If you have been putting off cleaning the microwave splatter cover, this is your sign. The job is smaller than you think, and the results are more satisfying than you expect.
Work through the steps below once, and future cleanings will feel effortless by comparison.
If you've never deep-cleaned the microwave splatter cover before, take a quick photo first. The before-and-after is weirdly motivating, and it helps you notice what actually improved.
Start by giving the microwave splatter cover a good look in decent light. Notice where the buildup actually is: seams, textured areas, and hidden spots are the usual suspects. Knowing your targets before you start means you won't miss them.
Before You Start: Supplies
You probably own all of this already. The microwave splatter cover doesn't demand specialty products, just the basics used correctly.
- A bowl or basin for soaking (when the job needs time, not force)
- Clean towels for drying (drying matters as much as washing)
- White vinegar (for mineral buildup and deodorizing)
- A soft sponge or cloth (non-abrasive, to protect surfaces)
- A small brush or old toothbrush (for crevices, texture, and seams)
- Food-safe mineral oil (for bamboo and wood conditioning, where applicable)
Cleaning It Properly, Step by Step
Do these in order. Each step sets up the next one, and skipping ahead usually means doing things twice.
- Get into the crevices. Use a soft brush or old toothbrush on the textured areas and seams of the microwave splatter cover. Grime loves texture.
- Boil for a deep clean (optional). For a periodic reset, simmer the microwave splatter cover in plain water for ten minutes. It sanitizes and helps release deep-set odors.
- Check for damage. While the microwave splatter cover is clean, look for cuts, tears, or thinning spots. Damaged silicone should be replaced, not patched.
- Rinse off the loose stuff. Hold the microwave splatter cover under warm running water and rinse away loose food and crumbs. Getting the easy stuff off first makes the real wash much faster.
- Scrub gently with a soft sponge. Use the soft side of the sponge on the microwave splatter cover, working in circles. Silicone cleans easily; you rarely need to bear down.
- Store it clean and dry. Put the microwave splatter cover away only when it is completely dry, stored flat or loosely so it keeps its shape.
- Attack stains with baking soda. For discoloration on the microwave splatter cover, make a paste of baking soda and water, spread it on, and let it sit for an hour before scrubbing lightly. Most stains lift right off.
- Rinse thoroughly. Rinse the microwave splatter cover under clean warm water until no soap remains. Soap film left on silicone turns tacky and attracts dust.
- Deodorize with a vinegar soak. If the microwave splatter cover has picked up odors, soak it in warm water with a generous splash of white vinegar for thirty minutes. Silicone releases smells it has absorbed.
- Shake off excess water. Shake the microwave splatter cover well, then lay it where air circulates. Silicone dries fast when it is not folded up wet.
When Buildup Fights Back
When it has stains or odors that normal washing won't touch, it's time for the heavy treatments. A long soak in hot water with a generous amount of baking soda, up to a few hours, pulls out deep-set grease and smells. For the truly stubborn cases, simmering it in plain water for ten minutes works like a reset button.
Orange grease tint on it is the classic silicone complaint. It looks bad but it's cosmetic and harmless. A baking-soda paste left on for an hour, then a good scrub with a soft brush, fades it considerably. What remains is a badge of a well-used tool, not a flaw.
Notes for Your Microwave Splatter Cover
General cleaning advice goes far, but it has its own specifics worth knowing.
- Wash it regularly, since it catches the very splatters it prevents and gets grimy fast.
- Let it dry fully before collapsing it for storage, or it will trap moisture and smell.
- Check the vent on it stays clear so steam escapes instead of building up under the lid.
Setting a Cleaning Rhythm
Wash it after every single use. Silicone is forgiving, but grease left on it bakes in with heat and becomes permanent over time. A deeper deodorizing soak with baking soda or vinegar once a month keeps it fresh.
Cleaning Mistakes That Damage It
Cleaning it wrong is worse than not cleaning it at all. Avoid these.
- Sealing it airtight on the bowl. It needs its vent open or steam pressure builds up. Never block the vent.
- Using it on oversized bowls. It smaller than the bowl leaves gaps where splatter escapes. Size it to cover fully.
- Grabbing it bare-handed right away. It gets hot with steam. Let it sit a moment or use the handle area.
- Using too much force. When it resists, force is rarely the answer. Stop, reassess, and find what's actually wrong instead of muscling through.
Keep It Cleaner, Longer
Cleaning it is one thing; needing to clean it less often is better. These habits reduce how dirty it gets between cleanings.
- Store it dry. Putting it away completely dry prevents the mustiness that makes silicone unpleasant.
- Rinse immediately. It rinses clean in seconds when fresh. Give it that rinse every single time.
- Monthly deodorizing soak. A regular baking-soda soak keeps it from ever developing the absorbed odors silicone is known for.
- Don't let grease bake on. Washing it before the next heating cycle is the rule. Reheated grease becomes permanent.
Don't have it yet, or is yours past saving? Shop the Microwave Splatter Cover here.
Worth a Look Next
Think of these as the supporting cast for it. Each one handles a related task, and together they make the whole routine smoother.
- Clip-On Silicone Pot Strainer — good for draining pasta without a colander; also useful for straining vegetables and potatoes.
- 4-Slot Silicone Spoon Rest — good for holding multiple utensils while cooking; also useful for keeping counters drip-free.
- Easy Dumpling Press — good for cutting dumpling and ravioli wrappers; also useful for crimping dumplings shut evenly.
- Gothic Skeleton Bamboo Cooking Utensil — good for stirring and serving with character; also useful for flipping food in nonstick pans safely.
- Instant Read Digital Meat Thermometer — good for checking meat and poultry doneness accurately; also useful for testing bread, cakes, and candy temperatures.
Get 10% Off Your First Order
Putting together your kitchen setup? It is a solid start. First-time shoppers get 10% off with code WELCOME10 at checkout.
With nothing more than prompt washing and sensible storage, it will outlast most other tools in your kitchen. That's the beauty of silicone.
Washed after each use and stored dry, it stays in great shape for a very long time.
If it ever feels sticky after washing, there's soap residue left on it. Rinse more thoroughly and the tackiness disappears.
It is at its best when it's completely dry before use. A quick towel-off before cooking prevents the slight sticking that dampness causes.
Buy quality silicone once rather than cheap silicone twice. It is the kind of tool where material quality is genuinely noticeable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it dishwasher safe?
Yes, it is dishwasher safe, and the top rack is ideal. That said, hand washing is gentler and will extend its life.
How long does shipping take?
Orders ship to Canada in 5–12 business days, to the US in 7–15 business days, and internationally in 10–25 business days. You'll get tracking information once your order is on its way.
What is the return policy?
Every order is covered by 30-day returns. If it isn't right for your kitchen, you can return it within 30 days for a refund or replacement.
Can I use it as a plate cover for serving?
Absolutely. It works as a food cover at the table too, keeping dishes warm and flies off.
Does the splatter cover really help food heat evenly?
Yes, noticeably. It traps steam around the food, which evens out the hot and cold spots microwaves are famous for.