Many of the appliances around your home can be repaired without the assistance of a repair professional in some cases. One appliance that should never be repaired without training and experience is the microwave oven. How you use and maintain your microwave can help you extend the life of it and prepare food more efficiently.

Why Shouldn't You Repair Your Own Microwave Oven?

Well, it really is simple. The capacitor inside the microwave oven holds an electrical charge even after the microwave has been unplugged. The charge the capacitor holds is much more than what you would feel if you were zapped by a faulty lamp. The voltage is high enough to potentially kill you!

Tips for Microwave Use

Utilize the adjustable power settings. There is a good reason for the manufacturers equipping microwave ovens with adjustable power settings. In many cases, food cooks more evenly if it is cooked for a longer time at a lower power setting.

Once the microwave has finished cooking the food, keep the door closed for a minute or two after. Letting the food sit inside the oven will allow the heat to distribute throughout the food. When following instructions on frozen dinners and prepared foods, follow the instructions on the label. Some food may become overcooked if you allow it to sit in the microwave once the cycle has completed.

Never cook food inside air-tight packages without venting the lid or package. Once the contents become hot, the lid or package could burst and make a big mess inside the oven. In some cases, the lid could pop with such force that it damages the inside of your microwave.

Tips for Caring for Your Microwave

Caring for your microwave is relatively simple—keep it clean! One mistake that many people make is spraying household cleaners inside the microwave. Although the cleaner may not damage the microwave, it could cause the foods prepared in the microwave to taste like the chemicals in the cleaner.

To clean your microwave easily, place a bowl or mug of water inside. Heat the water for five minutes and let it sit for another ten minutes or so. The steam from the hot water will break down food that is stuck to the sides and top of the microwave. Carefully remove the bowl or mug and wipe the surfaces of the microwave with a clean cloth.

Never store things on top of or beside your microwave oven. The oven needs air to work properly. Cutting off the air circulation could cause issues and untimely wear.

If your microwave is not functioning properly, you may be able to resolve it by unplugging it and plugging it back in a few minutes later. This could reset the system and fix the issue that you are having.

Talk with your local appliance repair technician (like those at DBH Appliance Repair) about any repairs that must be made. He or she can help you get your microwave cooking once again.