How to Clean Burned Food Stains From Microwave Containers

Microwave cooking requires plastic or glass containers made specifically for microwave use. Other containers become damaged when exposed to the conditions inside the microwave oven and may even be hazardous to the kitchen environment. Even the microwave-safe containers can suffer food stains, especially if the food cooks too long and burns onto the cooking surface. Removing the burned food and resulting stains without damaging the plastic or glass makes the containers look as good as new and ensures they remain safe for future microwave cooking.


Sprinkle baking soda on the burned-on food, covering it completely. Pour hot tap water into the container and allow it to soak for 10 to 15 minutes.


Scrub the container with a nylon dish scrubber. Avoid steel wool and harsh abrasives because these can damage the plastic.


Rinse the container with warm water and inspect it for remaining food residue. If residue remains, repeat the baking soda and hot water treatment. Scrub and rinse a second time.


Fill the container with cold water if stains remain once the food residue is gone. Add 1 tablespoon chlorine bleach for each cup of water used. Soak the container for 2 minutes.


Rinse the bleach solution from the container with cold water. Wash the container in the dishwasher on the top rack or wash it by hand with mild dishwashing soap.

Things Needed

  • Baking soda
  • Nylon dish scrubber
  • Chlorine bleach


  • Although most microwave containers are dishwasher-safe, refer to the manufacturer's care instructions to ensure your cookware can go in the dishwasher.


  • If the burned food is on the lid or on a microwave cooking utensil, place the utensil in a larger container. Fill the larger container with the cleaning solution so the flat item can soak completely submerged.


Photo Credits

  • Jupiterimages/ Images

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