Microwave Manners

Who doesn’t like using a microwave that is nice and clean on the inside? This isn’t just about appearances — it’s simple hygiene. The interior of a microwave can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria if splattered food is left to harden and rot. When food particles are reheated time and again, they can contaminate anything else that’s cooked afterward, creating both unpleasant odours and potential health risks. In a house sitting environment, where trust and respect are essential, maintaining a clean microwave is a simple but vital part of keeping the kitchen safe and sanitary.

Leaving It Clean For The Sitter

Homeowners, this one’s for you. Please make sure your microwave is clean and ready for your house sitter’s use. Too often, I have arrived to find the interior of the microwave caked with food residue, splatters, or even mouldy particles clinging to the sides. It’s not only off-putting — it’s unhygienic and just plain gross. No sitter wants to start their stay by scrubbing out another person’s old meals before they can heat their own. Taking five minutes to give the microwave a quick wipe before you leave shows respect for your sitter and helps them settle in comfortably.

Leaving It Clean For The Homeowner

Sitters, even if you arrive to find a dirty microwave, it’s good form to leave it spotless at the end of your stay. Treat it as part of your closing routine before the homeowners return. It’s not about fairness — it’s about professionalism. A sparkling clean microwave tells the owners you’ve cared for their home as though it were your own. It’s a small detail, but one that speaks volumes about your standards as a sitter.

Quick And Easy Cleaning Tips

Keeping a microwave clean doesn’t have to be a chore. Here are a few effortless tricks for keeping it fresh:

Steam Clean With Lemon: Fill a microwave-safe bowl with water and add a few slices of lemon (or a splash of vinegar). Heat for two to three minutes, then let it sit with the door closed for a minute or two. The steam will loosen grime, making it easy to wipe away with a damp cloth.

Wipe After Each Use: A quick once-over after heating messy foods prevents build up.

Remove The Turntable: Don’t forget the glass plate — it can go straight into the sink or dishwasher.

Don’t Forget The Exterior: Accumulated dust on top of the appliance or greasy finger marks all over the controls can make a microwave look manky before you even open the door. A quick wipe down with a microfibre cloth and warm soapy water is all that is required to make the outside look as good as the inside.

Cover Your Food: When using the microwave, and depending on what you’re heating, it’s a good idea to have a lid or some sort of covering over your meal so it doesn’t splatter the walls when getting zapped.

Leave The Door Open: After using the microwave, leave the door ajar for a few minutes to let steam escape. This prevents condensation, which can lead to lingering odours and mould. The light bulb will still be on, so feel free to turn the power off at the wall to preserve the life of the bulb.

Final Words

A clean microwave may seem like a minor detail, but in house sitting it’s one of those small things that can make a big difference. Homeowners can show consideration by leaving it clean for their sitter, and sitters can demonstrate professionalism by returning it spotless. And with a few quick cleaning habits and a little attention to detail, everyone benefits from a fresh, hygienic, and ready-to-use appliance.