6 Fixes for Kitchen Spills and Slip-Ups

Here’s how to clean up mundane (and maddening) kitchen messes.

Splatters in the Microwave

Combine 2 tablespoons lemon juice and 1 cup water in a small microwave-safe bowl. Heat the mixture in the microwave to a boil; let it boil for 3 minutes and stand for 5 minutes to allow the steam to loosen the debris, says Marie Stegner, a consumer-health advocate for Maid Brigade, a national green-housecleaning service. Wipe down the walls with a damp microfiber cloth and the mess should disappear. To remove any lingering smells, heat a small bowl filled with 1/2 cup water and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract just until it comes to a boil. Leave the door closed, with the bowl inside, overnight.