How to Clean a Microwave, Mini Oven and Air Fryer: Practical Guide

A microwave that smells like food, a mini oven with grease splashes and an air fryer with residue on the racks are very common situations.
However, when you do not clean these appliances regularly, they start holding onto odours, baked-on dirt and streaks. Over time, cleaning becomes harder and less effective.
In this guide, you will learn how to clean a microwave, how to clean a mini oven and how to clean an air fryer. You will also find simple DIY methods and an eco-friendly option for deeper cleaning, without damaging internal surfaces.

Microwave vs mini oven: what changes and why it matters

Before choosing what to use, it helps to understand that microwaves and mini ovens work differently.
As a result, they create different types of dirt and require different cleaning approaches.

Microwave

A microwave heats food using electromagnetic waves. It usually gets dirty because of condensation and food splashes. Inside, you often find:

• painted or enamel-coated walls
• a glass turntable
• an oven rack (in some models)
• sensitive areas near ventilation slots

Most microwave dirt is made of light residues, streaks and odours, rather than heavy crusts.

Mini oven (compact electric oven)

A mini oven uses heating elements and higher temperatures. Therefore, dirt “bakes on” and sticks more strongly. In this case, you often see:

• baked-on grease
• layered residue on racks and trays
• stains and dirt on the bottom
• marks on the inner glass

Internal surfaces can still be coated or enamelled. For this reason, you need controlled cleaning.

Why this difference matters

In a microwave, dirt comes mainly from steam and splashes. So, frequent gentle cleaning works best. It softens residue and reduces odours without soaking sensitive parts.

In a mini oven, heat makes grease stick and build up. Therefore, you need longer contact time and controlled scrubbing. At the same time, avoid harsh products that may stress coatings.

In both cases, choose non-aggressive cleaners and non-abrasive tools. This way, you clean thoroughly without dulling the finish.

What about the air fryer?

An air fryer concentrates dirt on the basket and racks. Greasy residue builds up quickly and can cause persistent cooking smells.
In addition, many parts are non-stick. Therefore, you should avoid abrasive tools.

How to clean a microwave: the most common DIY methods

Microwave dirt comes mostly from food splashes, condensation and odours. For this reason, simple non-aggressive methods work well. They loosen residue and refresh the interior without damaging surfaces.

Cleaning a microwave with lemon

Lemon is a simple method to soften light dirt and reduce odours.

How to do it:

• put water and lemon juice (or lemon slices) in a bowl
• heat it for a few minutes
• keep the door closed for 5 minutes
• wipe the walls with a soft cloth

Cleaning a microwave with vinegar

Vinegar helps when the smell is stronger.

How to do it:

• mix water with a small amount of vinegar in a bowl
• heat it for a few minutes
• wipe the interior, then air it out well

Cleaning a microwave with baking soda

Baking soda supports gentle cleaning and odour neutralisation.

How to do it:

• make a paste with baking soda and water
• apply it on stains or streaks
• leave it for a few minutes
• remove it with a damp cloth, then dry

What to avoid in a microwave

• metal scourers or abrasive sponges
• too much water near ventilation slots
• leaving detergent residue on surfaces

How to clean a mini oven: grease and baked-on dirt

In a mini oven, higher temperatures make grease stick and bake onto surfaces. Dirt usually builds up on:

• racks
• trays
• the bottom area
• the inner glass

Routine cleaning

When the mini oven is cold:

1. remove racks and trays
2. wipe with a damp cloth and a non-aggressive cleaner
3. dry well before reassembling

When grease is more stubborn

If grease sticks more strongly:

• increase contact time slightly
• scrub in a controlled way
• avoid overly aggressive products that may damage coatings

How to clean an air fryer: a complete clean without odours

Air fryers often hold onto:

• residue in the basket
• grease on the racks
• cooking smells (spices, meat, fish)

Cleaning after use

1. let the air fryer cool down
2. remove the basket and rack
3. wash with warm water and a soft sponge
4. dry well before reassembling

When you need something more effective

If streaks or smells remain, use a gentle degreaser and controlled scrubbing on the dirtiest parts. This helps remove residue without damaging the non-stick coating.

Citric acid: when it makes sense

People often choose citric acid because it is practical and leaves a neutral result. It can help for:

• light and regular cleaning
• refreshing surfaces and reducing odours
• washable parts without strong fragrance

However, it may not be enough for layered greasy dirt.

When to use a specific product (without damaging surfaces)

DIY methods help with maintenance. However, they may not work when:

• grease is sticky and strongly attached
• streaks keep coming back
• odours remain after several attempts
• you want faster and repeatable results

In these cases, choose an effective but non-aggressive degreaser. It should be safe for kitchen use and suitable for regular cleaning.

Eco-friendly solution: PULI ECO + a melamine sponge pad

For a more complete clean of a microwave, mini oven and air fryer, a practical and controlled method is to combine PULI ECO with a melamine sponge pad.
This option works well when you need to remove greasy dirt, streaks and recurring odours, while keeping cleaning effective but not harsh.

• PULI ECO is a ready-to-use multipurpose degreaser suitable for everyday cleaning, including washable food-contact surfaces. It helps remove dirt and odours without leaving harmful residues when rinsed properly. In addition, it is fragrance-free and solvent-free, which is ideal for kitchen appliances that should stay neutral.
• A melamine sponge pad improves mechanical cleaning action on stubborn residue and streaks. Therefore, it is especially useful on:

• air fryer racks and baskets
• edges and hard-to-reach corners
• inner walls with splashes and streaks
• areas where dirt sticks more easily

In practice, PULI ECO provides the degreasing action, while the melamine pad helps lift dirt more effectively without aggressive abrasives.

How to use them correctly

1. Make sure the appliance is cool and unplugged.
2. Spray PULI ECO on the surface or on a microfibre cloth.
3. Leave it for a short contact time, depending on the dirt level.
4. Gently rub critical areas with the melamine pad (racks, baskets, edges and sticky spots).
5. Wipe away residue with a clean cloth. Then rinse washable parts with water and dry carefully.

This method is useful when you want an organised, repeatable clean without strong fragrance. Over time, it also helps reduce odour build-up.

How to prevent dirt and bad odours over time

To reduce the need for heavy cleaning, follow a few simple rules:

• clean soon after use, before dirt sticks
• dry racks and baskets before reassembling
• do not leave food residue on internal surfaces
• check corners and edges regularly
• do not leave detergent residue after cleaning

Conclusion

Cleaning a microwave, mini oven and air fryer correctly means removing dirt and odours without damaging internal surfaces. Lemon, vinegar, baking soda and citric acid help with routine maintenance.
However, when grease becomes stubborn or smells persist, a more controlled method works better.

A practical eco-friendly solution is to combine PULI ECO with a melamine sponge pad. This improves the removal of streaks and residue and helps keep appliances cleaner for longer with a simple, safe and repeatable routine.