Asked on Jun 04, 2017

How do you remove burn/smoke stains from inside of microwave oven?

Rose
by Rose

Help! I left a dish towel in the microwave oven too long and it burnt. Now I have black stains inside the oven. I have cleaned the microwave as much as I can but the black stains are still there. What can I use to clean the stains?


  9 answers
  • Place a cup of vinegar in the microwave. "Cook" it till the vinegar boils. Then let sit in microwave steaming for about 10 minutes then open door and wipe out. Be careful opening the door, hot steam!!!

  • Suzette Suzette on Jun 04, 2017

    Hi Rose, I've never burned a towel, but for other bad stains, I put about a cup of vinegar in a dish and place it in the microwave on high for 5 to 6 minutes. Be careful removing the dish as it will be very hot. Immediately wipe out the microwave with a wet cloth or sponge. As a little bonus tip. If you use a sponge or dishcloth, put it in the dish with the vinegar and it will kill the bacteria in the sponge/cloth! Hope this helps!! :)

  • Karen Russell Markievich Karen Russell Markievich on Jun 04, 2017

    I would try a very wet sponge with baking soda on it. Run the microwave for 2 minutes with the sponge inside. Then when cool enough to use, clean it with the same sponge.

  • Suzie Q Grumko Suzie Q Grumko on Jun 04, 2017

    Baking soda and lemon juice. 1/2 cup.

  • William William on Jun 04, 2017

    Pour some acetone based nail polish remover on a clean cloth. Wipe down the scorch parts. It may remove or lighten them. If all else fails replace the microwave.

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on May 25, 2023

    I am assuming you have cleaned out any spills and nothing is in it. Then take a cup of water and 2 Tbsp of white vinegar in a microwave safe bowl. Put that in and shut the door, microwave for 5 min. Keep the door closed and allow the steam to do it's work for 2-3 minutes. Then very carefully remove the bowl and wipe everything down inside the microwave.

    The remainder of the water/vinegar can be used to clean around the house where there are odors.

  • I've used vinegar and baking soda paste. It worked for me.

  • Mogie Mogie on Jun 02, 2023

    Put a cup of vinegar in a bowl and add a toothpick to break the surface tension. But that into the microwave and let if cook for about 5 minutes and then let is sit in the microwave for another 15 mintues. Then wipe out and repeat if needed.