To clean, fill a microwave-safe bowl with 1 cup of water and combine with 1 tablespoon of vinegar, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or several tablespoons of baking soda. Microwave for 2 to 5 minutes and allow the dish to cool before removing. Wipe down the microwave with a damp cloth. Looking to invest in a new microwave?
Here's how to do it: Fill a microwave-safe bowl with water. Add a splash of vinegar and the juice of one lemon. Place the bowl in your microwave and set it high for 5 minutes. Carefully remove the bowl (it will be hot!) and wipe down the inside of your microwave.
Reset the microwave: Sometimes, a simple reset can resolve minor issues. Unplug the microwave from the power outlet, wait for a few minutes, and then plug it back in. This action may reset the internal electronics and fix any temporary glitches.
Smoke, sparks, and burning odor are the primary signs that signal the last days of a microwave. Other problems like unexplained loud noise, prolonged or faster cooking, loose door hinge, and malfunctioning keypad are signs to invest in a new microwave.
The average microwave oven lasts about seven years with normal use, yet even less with heavy use and poor maintenance.
Plate Not Turning
Probably the most common issue of any microwave is when the plate doesn't turn. The turning plate helps cook and reheat your food evenly, so it's a major headache when it's not working. Usually, the problem could be from something obstructing the spinning assembly.
Additionally, your microwave's charcoal filter will need to be replaced. Unlike the grease filter, the charcoal filter cannot be cleaned and should instead be replaced every 6 months. The charcoal filter helps minimize odors being released into your home as you cook.
It may be a damaged power cord, a bad fuse, or a malfunctioning circuit board – all of which are issues with the microwave itself. This microwave failure may also be from a natural cause. Have there been any power surges or storms near you? That can cook the wiring in your appliance.
You can test if your microwave is heating properly by heating a cup of water in a microwave-safe dish for about 30 seconds. Carefully test the water to see if it has heated. If it isn't hot, repeat the process. If it still isn't hot after a few attempts, it is not heating properly.
Ways to make your microwave work for you:
Manning recommends microwave-safe glassware and ceramic materials because they have a higher thermodynamic conductivity. These materials heat up more quickly and hold more heat—this both heats the food faster and helps it stay hot longer.
Misset functions or broken parts are often to blame when your microwave is not heating up. Settings like Control Lock Mode, Demo Mode or power levels set too low may be preventing food from cooking, or more complex causes like a broken magnetron, door switch or high voltage diode could be the source of the problem.
Using Clorox wipes to clean a microwave may seem like a good idea, but it's not recommended. These wipes contain chemicals designed to kill germs on surfaces such as countertops and sinks, but they can leave behind harmful residue and potentially damage the interior of the microwave.
Pantry staples like lemon juice, vinegar, vanilla extract and coffee grounds can be used to help deodorize the inside of your microwave. Wipe away any spills and splatters as soon as they appear to prevent them from becoming burnt on. Always use microwave-safe dishware when cooking inside your microwave.
According to Consumer Reports, these magical appliances typically last around nine years. That number can vary, depending on how often you use it and the brand. Though microwaves can be repaired, it's often more cost effective just to get a new one and send your old one to be recycled.
Don't Toss Out Your Broken Microwave
Because of their electrical components, microwave ovens are considered e-waste in some places, and improper disposal will get you some serious fines and/or into a bit of legal trouble.
To clean, fill a microwave-safe bowl with 1 cup of water and combine with 1 tablespoon of vinegar, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or several tablespoons of baking soda. Microwave for 2 to 5 minutes and allow the dish to cool before removing. Wipe down the microwave with a damp cloth. Looking to invest in a new microwave?
To avoid replacing yours more than about once every 10 years—which is how long most manufacturers tell us they should last—you'll want to take care of it. Your microwave may not get as grimy as your oven, but even so, one of the best ways to keep it humming along is to keep it clean.
One of the most common issues with a malfunctioning Magnetron is the lack of heating. If your microwave is running but not producing heat, it could be due to a faulty Magnetron, burned-out filament, or a malfunctioning high-voltage diode.
As the best microwave overall, we chose the Panasonic Microwave Oven; it combines a 1,200-watt motor with a compact exterior. If you're looking to save money and space, the Commercial Chef Countertop Microwave is the best budget microwave: simple but effective, much like microwave cooking itself.