Helpful Tips for Extending the Life of Your Microwave

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Your microwave is among the most important appliances in your kitchen. Since most of us have grown up with microwaves, it’s easy to take them for granted and forget that there was ever a time when heating up food in a hurry was all but impossible. Given what a vital function your microwave performs, it’s only natural that you’d want to make the device last as long as possible. Luckily, this endeavor is neither expensive nor consuming. With a little bit of TLC and basic maintenance, your microwave can stay up and running for years to come. 

Avoid Running the Device on Empty 

While this may seem like a no-brainer, a fair number of people run their microwaves with nothing inside. More often than not, this is done to take advantage of the device’s timer function. It’s worth noting, however, that most modern microwaves have timer functions that are independent of the oven and don’t require any internal energy to be produced. If you’re unclear on whether your microwave has such a feature, consult the owner’s manual or manufacturer’s website. When the device is run without anything inside of it, the immense energy it outputs is absorbed by its own components, which can damage them beyond repair.  

Clean the Device Regularly 

Like any other appliance that’s used on a regular basis, your microwave needs to be cleaned in order to run as effectively and efficiently as possible. Fortunately, microwaves are among the easiest kitchen appliances to clean, so this task should prove neither difficult nor time-consuming. First off, you’ll need to unplug your microwave. Next, thoroughly scrub it down with a mixture of warm water and dish soap. As a general safety measure, take care to avoid using abrasive cleaners and over cleaners on microwaves. Make sure the device is completely dry before plugging it back in. You can also save yourself a great deal of elbow grease by cleaning spills and leaks before they have a chance to set in and harden. This can also go a long way in preventing the formation of foul odors.     

Use Microwave-Safe Containers 

Whether you’re using a dial microwaves or keypad-safe containers can be a boon to both your personal safety and the long-term well being of your microwave. Containers that aren’t labeled as microwave-safe contain elements that shouldn’t be exposed to microwave ovens. In the best-case scenario, the container will incur damage. In the worst-case scenario, your microwave will malfunction, potentially putting your safety risk. So the next time you’re thinking about putting an unfamiliar container in your microwave, take care to confirm that it’s microwave-safe.  

Seek out a Dependable Repair Service 

As is the case with other essential kitchen appliances, your microwave will need periodic attention from a seasoned repair and maintenance professional. Even the most dependable microwave is likely to suffer from the occasional hiccup, so it pays to have a good repair/maintenance service among your contacts. The right person will be able to identify a wide range of potential problems and repair them in a timely and cost-effective manner. Additionally, a good repair/maintenance is much easier to find than you may think. If your first thought after reading this is, “How can I find microwave repair near me?,” simply consult your preferred search engine or peruse your local yellow pages.

Use Preprogrammed Cook Times 

When heating up food in the microwave, many of us simply wing it and hope for the best. Unfortunately, this can lead to overcooking, spills, splatters and various other undesirable consequences. Anyone looking to make microwave messes a thing of the past would be wise to give preprogrammed cook times a try. These cook times are designed to maximize energy efficiency and heat up a wide assortment of foods to their ideal temperatures. 

In many respects, the microwave is the unsung hero of the modern kitchen. Although many of us never stop to consider its importance unless it unexpectedly breaks down, we’d be in trouble without a working microwave. Whether it’s reheating food in a hurry or preparing a small meal in a timely manner, a dependable microwave has you covered. In light of all the convenience microwaves bring into our lives, it’s only fitting that we return the favor by making these handy devices last as long as possible.   

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