There is a right way to clean the microwave steam cleaner, a few wrong ways, and one very common way that slowly ruins it. Most people are doing the third one without realizing it.
This article lays out the right way in clear steps, flags the damaging shortcuts, and gives you a maintenance rhythm that keeps the microwave steam cleaner in top shape with minimal effort.
A quick safety note: unplug the microwave steam cleaner first if it has any electrical parts, and let hot items cool to warm before you start. Cleaning goes faster when you're not dancing around heat.
Before you start on the microwave steam cleaner, clear a little counter space and lay out a clean towel. Having somewhere to set wet parts as you go keeps the whole process smooth. If the microwave steam cleaner has electrical parts, unplug it now and let anything hot cool to warm.
What You'll Need
You probably own all of this already. The microwave steam cleaner doesn't demand specialty products, just the basics used correctly.
- 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)
- Food-safe mineral oil (for bamboo and wood conditioning, where applicable)
- Baking soda (for stains, odors, and gentle scrubbing power)
- A bowl or basin for soaking (when the job needs time, not force)
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.
- Rinse thoroughly. Rinse the microwave steam cleaner under clean warm water until no soap remains. Soap film left on silicone turns tacky and attracts dust.
- 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.
- 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.
- Check for damage. While the microwave steam cleaner is clean, look for cuts, tears, or thinning spots. Damaged silicone should be replaced, not patched.
- Store it clean and dry. Put the microwave steam cleaner away only when it is completely dry, stored flat or loosely so it keeps its shape.
- Deodorize with a vinegar soak. If the microwave steam cleaner 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.
- Attack stains with baking soda. For discoloration on the microwave steam cleaner, 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.
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 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.
Things to Never Do to Your Microwave Steam Cleaner
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.
- Using too much force. When it resists, force is rarely the answer. Stop, reassess, and find what's actually wrong instead of muscling through.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
Don't have it yet, or is yours past saving? Shop the Microwave Steam Cleaner here.
Complete Your Setup
Think of these as the supporting cast for it. Each one handles a related task, and together they make the whole routine smoother.
- Silicone Baking Mats 2-Pack — good for lining sheet pans for cookies and pastries; also useful for roasting vegetables without scrubbing pans.
- Heat-Resistant Silicone Oven Mitts — good for handling hot sheet pans and trays; also useful for gripping pots and Dutch ovens.
- Butter Mill Grater — good for grating cold butter into spreadable ribbons; also useful for topping toast without tearing it.
- Portable Frozen Slushie Maker Cup — good for making instant slushies at home; also useful for turning juice or soda into frozen treats.
- Kitchen Sink Glass Rinser — good for rinsing glasses and cups quickly; also useful for cleaning baby bottles and travel mugs.
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.
It can handle being squished into a drawer, but it prefers being stored flat. Give it the flat spot and it will keep its shape for years.
With basic care, it remains one of the lowest-maintenance tools in your kitchen.
If it ever feels sticky after washing, there's soap residue left on it. Rinse more thoroughly and the tackiness disappears.
Silicone tools like it are wonderfully low-maintenance, but low-maintenance isn't no-maintenance. The quick wash habit is the whole job.
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.
Washed after each use and stored dry, it stays in great shape for a very long time.
The most common mistake with it is letting grease bake on; a prompt wash prevents it entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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.
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.