My jel piece came out the holder. So just wash it (with clean hands) with warm tap water and a little dish soap. Then rinse it good with distilled. Then I let it air dry or use a hair dryer on low and put it back in the holder being very careful not to touch the bubble. I don't know why a microwave has to be invovled. I use mine constantly; before every play. Then I apply Stylast, but that's for another thread. I also use LP#9 every 4 or 5 cleanings just to keep the serious burned on muck a' ruck off.