. Skip abrasive cleansers and scouring pads.
- Wash the grease filter on an over-the-range model about monthly.
- A charcoal filter cannot be washed. Replace it about every six months.
- Do not use a microwave with a damaged door. If it is time for a new one, Pixl installs from $120.
How do you steam clean a microwave?
Steam softens baked-on splatter so it wipes off without scrubbing. Check your manual first: some models have a Steam Clean button that does the heating for you.
- Switch it off and let it cool. Many manuals say to unplug it before cleaning. Over-the-range models plug in above the cabinet and are hard to reach, so turn the controls off and wait.
- Take out the turntable and ring. Wash both in warm water with mild soap, rinse and dry them.
- Steam the inside. Put about a cup of water in a microwave-safe bowl, add a splash of lemon juice or vinegar if you like, and add a glass rod or a wooden or plastic stick so the water cannot superheat. Heat until the window fogs with steam.
- Let it sit, then remove the bowl. Leave the door closed a few minutes. The bowl and water are hot, so use oven mitts.
- Wipe from the top down. Use a soft cloth or sponge with mild soap, then a damp cloth to rinse. Do not use abrasive cleansers or scouring pads.
- Clean the door and seal. Wipe the door, hinges and the seal. Health Canada says dirt built up around the seal can increase leakage.
Is it past cleaning?
A new microwave installs from $120. Send the model and a photo of the space.
How do you clean an over-the-range microwave filter?
A microwave mounted over the range has filters on the underside and, on some models, behind the top vent grille. They catch grease, so they matter if you cook a lot.
| Filter | Where | What to do | How often |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grease filter | Underside of the microwave | Slide it out, wash with mild soap and water, rinse, dry, refit. Many are dishwasher-safe; check the manual | Monthly, or when the indicator prompts |
| Charcoal filter | Behind the vent grille at the top front, if fitted | Cannot be washed. Remove the grille, replace the filter | About every 6 months, or when the indicator prompts |
Microwaves that vent outside through a duct often do not use a charcoal filter. If yours is not clear, read how an over-the-range microwave is set up in our installation guide.
Which cleaning method suits which mess?
| Mess | Method | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Light splatter | Damp cloth with mild soap | Do it right after the spill, while it is soft |
| Baked-on splatter | Steam, then wipe | Use a stir stick in the bowl. Avoid abrasive pads |
| Smells | Steam with lemon juice or vinegar | Panasonic’s example is 1 1/4 cups water with 1 tablespoon lemon juice |
| Grease on an over-the-range model | Wash the grease filter | Monthly or when the indicator says |
| Stained turntable | Warm soapy water | Dry it before refitting so it sits flat |
What should you not do?
| Do not | Why |
|---|---|
| Use abrasive cleansers or scouring pads | Health Canada says to avoid abrasive cleansers around the door seal; they also scratch the cavity |
| Push anything into the door seal or openings | Health Canada says never to insert objects around the seal |
| Heat plain water without a stick | It can superheat and erupt when you move the bowl |
| Keep using it with a damaged door | Health Canada says to stop and have it inspected |
| Spray cleaner into the vents or keypad | Most manuals say to keep liquid out of vents and controls. Wet the cloth instead |
| Mix bleach with vinegar or ammonia | Toxic gas risk (Health Canada advisory) |
How often should you clean it?
| Task | How often | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Wipe splatter | Right after a spill | Suggested rhythm, not a manufacturer rule |
| Steam clean | When the inside is splattered or smells | Suggested rhythm, not a manufacturer rule |
| Grease filter | Monthly, or when the indicator prompts | Whirlpool |
| Charcoal filter | About every 6 months | Whirlpool |
| Door seal | Regularly, so dirt does not build up | Health Canada |
Get the install price from a photo
Model and a photo of the wall and cabinet. Fixed price before you book.
Buying a new microwave? Pixl installs it from $120
Pixl Canada mounts the wall plate, hangs an over-the-range microwave and connects it to vent outside or recirculate, or sets a built-in unit in its opening. You pay after the job.
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Over-the-range microwave | $160 |
| Built-in microwave | $120 |
| Exhaust duct for an over-the-range microwave | $60 |
| New outlet | Free quote, licensed trade |
Example, calculated from posted prices: an over-the-range microwave with a new duct is $160 + $60 = $220; adding a dishwasher on the same visit is $160 + $180 = $340 before tax. See over-the-range microwave installation cost, kitchen appliance package installation and the price list.
Your microwave is greasy or smelly and you want a safe way to clean it, or you are about to replace it.
The door does not close, sparks appear or the microwave has stopped heating. Stop using it and contact the manufacturer or an appliance technician.
Cleaning a microwave: frequently asked questions
What is the easiest way to clean a microwave?
Steam it. Heat a bowl of water, with some lemon juice or vinegar if you like, until the window fogs, leave the door shut for a few minutes so the steam loosens the splatters, then wipe the inside with a soft cloth.
Is it safe to heat a bowl of water in the microwave?
Yes, with care. Health Canada’s water guidance recommends putting a glass rod or a wooden or plastic stir stick in the container, because water heated past its boiling point without bubbling can erupt when disturbed. Use oven mitts to remove the hot bowl.
Can I use abrasive cleaners inside a microwave?
Avoid them. Health Canada says to keep abrasive cleansers away from the door seal, and scouring pads scratch the cavity. Mild soap, warm water and a soft cloth are what makers such as KitchenAid suggest.
Do I need to unplug the microwave to clean it?
Many manuals say to switch it off and unplug it before wiping inside, and they say it must be cool. Check yours. Over-the-range models are often hard to unplug, so turn the controls off and let it cool.
How do I clean the grease filter on an over-the-range microwave?
Slide it out from the underside, wash it in mild soap and warm water, rinse, dry and refit it. Whirlpool says monthly, or when the filter indicator prompts. Many filters are dishwasher-safe, but check your manual first.
Can I clean a charcoal filter?
No. Whirlpool says a charcoal filter cannot be cleaned and should be replaced about every six months or when the indicator prompts. Not every microwave has one; models that vent outside often do not.
Is it safe to use a microwave with a damaged door or seal?
No. Health Canada says not to use the oven if the door does not close, or is bent, warped or damaged in any way, and to have it inspected by the manufacturer or a qualified technician.
Does Pixl install microwaves?
Yes. An over-the-range microwave is $160 and a built-in microwave is $120 before tax, and an exhaust duct is $60. Pixl installs the microwave you bought; it does not sell them.
Replacing the microwave?
Send the model and a photo of the wall and cabinet. Fixed price before you book, pay after the job.
Over-the-range microwave installation
Installation price list
Over-the-range microwave guide
Range hood installation
Clean an oven and stovetop
All installation guides
All installation services
Sources and method. Safety points come from Health Canada’s microwave oven page (door seal, damaged doors, abrasive cleansers), its boil-water guidance (stir stick) and its advisory on mixing cleaning products. Filter intervals are Whirlpool’s over-the-range microwave filter page. Panasonic’s lemon-water example and KitchenAid’s soap-and-soft-cloth advice come from their support pages. Manuals differ by model, so yours overrides this page. Pixl prices are posted prices checked October 31, 2026; totals are calculated by adding them. Pixl installs appliances and does not sell them.
About Pixl Canada. Pixl Canada is an installation company based in Edmonton, Alberta, serving cities across Canada with TV mounting, security cameras, appliance installation and smart home setup. Call or text (587) 899-7495. Open Monday to Saturday 8am to 8pm and Sunday 9am to 7pm.