I cleaned my microwave with wet newspaper every day for 2 weeks. This is what happened

Cleaning a microwave is often a dreaded task, one that many of us put off until the splatters and stains have baked on so thoroughly that they seem impossible to remove. Like many others, I’ve tried using various cleaning sprays and methods, but none seemed truly effective or convenient. Recently, I stumbled upon a curious cleaning hack — using wet newspaper to clean the microwave. Intrigued by its simplicity and low cost, I decided to give it a try.

Could this be the solution I’ve been looking for, or would it turn out to be another ineffective cleaning myth? To find out, I embarked on a two-week experiment, cleaning my microwave daily with wet newspaper and documenting the results. Here’s what happened during my cleaning journey.

The idea of using wet newspaper as a cleaning tool seemed unconventional but intriguing. It’s a method that promises to combine the cleaning power of steam with the scrubbing texture of newspaper. The concept is simple: the moisture in the newspaper creates steam when heated, loosening grime and stains, while the paper itself acts as a gentle scrubber.

Given that newspaper is readily available and inexpensive, it seemed like a cost-effective alternative to chemical cleaners. Plus, with environmental concerns in mind, the notion of using something recyclable like a newspaper appealed to me. The promise of an easy, eco-friendly cleaning method was enough reason to give it a try.

To ensure consistency and accuracy, I set up a simple routine. Each day, I took a full sheet of newspaper, folded it into quarters, and soaked it in water until thoroughly drenched. I then placed the wet newspaper inside the microwave, setting the timer for two minutes on high power. Afterward, I used the cooled, damp newspaper to wipe down the microwave’s interior.

For control, I avoided adding any other cleaning agents or tools, relying solely on the newspaper. I made sure to document any changes in cleanliness, odors, and overall performance of the microwave, taking notes and photographs to capture the process.

The first time I placed the wet newspaper inside the microwave, I was skeptical yet hopeful. As the microwave ran, I could see steam forming, a good sign that the moisture was effectively turning into vapor. After two minutes, I opened the door and was greeted by a warm, moist environment that made wiping down the surfaces surprisingly easy.

The newspaper, now soft and pliable, felt like a gentle scrubber. I noticed that the steam had indeed loosened some of the lighter stains, and I was able to wipe them away with minimal effort. However, tougher, baked-on grime required more elbow grease and additional passes.

By the end of the first week, I had developed a rhythm. The daily steaming seemed to be effective at keeping new stains from setting. Lighter food residue was noticeably easier to remove, and the microwave appeared cleaner overall.

However, an unexpected issue arose: the smell of wet newspaper. While not overpowering, it was noticeable immediately after cleaning. Despite this, the method was quite effective at neutralizing food odors, such as those from burnt popcorn or reheated leftovers, which was a pleasant surprise.

The method showed promise with regular use, but when it came to tackling stubborn, baked-on grease, results were mixed. While the steam helped loosen some of the grime, it often required several days of repetition and scrubbing to make a significant dent in older, more resilient stains.

On the plus side, the daily cleaning routine prevented new grease from accumulating. Regular use of wet newspaper seemed more effective as a maintenance tool rather than a heavy-duty cleaner. For deeply ingrained gunk, I found that reverting to a more traditional cleaner was necessary.

One of the standout benefits of using wet newspaper was its impact on lingering food odors. The steam appeared to help neutralize smells, leaving the microwave smelling fresh after cleaning.

Burnt popcorn, a notoriously persistent odor, was notably diminished after a few cleans. Similarly, the usual smells from heating tomato sauces or other aromatic dishes were less pronounced. While it didn’t completely eliminate all odors, it was a marked improvement over leaving the microwave uncleaned.

While the method was generally effective, it wasn’t without its downsides. The most significant was the ink transfer from the newspaper, which occasionally left faint smudges on the microwave’s interior. Although these were easily wiped away, it added an extra step to the process.

Additionally, dealing with soggy newspaper after cleaning was a bit messy. It required careful handling to avoid dripping water and ink onto kitchen surfaces. Despite these minor inconveniences, the cleanup was still relatively quick and straightforward compared to scrubbing with harsh chemicals.

Safety was a concern I had to address before starting the experiment. Fortunately, the process seemed safe as long as a few precautions were taken. Ensuring the newspaper was thoroughly soaked reduced the risk of fire, a crucial aspect given the potential flammability of dry paper.

Moreover, keeping the microwave clean and free of loose bits of dry paper or food debris minimized any safety hazards. Overall, as long as the procedure was followed correctly, using wet newspaper posed no significant safety risks.

By the end of the two weeks, my microwave was noticeably cleaner. The daily routine had prevented grime from building up, and the interior looked much fresher than when I started. While it wasn’t spotless, the improvement was evident.

Functionally, the microwave continued to work well, with no issues stemming from the cleaning process. The consistent maintenance had kept the microwave in good working order, avoiding any performance issues that can arise from neglect and buildup.

In conclusion, using wet newspaper to clean my microwave was an interesting experiment with several benefits. It’s an eco-friendly, low-cost method that’s effective for daily maintenance. However, it’s not a cure-all solution for heavy-duty cleaning, and the minor mess from ink and soggy paper are considerations to keep in mind.

I would recommend this hack to anyone looking for a simple, regular cleaning routine for their microwave. It’s particularly useful for those who want to avoid chemical cleaners. However, for deeply ingrained stains, combining this method with traditional cleaning products might yield the best results.