A dirty microwave is generally one of those out of sight, out of mind chores. That is, until you need to heat something up and you open the door to expose the ugly truth. It doesn't take long for food to splatter and stick to the interior of your microwave. Cleaning it up is a snap with these simple tips.

1. Prevent Spills
When heating food in the microwave, cover it first with plastic wrap or paper towel. When food heats quickly, it can sometimes pop, causing messy splatters all over. Covering food helps keep the mess to a minimum.

2. Wipe Down Microwave Daily
You wash your dishes, wipe down your counters and clean off your stovetop daily, so why not the inside of the microwave? It's closed, that's why. Make an effort to include the inside of your microwave in your daily routine to keep it sparkling clean.

3. Use Simple Steam for Dried on Messes
Cleaning the microwave doesn't mean you have to haul out the hammer and chisel or even the chemical cleaners from under the sink. There's a simple solution that takes just a few minutes and costs almost nothing.

Fill a glass bowl or 4-cup measuring cup half full with water. Place inside the microwave and heat on high for five minutes. Leave the door shut for a few minutes more to allow the steam to really do its thing. Use oven mitts to carefully remove the container of hot water. Next, use a paper towel or damp sponge to wipe down the inside of the microwave. The grime and stuck-on food particles should wipe out easily.

5. Safety First
Mishandling hot water from the microwave can result in burns. To be safe always: