Here is an uncomfortable truth about the microwave steam cleaner: most of the ones that get thrown away did not wear out. They were cleaned wrong, or not cleaned at all, until they became unpleasant to use.
That is an avoidable fate. The steps below show you how to clean the microwave steam cleaner properly, quickly, and without damaging it.
You don't need to buy anything special for this. Everything the microwave steam cleaner needs is likely already under your sink. Save your money for something fun.
A minute of prep makes cleaning the microwave steam cleaner twice as fast. Gather your supplies, fill the sink or a basin with warm soapy water, and put on some music. Approaching it as a quick routine rather than a dreaded chore changes everything.
Gather Your Supplies
You probably own all of this already. The microwave steam cleaner doesn't demand specialty products, just the basics used correctly.
- A bowl or basin for soaking (when the job needs time, not force)
- White vinegar (for mineral buildup and deodorizing)
- A small brush or old toothbrush (for crevices, texture, and seams)
- Baking soda (for stains, odors, and gentle scrubbing power)
- A soft sponge or cloth (non-abrasive, to protect surfaces)
- Warm water and dish soap (the foundation of nearly every cleaning job)
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.
- Air-dry completely. Let the microwave steam cleaner dry fully before storing. Putting silicone away damp is how musty smells start.
- Scrub gently with a soft sponge. Use the soft side of the sponge on the microwave steam cleaner, working in circles. Silicone cleans easily; you rarely need to bear down.
- Get into the crevices. Use a soft brush or old toothbrush on the textured areas and seams of the microwave steam cleaner. Grime loves texture.
- Boil for a deep clean (optional). For a periodic reset, simmer the microwave steam cleaner in plain water for ten minutes. It sanitizes and helps release deep-set odors.
- Rinse off the loose stuff. Hold the microwave steam cleaner under warm running water and rinse away loose food and crumbs. Getting the easy stuff off first makes the real wash much faster.
When Buildup Fights Back
When the microwave steam cleaner 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 the microwave steam cleaner in plain water for ten minutes works like a reset button.
Orange grease tint on the microwave steam cleaner 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 Steam Cleaner
General cleaning advice goes far, but it has its own specifics worth knowing.
- Empty and rinse it after each cleaning session so old water never sits inside it.
- Wipe it dry before storing to prevent musty smells from trapped moisture.
- Descale it with a vinegar rinse if you have hard water, since mineral buildup weakens steam output.
What Not to Do
Cleaning it wrong is worse than not cleaning it at all. Avoid these.
- Running it dry. It needs water to make steam. Running it without water can damage it, so always fill to the line.
- Skipping the wipe after. It loosens grime; it does not teleport it away. Wipe the interior while it is still warm and steamy.
- Using it once a year. It works best as a regular maintenance tool. Letting a year's worth of splatter bake on defeats the purpose.
- Skipping regular maintenance. It doesn't need much, but it needs something regularly. Neglect compounds; maintenance doesn't.
Keeping Up With It
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.
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.
- Don't let grease bake on. Washing it before the next heating cycle is the rule. Reheated grease becomes permanent.
- Rinse immediately. It rinses clean in seconds when fresh. Give it that rinse every single time.
- Store it dry. Putting it away completely dry prevents the mustiness that makes silicone unpleasant.
- Monthly deodorizing soak. A regular baking-soda soak keeps it from ever developing the absorbed odors silicone is known for.
Don't have it yet, or is yours past saving? Shop the Microwave Steam Cleaner here.
Pairs Well With
Once you've got it dialed in, these are the logical next additions. They complement it well and share the same philosophy: simple tools that actually get used.
- Microwave Splatter Cover — good for covering bowls to prevent microwave splatters; also useful for helping food heat more evenly.
- Silicone Ice Cube Tray with Lid & Bin — good for making large, slow-melting ice cubes; also useful for keeping a ready supply of ice in the bin.
- Manual Pull-Cord Garlic Chopper — good for mincing garlic and ginger quickly; also useful for chopping herbs and small vegetables.
- 12-Piece Air Fryer Accessory Kit — good for baking in the air fryer; also useful for grilling and roasting with proper accessories.
- Bacon Grease Keeper with Fine-Mesh Strainer — good for straining and storing bacon grease; also useful for keeping cooking grease clean and ready.
Get 10% Off Your First Order
If this guide convinced you it belongs in your kitchen, here's a nudge: first orders get 10% off with code WELCOME10 at checkout.
Turmeric and tomato sauce are the great stainers of it. They look alarming but they're cosmetic. The baking-soda paste treatment fades them reliably.
With basic care, it remains one of the lowest-maintenance tools in your kitchen.
If it ever picks up a stubborn odor, the baking-soda soak is your answer. It works on virtually every smell silicone absorbs.
Never use a knife on it, even for a quick cut. It's the kind of convenience that costs you the tool.
It replaces disposable alternatives, which is good for both your wallet and the planet. Taking care of it multiplies those savings.
Silicone tools like it are wonderfully low-maintenance, but low-maintenance isn't no-maintenance. The quick wash habit is the whole job.
Treating it gently around sharp objects protects it from the one thing that truly damages silicone.
A second it in the drawer means one is always clean and ready. For tools you use daily, backups are practical, not extravagant.
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.
A periodic baking-soda soak keeps it free of the odors silicone tends to absorb.
Storing it where you use it means it actually gets used. Accessibility is the difference between a favorite tool and a forgotten one.
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.
How often should I steam-clean my microwave?
A quick session with it every couple of weeks keeps buildup from ever getting serious. Heavy users may want it weekly.
Do I need to add anything to the water?
Plain water works for it. A splash of vinegar or lemon helps with odors, but harsh chemicals are unnecessary and unwise in a food appliance.