How to Maintain Your Microwave Oven Safely
How to Maintain Your Microwave Oven Safely
Microwave ovens are game changers in the kitchen; if you lack cooking expertise, microwaves can help you create simple meals for dinner in no time. However, many homemakers are still concerned about whether they’re safe to use. This is because microwaves produce electromagnetic radiation to cook or heat your food.
Regulations require manufacturers to design microwaves that do not cause high-level radiation leaks, but many people are still unsure about them. By looking at the evidence, we can see that most injuries related to microwave ovens are actually heat-related burns from touching hot containers, food, or liquids, and not from radiation at all. The truth is that using a microwave is both a safe and highly convenient cooking method, all you need to know is how to use and maintain your microwave properly to avoid damage and physical hazards. Read on to learn more!
Start with the manufacturer’s user manual
If you want to prolong the life of your microwave oven, you need to know how to operate it safely, and this means you need to use it according to how the manufacturer intended it to be used. We recommend reading and following the instructions from the user manual that comes with your microwave oven.
Check for damage
It’s never a bad idea to double-check your microwave ovens’ accessories and parts once you buy one from a home appliance store. If door hinges or seals are damaged, radiation leakage may be a cause for concern. Always make sure your microwave oven doors close properly when running! We don’t recommend that you use microwave ovens with doors that don’t close firmly, or microwaves that seem to operate while the door is still open.
Stick to microwave-safe containers
Microwave ovens often require special cookware, as some plastics will melt, and metal will spark. It’s best to use appropriate containers such as ceramic dishes and glassware. If you plan to heat up your take-out food, check that containers are labelled with a ‘microwave safe’ tag; some plastic contains will also have this. Again, steer completely clear of metal containers and aluminum foil as they can potentially damage your microwave oven.
Never heat boiling liquid
Placing an already hot liquid in a microwave may cause its temperature to rise too quickly and explode. When this happens, your beverage or food may become too dangerous to touch, so make sure to protect your hands when removing cups or bowls with liquid in them to avoid scalding injuries.
Don’t run it on its own
Never run your microwave ovens not unless there’s food or liquid inside them. If you run your microwave empty, you may damage the magnetron and ignite a fire.
Wipe it clean after every use
Wiping the inside and outside of your microwave after use with a damp cloth is considered best practice. Food may have spilled or splattered while you were heating it up, and left as is, they may burn onto the interior next time you use the device. It’s always good to clean up after use to avoid bad smells from clinging to your appliance, prevent corrosion from developing, and prevent bacteria from building up.
Practise safe microwave use with Midea!
Maximise safety by investing in high-quality, easy-to-maintain appliances. At Midea, we carry premium kitchen appliances including microwaves, hobs, rangehoods, and ovens in NZ. We stock table-top and built-in microwave ovens that make for an easy and enjoyable cooking experience that keep hazards to a minimum. Browse our full range of microwave ovens and other home appliances online.
