Microwave ovens have become a necessity in every home today due to our busy lifestyles. A unique and groundbreaking discovery in the market of Kitchen & home appliances has made our life easier. At just the touch of a button, this appliance can warm food, defrost frozen foods or even cook food for you right from scratch in just a few seconds.
Though the popularity of this appliance is high, the maintenance procedure is still out of reach for many users. Many people use their microwaves every day without giving a second thought to the right maintenance. Unfortunately, the way you use and care for your microwave can have a significant effect on its longevity.
Here are some handy maintenance tips which will help you to take care of your appliance in a better way giving it longevity.
# Keep the Appliance Clean :
One of the easiest ways to extend the longevity of your microwave is by cleaning it regularly. A weekly cleaning session may hardly take 10 minutes and can easily be done using some warm water, liquid soap, a sponge, or a clean cloth. Dip the sponge/cloth in the solution and clean the microwave from the inside and outside. It will keep the microwave clean and also leave fresh air; also try to keep clean after using it every single time. Once cleaned, unplug the microwave and keep the door open for some time until it is completely dried up.
# Place the Appliance in a Right Position :
Microwave Oven needs a separate position in the kitchen; there are many ready-made cabinets or stands found in the market that can be bought to keep the system. Ensure that you leave a good 3 inches from the wall and on the sides, as the body of the microwave heats up when it is in use. The vents from the side release heat, so accordingly leave the right space around the microwave to avoid any heat damage to the appliance. Keep the wire that is within the reach of the electrical socket so that the wire is not pulled. The microwave must be kept away from the gas oven/kitchen sink or it can overheat and there can be water splashes, which will leave your microwave damaged.
# Choose Right Dishware :
Materials that are not microwave safe can cause fires or explosions, so for the sake of safety and the longevity of your microwave always use microwave-safe dishware.
- Aluminum foil
- Metal
- Dishware with silver or gold accents
These three types of discharge must not be used in a microwave. Ceramic, glass, and plastic items are safe to microwave, but there are exceptions. If any container or dish is extremely hot, it has absorbed too much energy and would not be recommended to use in the microwave. While microwaving food if a container or piece of dishware becomes significantly hotter than the food, you should avoid using that item in the future.
# Don’t make Damage to the Door :
Doors are among the most widely abused parts of a microwave. But most of us slammer the microwave door instead of pushing them gently. We may not realize it but slamming the door can turn down the longevity of a microwave. Most microwave oven door latch mechanisms have three switches that need to be closed in a certain way and Closing the door can destroy these switches. Also, remember that once closed, the microwave door should be completely sealed. Don’t ever slam a microwave door, or push it to shut with an elbow for lack of free hands, or pull the door open without first turning off the microwave. As all of these actions may cause gradual damage to your unit.
# Put the Right Weight :
Usually, there is no need to worry about the microwave’s weight capacity as most dishes and food items are within its capacity. But before microwaving heavier dishes or large frozen items, make sure to check the weight capacity of your unit. It is usually printed on the microwave door; if not, the information should be available online or in the owner’s manual. All of this can lead to a damaged unit and food that isn’t properly cooked.
# Don’t Run an Empty Microwave :
Running a microwave without anything inside it can cause serious damage. Because an empty microwave produces energy that must be absorbed by its components which also produces the energy. These components are not designed to withstand this kind of exposure, and repairing or replacing them can be expensive. Though a microwave can be used as a timer as most microwaves have separate timer functions that count the time without producing any internal energy.
# Try Pre Programmed Cooking Times :
Preprogrammed microwave cooking times are designed to make the most efficient use of the microwave. As it minimizes energy loss and heating the food as effectively as possible. While cooking in the microwave, these pre-set times will help to get you food faster and better without leaving any burning marks.
# Do basic Maintenance :
Basic maintenance reduces wear and strain on your microwave oven, and many basic repairing issues can be sorted easily. Most of these problems should be relatively easy to diagnose, too. Take a look at the user manual and keep an eye over the system; take help from the servicing company if any big problem appears.
Even today some people avoid using microwave ovens because they believe that it changes the chemical nature of food or leads to tumors because of radiation. However, these facts have been rectified by companies over the years. Every single electronic machine needs good care so does a Microwave Oven; with the proper care and cleaning process, a microwave can run for a longer time. Please keep in mind all the above points and do consult with a good servicing company as a good Service person can guide you better.