UK households have discovered a surprising microwave cleaning hack that transforms the tedious chore into a five-minute task. The method uses an unlikely kitchen staple - dishwasher tablets - to tackle stubborn grease and food splatters without any scrubbing required.
Microwaves rank among the most frequently used appliances in British homes, yet they often become the most neglected when it comes to cleaning. The burnt-on grease and food residue can seem impossible to remove, leading many to avoid the task altogether.
Revolutionary cleaning method
The game-changing technique involves dissolving a single dishwasher tablet in hot water to create powerful steam that breaks down even the toughest microwave grime. This approach takes advantage of the specialized degreasing agents found in dishwasher tablets, which are specifically designed to tackle baked-on food residue.
A spokesperson for Lottomart explained: "This method is absolutely game-changing for microwave cleaning. The dishwasher tablet is specifically formulated to break down grease and food residue, so when you create steam with it, you're essentially giving your microwave a deep clean from the inside out."
"The method works because dishwasher tablets contain powerful degreasing agents designed to tackle baked-on food residue. When dissolved and heated, these cleaning compounds create steam that softens and breaks down microwave splatters that would normally require aggressive scrubbing."
Step-by-step process
Begin by dissolving one dishwasher tablet in a microwave-safe mug filled with hot water, stirring until completely dissolved. Remove the turntable and wipe away any loose crumbs or debris from inside the microwave.
Place the mug in the microwave and set to medium power for four to five minutes, allowing steam to build up inside. Once the timer finishes, resist opening the door immediately - let the steam work for another two to three minutes to tackle stubborn spots.
Carefully remove the hot mug using gloves and wipe down all interior surfaces with a damp cloth. What normally requires 20 to 30 minutes of aggressive scrubbing becomes a quick task with minimal effort.
Safety and alternatives
The cleaning expert emphasises proper precautions: "Always wear gloves when handling the hot cleaning solution, and make sure to wipe down all surfaces thoroughly with clean water afterwards. You want to remove any cleaning residue before using your microwave for food."
"While this hack is generally safe and effective, there are important precautions to follow. Always use plain, unscented dishwasher tablets - avoid anything with bleach or strong fragrances that aren't food-safe. Don't let the solution boil dry, and stick to medium power settings to avoid overheating."
Chronicle Live reports an alternative approach where the tablet dissolves in boiling water for manual wiping, offering flexibility for different cleaning preferences. Cleaning experts praise the method for the surprising amount of dirt removal and sparkling results achieved.
Sources used: "Mirror", "Chronicle Live" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
