Microwaves make life so much easier and more convenient. Whether you’re zapping a frozen breakfast sandwich to take on your morning commute or you’re defrosting a couple pounds of ground beef to use for dinner, you probably rely on your microwave multiple times a day. That’s why you need to keep it running smoothly and efficiently.
In this post, we’ll give you a few, super-easy tips to help you take care of your microwave for the long haul. Let’s jump in!
1. Keep It Clean
You should clean the inside of your microwave frequently. Not only is this essential for proper food safety and hygiene, but it’s also a significant factor in how well your microwave performs. You see, when food spills or splatters inside your microwave, the residue can actually absorb a portion of the microwave’s energy. This causes the residue to burn and reduces the unit’s overall efficiency.
2. Be Gentle
Close your microwave door gently. Don’t slam it shut. You may think your microwave is solid and sturdy, but slamming the door can actually damage the latch mechanism. Latch mechanisms must operate in a certain order, so if you slam the door and mess with this order, you could actually cause a blown, internal fuse.
3. Only Use When Full
You should never run your microwave when there’s no food or liquid inside of it. If you need it as a timer, use the separate kitchen timer function, which will operate the timer without actually turning on the microwave’s cooking energy. It’s crucial to do this because, otherwise, the microwave’s energy will just bounce around inside, since there’s nothing to absorb it. This could cause the magnetron to overheat and lead to a very expensive repair.
4. Don’t Try to Be an Electrician
Microwaves are deceptive because they’re smaller than all of your other kitchen appliances. However, although they may look harmless, they’re anything but. Microwaves can store thousands of volts of electricity (even after they’ve been unplugged), which makes them extremely dangerous to anyone who isn’t a certified electrician. Therefore, never attempt electrical repairs on your microwave yourself. Besides, if an electronic part needs to be replaced, you’re looking at a price comparable to that of a brand-new microwave—so you’re probably better off just buying a new one, instead.
By following our suggestions above, you’ll get many, many years of powerful use out of your microwave. However, if you have any questions, Morris County Appliance Repair is here to help. We’re proud to serve homeowners in Morris County with exceptional appliance repair services, so don’t hesitate to reach out.