hand closes door of microwave oven for warming food
FOOD NEWS
You're Likely Forgetting To Clean Your Microwave Filter
By Camryn Teder
If you're like most Americans, the microwave is an essential part of your kitchen, but you're likely forgetting to clean the grease filter on a regular basis.
The flimsy-looking metal sheets collect grease and other food debris from entering your microwave, preventing it from accumulating in the exhaust fan.
These important filters sit on the bottom of all over-the-range microwaves and are essential to the cooking process. They should be cleaned at least once a month.
To clean your grease filter, gently slide it out from underneath your microwave and let it soak in warm, soapy water in your sink for at least 10 minutes.
Gently scrub off any remaining grime until the filter looks clean. If it's really dirty and the grime won't scrub off, add baking soda to the water and repeat the cleaning process.
After the filter is clean, dry it with a towel and insert it back into place. If your microwave has a charcoal filter, it should be on top of it to trap odors.
Unfortunately, the charcoal filter cannot be cleaned, so you should replace it every six months or when you start to notice food smells lingering in your kitchen.