Lady places cup of vinegar into microwave

Placing a cup of vinegar in the microwave is a common home cleaning remedy. Here’s a detailed explanation of why it’s done and how it works:

🔍 Why Put Vinegar in the Microwave?

The main purpose is to clean and deodorize the microwave easily and effectively using natural ingredients—specifically white vinegar and sometimes water and lemon juice.

🧪 What Happens When You Microwave Vinegar?

When you heat vinegar (often diluted with water) in the microwave:

Steam forms from the hot mixture.
This steam softens and loosens food splatters, grease, and grime stuck on the microwave walls.
The acetic acid in the vinegar helps disinfect and deodorize by killing some bacteria and neutralizing odors.

✅ Benefits of Using Vinegar in the Microwave:

Non-toxic and chemical-free (safe around food).
Cheap and accessible (just vinegar and water).
Deodorizes (neutralizes strong smells like burnt popcorn).
Loosens grime, making it easier to wipe clean.
Antibacterial properties to help sanitize.

📝 Step-by-Step Remedy (Microwave Cleaning Hack):

🧂 Ingredients:

1 cup of water
2–3 tablespoons of white vinegar
Optional: a few slices of lemon (adds a fresh scent)

🔥 Instructions:

Combine water and vinegar in a microwave-safe bowl or cup.
(Optional) Add lemon slices for better smell.
Place the cup in the microwave.
Microwave on high for 5–10 minutes, or until the solution boils and steams up the microwave.
Leave the microwave closed for a few minutes after it stops to let the steam continue loosening grime.
Carefully remove the hot bowl (use oven mitts!).
Wipe down the inside with a soft cloth or sponge—food and grease should come off easily.

⚠️ Safety Tips:

Never microwave vinegar in a sealed container—pressure can build up and cause it to explode.
Use a microwave-safe container only.
Be careful removing the bowl—it will be hot and may release a burst of steam.