What Can I Use to Clean Oil Stains on a Microwave Door & Stove?

Cooking will fill your kitchen with oil splatters, which turn into ugly stains on appliances like microwaves and stoves. All-purpose cleaners typically will not remove the oil stain or its greasy residue. However, several alternatives are available to eliminate the oil spots besmirching your microwave door and stove .

An all-natural degreaser, white vinegar will remove oily residue, stains, dirt and odors from both the microwave door and the stove. Since vinegar contains no toxic chemicals, you can safely clean the appliances without worrying about harsh residue and noxious fumes. You can use vinegar at full strength for heavy-duty cleaning power or dilute the liquid with water using a 50-50 ration. Use a spray bottle to mist the surface or saturate a sponge in the solution and then apply it to the appliance. Scrub the oil stains off and rinse clean with a damp cloth.

Both commercial and homemade citrus cleaners will remove oil stains and grease residue from microwave doors and stoves. Commercial citrus cleaners are available at grocery and department stores. However, these cleaners may contain dangerous chemicals. Instead, create your own natural citrus cleaner by extracting the juice from lemons. Alternatively, purchase lemon juice already squeezed in the produce section of grocery stores. Dampen a sponge in the lemon juice diluted with equal amounts of water and scrub the exterior of the microwave and stove clean.

Naturally abrasive, baking soda will give the appliance a deep-down clean without scratching or damaging the surface. In addition, baking soda will remove any lingering odors left behind from the oil and grease. To use baking soda, dampen a clean sponge with warm water and cover the scrubbing side of the sponge with baking soda. Scrub the microwave and stove with the baking soda-covered sponge in a circular motion. After you have removed the oil stains, wipe the gritty residue off the surface with damp paper towels.

A common ingredient in commercial cleaners, ammonia cuts through grease and oil when you clean the surface with a mixture of 1 cup ammonia and 1 gallon of water. Ammonia is a safe cleaner as long as you use it properly. Improper use can lead to a safety hazard. The fumes ammonia naturally produces can cause various health side effects including headaches, fatigue and nausea. To combat this process, use cold water instead of hot when diluting the ammonia. Cold water reduces the amount of fumes produced by the ammonia. In addition, never combine ammonia with bleach or other products that contain bleach.