Almost two-thirds of households in the United States have microwaves for preparation of meals and reheating. Today, microwaves are not only used to reheat cooked food but also to prepare a meal from scratch. If you use it optimally, the microwave will be able to last for an extended period of time and give you better results. Microwaves are used very often without much maintenance, which can cause damage in the long run if not taken care of properly. But if you follow these maintenance tips, rest assured your microwave will be running smoothly for a long time.
CLEANING
One of the simplest and most effective methods to keep your microwave working for a long period is to clean it regularly. You may not know this, but food particles can absorb energy as well, resulting in burn spots and damaging the microwave parts. Simply wipe the interior of the microwave with water and soap, and the stains will be removed.
PLACEMENT
Do some research and observe the available space you have to decide if a countertop microwave or a built-in microwave works better for you. Firstly, do note that the microwave heats up when it is being used. Therefore, it is important to determine how far it should be placed from the wall. Ensure that there is sufficient space surrounding the microwave, as the vents on each side dissipate heat. When it is placed too close to the wall, the heat will not be dissipated efficiently. This could cause the microwave to overheat or take a longer time to cool down.
Secondly, make sure the microwave is not placed too near to the kitchen sink or oven. Ensure it is placed in a location where heat can effectively dissipate and not near to an area where water can splash onto it to risk it burning out.
Thirdly, the microwave should be connected to a wire that is within reach from the electrical socket. It should not have to be pulled too much and should not be too loose as well. Also, ensure the wire is not coiled up above the microwave or hang near to the sides of the microwave when in use.
PROTECT THE DOOR
The door of the microwave is complex, and is one of the most abused parts. There will definitely be times when we pull or close it with our elbows before turning the appliance off. Doing so would slowly damage the door, as they have three switching mechanisms that have to be closed in the correct order. When you close the door roughly, these switches will be spoilt. Furthermore, pulling the door when the microwave is running may cause a blown safety fuse.
HEAT SPECIFIC DISHWARE
One of the most important tips is to be careful about the kind of containers you place into your microwave. If you do not pay special attention to the material of these containers, it could potentially result in explosions and fires. Hence, remember to only use microwave-safe dishware to ensure safety. Never place aluminum foil and metal into the microwave. On the other hand, plastic, ceramic, and glassware are safe to use.
There are definitely many other maintenance tips for microwaves to keep it in a good condition for a long time, but the above-mentioned ones are some of the basic tips you should take note of to keep your microwave running efficiently and smoothly.
