How To Clean Microwave Filter (Explained!)

Microwaves are one of the most commonly used household appliances particularly their grease filter.

This means that food splatter, stains, and other contaminants are more likely to accumulate on the appliance.

That is why regular maintenance is essential in order to keep it clean and functional.

Aside from cleaning the exterior and interior of the microwave, the filter should also be cleaned.

So, if you’re not sure how to clean the microwave filter, we’ll walk you through it in the steps below.

Whether you have a charcoal or regular grease filter, read on to learn how to remove and clean your filter

Steps in Cleaning Microwave Filter

A microwave filter’s purpose is to keep the grease that accumulates on the stove away from the bottom.

For over-the-stove types of microwave, the grease filter should be cleaned regularly.

The filter improves the efficiency of the exhaust fan by capturing grease in the air.

However, the filter can only hold so much grease before becoming saturated.

And once it’s full, it will become useless and ineffective.

When it’s no longer working, it will clog the exhaust fan in your kitchen.

Aside from that, a filter covered with grease is unsightly.

And the dirtier they become, the more difficult they are to clean.

To stay on top of the mess, it’s recommended that you clean the filter once a month.

Here’s how to clean a microwave filter efficiently.

Take the filters out of your microwave

The task of removing the filters is pretty much very simple.

But before you remove the filter, unplug the appliance.

Also, only use microwaves with filters.

First, look for screws on the filters or clips on the microwave itself and detach them.

It should be above the stovetop, beneath your over-the-range microwave.

But, most microwaves have a filter on the back.

Take the filter out of its housing.

The filter should easily slide or pop out – no tools required.

If you can’t find the grease filter, check your appliance’s user manual.

Make a note of how you removed the filter so that you can easily reinstall it.

Run the filter through a dishwasher

Most microwave metal grease filters should be regularly cleaned on a quarterly basis.

To clean a grease filter, soak it in a cleaning solution for ten minutes.

To get into small crevices, scrub it with a soft-bristled brush and a toothbrush.

To reap the benefits of a clean grease filter, rinse, dry, and reinstall it.

For other types of grease filters, you can wash them in the dishwasher.

This is especially effective if you only wash it once a month.

But, for greasy filters, you should hand wash them.

It’s highly likely that grease will accumulate in the dishwasher.

Create a cleaning solution

There are a variety of cleaning agents and products you can use to wash the grease filter.

One of the many household cleaning solutions you can use is baking soda and dish detergent.

First, fill the sink or basin halfway with boiling water.

Put a quarter cup or 60 mL of baking soda.

Then, add a tablespoon of degreasing dish detergent.

For stubborn grease, use a degreaser.

And if your filter is particularly grimy, you can also use a degreasing oven cleaner.

If you purchased a concentrated cleaning product, add the solution with water.

Check the label for the proper recommended ratio.

After that, soak the filter in a degreaser to remove the stubborn grease deposits.

Make sure to wear rubber gloves.

Submerge the grease filter into the cleaning solution

Soak the filter and leave it for ten minutes or more in the cleaning solution.

You can use either a baking soda solution or a degreaser when soaking.

This method will help cut through grease deposits, requiring less scrubbing.

By doing so, fill a sink or basin halfway with hot water and dish soap.

Then, place the microwave grease filter in it.

If your filter is particularly filthy, add about 14 cups of baking soda.

Place the filter and make sure to submerge it completely.

Allow it to soak for at least 10 minutes, and up to 30 minutes if necessary.

Scrub and rinse the filter

Scrub the filter with a soft-bristled brush.

You can use a toothbrush to get into hard-to-reach crevices.

After that, rinse the filter with hot water thoroughly to remove soap suds and residue.

Grease filters in your over-the-range microwave help to purify the air while you cook.

While these filters are reusable, they must be cleaned on a monthly basis to ensure peak performance.

Takeaway

Regular maintenance will keep your appliances running smoothly for many years to come.

However, we all know that many of us despise any household chore.

We guarantee that with our how-to guide, every housekeeping task will be as simple as a breeze.

A detailed step-by-step guide will make cleaning the microwave filter seamless.

Find more useful guides and how to’s on MaidFeed.com, your everyday cleaning guide.