Doc’s Guide to Maintaining Your Microwave
Broken appliances are more than an inconvenience; they’re a drain on your wallet! Whether you’re paying to replace or fix them, it’s an expense that can often be avoided in the first place.
As with any appliance, your best bet to keep your microwave running smoothly is to carefully maintain it in the first place. That includes cleaning and a little maintenance. It may seem like a lot of work, but it really only takes a few minutes.
Tips for keeping your microwave clean:
- Try to keep it clean in the first place. Most people don’t think much of letting crumbs and spills get inside their microwave. Aside from being unsanitary, food buildup can also affect the performance of your microwave. However, it gets a little tricky, as many foods will pop and splash as they heat up, especially soups and chilis. To alleviate this issue, get some microwave-safe wax paper sheets and use them to cover your food. That way, food won’t splatter throughout the microwave.
- Clean spills or messes quickly so that they don’t dry and get tough. We know that most spills happen right as you’re running out the door to get to work…but whenever possible, you should try to clean it up right away. A few seconds of wiping it off now is easier than 10 minutes of scraping tomorrow night!
- Microwave a bowl of water for hard-to-clean spots. Heat up a bowl of water for a couple minutes or however long it takes to generate some steam. The steam will loosen up any tough food buildup.
- Use a mild detergent. Don’t use any strong chemicals to clean your microwave. You are putting food in there, after all. Personally, we prefer to use vinegar, as it’s natural and completely safe around your food. Equal parts vinegar and water is a great all-purpose cleaning solution.
Tips for maintaining your microwave and using it safely:
- Don’t ever put aluminum foil, styrofoam, or plastics into the microwave. Plastics get a free pass if they’re explicitly labeled as microwave-safe, but otherwise, you’re best off using glass or ceramic. Aluminum foil or metal can catch fire, and plastics or styrofoam can leach harmful chemicals into your food.
- Keep your eyes peeled for any signs of rust. Rust may not look like a big deal at first, but it could eventually eat away at important safety components of the microwave. As a result, it could eventually cause the appliance to break down or even become unsafe. If you notice any rust, contact a licensed appliance technician immediately.
If you do end up having any problems with your microwave, call up Doc’s for affordable repair with excellent customer service. We’ve proudly served the Metro Detroit community since 1986, meaning we truly have seen it all. Don’t wait, call today!
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