Festive season is almost here, and it is time for deep cleaning, and in most households the most ignored appliance is the microwave, which is extensively used but is hardly taken care of! Well, if you are trying to begin your kitchen cleaning with this important appliance, then we have got your back with these simple and effective hacks. So, read on…Why ditch chemicals?Keeping your microwave clean without harsh chemical sprays is surprisingly simple when you lean on natural household staples. Commercial cleaning products can leave behind synthetic fragrances and chemical residues that easily transfer onto food during heating. Harnessing the natural power of steam, acidity, and mild abrasives lets you achieve a spotless microwave without exposing your kitchen to toxic fumes.The lemon steam blastLemon acts as a natural degreaser while instantly neutralizing lingering food odors. Squeezing the juice of a fresh lemon into a cup of water inside a microwave-safe glass bowl and dropping the halves straight in creates an aromatic cleaning agent. Heating this mixture on high for about four minutes brings the liquid to a rolling boil and fills the entire cavity with thick, lemon-infused steam. Leaving the door closed for five minutes after the timer stops allows the trapped moisture to penetrate hardened splatters. Once the steam settles, you can safely remove the hot bowl and glide a damp microfiber cloth across the interior walls, ceiling, and turntable. The acidic vapor melts away grease, leaving behind a clean surface and a fresh scent.Vinegar vapor scrubDistilled white vinegar is an acidity powerhouse capable of breaking down tough, baked-on food spots that have sat for days. Combining equal parts water and white vinegar in a glass measuring cup gives you a solution that dissolves stubborn mineral buildup and food oils.Microwaving the mixture on high for roughly four minutes generates a pungent acidic vapor that coats every corner of the appliance. Pausing for three minutes before opening the door lets the vinegar vapor work its magic on hardened spills. Opening the door and wiping down the interior with a soft sponge effortlessly lifts grime without demanding heavy elbow grease.Damp towel steam treatmentWhen you need a quick refresh and don’t have lemons or vinegar on hand, a simple wet cloth works wonders. Soaking a clean kitchen towel thoroughly in plain water and laying it on the turntable creates an self-contained steam chamber right inside the appliance. Running the microwave on high for two to three minutes heats the trapped water inside the towel’s fibers, releasing steady steam into the cavity. After letting it sit for a minute so it cools enough to handle safely, you can use that very same warm towel to wipe clean the interior walls, door seal, and exterior handles.Baking soda paste solutionFor ancient, carbonized stains that steam alone cannot fully lift, baking soda offers a gentle, non-abrasive scrubbing option. Mixing two tablespoons of baking soda with a splash of water creates a thick, spreadable paste that easily adheres to horizontal and vertical surfaces inside the appliance.Smearing this paste directly over burnt-on spots and letting it sit for ten minutes breaks down tough crusts without scratching the microwave’s delicate protective coating. Finishing up by wiping away the paste with a damp cloth lifts the softened debris, leaving the microwave polished and ready for your next meal.