Microwave ovens are nowadays used every day in every household but without maintaining the minimal guidance. And the wrong way of using and caring for your microwave can have a significant effect on its longevity.
The good news is that maintaining a few good habits can make a substantial difference in the longevity of the appliance. Microwaves do not become as dirty and greasy as an oven, but even so, one of the best ways to keep it clean and peacefully running along is to keep it clean. That means wiping down the interior whenever cooking or heating foods is a must to do work.
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 useful tips that will increase the life of the microwave oven for a longer period:
# Keep it Tidy & Clean :
One of the easiest ways to extend the longevity of any microwave is to clean the appliance on a regular basis. A small piece of cooked food and liquid can absorb energy which may create burning spots and cause damage to components of the microwave. If it happens, wipe the pieces with the help of warm soap and water quickly or use a specialized microwave oven cleaner. Sponging up spills are very essential as soon as they occur. Whenever the machine is turned on this little bit of food spatter absorbs some of the microwave’s energy, creating a hotspot that can harm the interior. Take special care while wiping and do not scratch on the protective mesh inside the door if it’s exposed, because it can only prevent microwaves from escaping and zapping you.
# Place the Appliance in a Right Position :
Making a separate position for Microwave Oven is essential in the kitchen; there are many ready-made cabinets or stands available in the market for keeping the appliance. While placing the appliance, leave a good 3 inches space from the wall and on the sides, because the body of the microwave heats up while using. As the vents placed in the side release heat that’s why mandatory to leave the right space around the microwave for avoiding any kind of heat damage to the appliance. And remember to keep the wire within the reach of the electrical socket so that the wire may not get pulled. The microwave should be kept away from the gas oven/kitchen sink, as it can be overheated and create water splashes making micrwoave damaged.
#Choose Right Dishware :
There are many materials that are not microwave safe, all these materials 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
All these three types of materials 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 becomes extremely hot, it absorbs too much energy and immediately stops being used in the microwave. While microwaving food, if a container or piece of dishware becomes hotter than the food it must be avoided using in future.
# Don’t make Damage to Door :
Doors of Micrwoaves are among the most widely abused parts which are damaged often. But most of uses pushes the microwave door harder instead of pushing them gently. We may not realize it, but this hard slamming the door can slow down the longevity of a microwave. Most microwave oven doors latch mechanisms have three switches which are need to be operated in a certain way and closing the door wrongly can destroy these switches. Also keep in mind that, once closed, the microwave door should be completely sealed; there should not be any gap. Slamming a microwave door, or pushing it to shut with an elbow, or pulling the door open without first turning off the microwave; may cause gradual damage to your unit.
# Don’t Run an Empty Microwave :
Running a microwave without anything inside can cause serious damage to the appliance. Because an empty microwave produces energy that must be absorbed by its components which also produces the energy. These components are not designed to bear this kind of exposure, and repairing or replacing them can be an expensive matter. Though a microwave can be used as a timer, most microwaves have separate timer functions which keeps counting the time without producing any internal energy.
# Try Pre Programmed Cooking Times :
Pre programmed microwave cooking times are designed by companies to make the most efficient use of the microwave for cooking. As it can both minimize energy loss and heating the food as effectively as possible. While cooking in the microwave, use these pre-set times as they will help to get you food faster and better without leaving any burning marks.
# Do basic Maintenance :
Basic regular maintenance can reduces wear and strain on your microwave oven, and there are many basic repairing issues that can be handled easily. Most of these problems should be relatively easy to understand. Do a complete look at the user manual and keep an eye over the system; take help from the servicing company if any big problem appears.
# Cook Right Foods in Microwave :
Without having the proper knowledge about the right cooking items in the microwave, a huge blunder in the kitchen can be made. There are some big no-nos for microwave cooking, such as: 1) boiling a glass of water or 2) heating eggs in the microwave or 3) heating potatoes, chili peppers, frozen fruits, or hot dogs. The reason is that, all these ingrediants have the risk of exploding under such high heat as the heat is trapped on the inside and causes these items to explode out of their skin. So to prevent any kind of food damage to the microwave and injury to yourself, avoid heating these food items in a microwave.
# Know When To Call For Help :
Microwaves are generally complex appliances which need to be taken care properly by an expert, maintaining a schedule. Apart from routine basic cleaning, if there is any problem with the appliance, it is better to call an expert. A microwave can cause a huge number of mechanical or electrical failures, which cannot be handled by normal people and it is better to call a service man to handle it.
All these above-mentioned tasks and habits are quite simple and affordable for uers, and maintaining them properly they can make a huge difference over time. Try to make small efforts to maintain your microwave properly and do basic servicing, a huge difference can be seen in years. And don’t forget to call a service person whenever you have a little doubt you may feel in the appliance.