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Microwaves are appliances designed for cooking convenience. Though microwaves are durable and built to last, a little routine upkeep will ensure that they keep working properly and without issue for years to come. Below are four maintenance tips to help you care for this kitchen essential.

How to Take Care of a Microwave

1. Clean Regularly & Thoroughly

A microwave can accumulate a significant amount of food particles and spills. When messes aren't cleaned up, they lead to bacterial growth that could jeopardize the safety of the food you prepare in your microwave. Also, caked-on spills bake into the surfaces of the microwave, making it harder to generate heat. This decreases the unit's energy efficiency and potentially damages internal parts. The best remedy is to wipe down the microwave with a damp, soft sponge or cloth after every use. For tougher stains, microwave a coffee mug of water for 90 seconds. Then, let it sit undisturbed inside for five minutes. When you open the door, the steam generated by the hot water should loosen grime and make it easier to wipe with a sponge or cloth. For routine cleaning, aim for gentle, once-a-week scrubbing with hot water and mild dish soap. Avoid harsh cleansers, which are too abrasive for the delicate surfaces of the appliance.

2. Avoid Yanking It Open or Slamming It Shut 

appliancesMany microwave door handles are made of plastic. Yanking the door open can loosen the handle until it falls out or breaks off. Slamming the door shut too hard rattles the oven's interior parts and can cause one of them to come loose. If the slam is forceful enough, it could even shatter the door itself. Always gingerly open and close a microwave door.

3. Use Oven Mitts

This will protect both you and the microwave. Utilize oven mitts whenever you take hot items out of a microwave. Bear in mind that foods cook extremely quickly, and the dishes may be hotter than you think. This also helps avoid dropping something inside the oven and making a mess or breaking the glass plate.

4. Plug It Into a Surge Protector

Microwaves require a lot of power to heat food as fast as they do. A power surge can cause the microwave to short out, damage the internal parts, and stop working. Plug the appliance into a surge protector to safeguard against the destructive effects of extreme power fluctuations.

 

Appliance Service Company has been offering microwave repair and sales to the Fairbanks, AK, area since the 1970s. This family-owned business provides a variety of appliance services. In addition to microwaves, they perform refrigerator, stove, garbage disposal, and washer and dryer repair. They carry both new and used appliances and a full inventory of parts. Call (907) 452-1000 or visit them online to schedule a repair.

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