My microwave oven is one of the most essential electric appliances that I use in my daily life. I can never imagine it suddenly breaking down or rusting through because of something as simple as poor cleaning. I am sure that you can agree with me on this! So, to avoid this sort of crisis from occurring, here are some reliable tips on caring for your microwave to increase its longevity.
Keep it clean
This is one of the easiest ways to increase the longevity of your microwave. Food and liquid splatter can absorb microwave energy leading to burn spots that will eventually damage the components of your device. Liquid spills can also cause its inner metallic surface to rust through, decreasing its lifespan. Therefore, you should clean your microwave regularly. Luckily, most foods and liquids can be removed with warm soap and water. In addition, for stubborn spots, you can try heating a cup of water in the microwave for 60-90 seconds so that the steam loosens the spots. You can also simply prevent such messes in the future by buying and using a microwavable cover to use while heating food.
Choose dishware carefully
You should never put metallic objects in your microwave. This includes aluminium foil, metal covers, and dishware with silver or gold accents. This is because the waves emitted from the oven bounce off of metallic materials, causing the interior to heat up unevenly and leading to obvious damage. Moreover, materials that are not microwave-safe can easily cause fire hazards or explosions. For the sake of your own safety and that of your microwave, you should be cautious. Typically ceramic, glass and plastic are microwave-safe but you should still be wary and only use dishware with a microwave-friendly label.
Prevent door damage
Microwave doors are by far the most abused part of the microwave. Do you agree with me? If you close the door carelessly, for instance by slamming them or using your elbow, this may damage its latches. To open the door while it is still running can also result in a blown safety fuse. So, it is best to cancel the operation entirely before opening the door. Most importantly, you should make sure that the door closes properly. Likewise, if the door is damaged or the seal is cracked, then, food will not cook evenly and radiation waves can escape.
Use preset cooking times
I am sure that, just like me, you rarely use the pre-programmed cooking times. This is a mistake since these timers are designed to make the most efficient use of the microwave by minimizing energy loss and heating the food as effectively as possible. This is especially important when defrosting food.
Never run it empty
If you accidentally run a microwave without anything inside, it can cause serious damage to the device. This is because when it is run empty, the microwave’s interior and components absorb all the heat that is produced. This is harmful to the device since the inner components are not designed to withstand high levels of heat. So, be alert and never run your precious microwave empty!
Surge protector
You should plug your microwave into an electric surge protector and also unplug it when it is not in use. This will keep it safe in the event of power fluctuations. It is also a good practice to regularly check its cord to make sure that it has not become damaged.
Wash any removable parts
Together with your hands, personal items, furniture, and door handles, you should also sanitize your microwave. Lemon juice is the secret as it will result in a fresh-smelling microwave. Place a bowl of water containing a few tablespoons of lemon juice in the oven and run it at high temperature for a few minutes. The idea is to let the steam fill the cavity. Then wipe it down with a cloth and admire your handiwork!
Whether it is to cook food, or to defrost frozen food preparations, I use my microwave several times a day. I also use it to reheat my cup of green tea if it has gone cold. I really needed the knowledge of how to care for and maintain my handy and reliable device for its own safety and long life. Like me, you should consider these simple steps to avoid the costly and cumbersome task of having to repair your microwave or purchase a new one altogether.
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