Every once in a while, we will encounter a life-changing cleaning technique, which really surprised us. We just stumbled upon a particularly interesting technique while perusing the TikTok feed.
Until recently, we didn’t even know that some microwave filters needed to be replaced every few months, but TikTok user @mamasknowbest set a record last month in a weird and mesmerizing video that shows her waiting for her At the same time, the filter is cleaned and replaced with an arriving mail.
In the video, the social media user explained that her microwave filter needs to be replaced every six months and showed her fans how to extend the life of her current filter through cleaning.
First, she removed the protective cover from the top of the microwave oven, and then opened a filter with a lot of sticky material on it. Then she sprayed the lid with detergent and removed the dirty filter, then immersed it in a sink filled with soap and water and shook it several times.
Next, she scrubbed the top of the microwave oven (near the vent) with a soap sponge and treated the protective cover in the same way. Soon, she rinsed everything out, put everything back in place, and showed off the squeaky clean filter and microwave oven.
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The social media user admitted that she "completely forgot" the cleaning skills in the headline, but we must praise her because we didn't know that we even had to replace the microwave filter.
It seems that we are not the only ones who are fascinated by weird soothing videos. Since its release in early October, it has had more than 2.8 million views!
Related: How often should you clean the microwave, oven, and blinds?
After watching the video, TODAY Food would like to know whether our own microwave oven has a filter, and if so, whether good old soap and water can clean it well. Therefore, we contacted lifestyle expert Jill Bauer for inside information.
"The countertop microwave oven does not have a filter that needs to be cleaned. The type of microwave oven that needs to be cleaned is the type on the stove," she explained. "Only a microwave oven with a fan can circulate the air back to the kitchen and have a filter."
Ultra-range microwave ovens usually have both a grease filter and a charcoal filter, and they should be handled differently when replacing or cleaning them. The following are important tips from Bauer:
Grease filter: "This is usually stainless steel and can be cleaned simply with hot soapy water. If necessary, let it soak. Let air dry, then reinstall. Regular cleaning and maintenance, they rarely need to be replaced," she said.
Charcoal filters: "They are designed to remove odors and should be replaced every six months. These are really not designed for'washing', because wetting them will actually impair the working ability of charcoal. Charcoal has'pores' '' Absorb odors, if you clean the filter, it will break down the pores and release all trapped particles back into the air,” Bauer explained.
Lifestyle experts also added that it is always a good idea to clean the area around the filter.
"Wipe off the accumulated grease and dirt so that the filter and fan can do their job more efficiently. A good rule of thumb is to put'microwave deep cleaning' on your spring and autumn cleaning list, so you will remember to change and Clean the filter regularly," she said.
When you use it, you can use many other DIY cleaning tricks on the microwave to keep it running well. For example, you can use a mixture of water and white vinegar to clean the microwave once a week (get all the details here).