Whether you own one or you have a group of people who typically eat meals at the same time, having a microwave is an essential part of everyone’s daily routine. You can hardly imagine your home without one.
With so many uses, it is no wonder why the demand for these appliances has only increased in recent years.
In addition to their convenience, microwaves are also useful in reducing cooking time by as much as 50%. They tend to heat food uniformly, which makes them perfect for reheating leftovers and preparing frozen foods quickly.
Given that they can reach high temperatures fast and safely (a lot faster than other types of cookware), it is not surprising that they have become such an essential household appliance. But how to take care of it, so it will last longer?
1. Cleanliness is Key
Any appliance repair near me service like https://fixappliances.ca/mississauga-appliance-repair/ will tell you that it is crucial to clean your microwave oven as soon as you finish using it. The oil residues left in the cavity will accumulate with time, and even a small chunk of food can start a fire if it overheats.
You will thus want to clean the microwave oven properly with a cleaning agent. But make sure that you clean the inside and the exterior surfaces. If you see any food particles on the exterior, wipe them to avoid attracting other food particles.
Furthermore, avoid putting very oily substances such as peanut butter in the microwave. It can cause a build-up of oil residues and start a fire.
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2. Choose The Right Cleaning Tools
Use a sponge and microfiber cloth to clean the machine chamber. Hard brushes and abrasive materials are used only with stainless steel surfaces, and ceramic and enameled surfaces can be damaged in this way.
Use only special products for microwave ovens or very mild, non-poisonous dishwashing liquids and soap solutions. Strong chemicals can settle in the chamber and get into food when cooking in convection mode. After washing, wipe the inside and outside of the microwave dry.
If cleaning does not help to get rid of the smell in the oven chamber, boil a cup of water in it with a couple of slices of fresh lemon. Evaporating the lemon juice will remove the odor and make it easier to remove grease stains.
3. Make Sure Your Microwave is Set Up Properly
There is a lot of debate about whether microwaves are safe for use or not. The truth is that many people are unsure about how to use these appliances safely. Some microwaves come with a built-in thermometer that can tell you the temperature of a particular food item so you know when it is ready.
However, most ovens nowadays are not equipped with a thermometer. The best way to use your microwave is to research online and find out the right settings for your model.
4. Know What’s Safe to Put in The Microwave
While microwaves are generally safe for use, it is best to avoid putting very acidic substances in them. For example, do not put vinegar, lemon juice, oranges, or tomatoes in the microwave.
Although they are safe to eat raw, they will end up smelling very sour when cooked up in the microwave. The same applies to very acidic substances like coffee and colas. Similarly, it is not advisable to put fatty substances like butter, oil, or fats in the microwave.
While it is safe to heat up these substances, you should take care not to put them directly in the oven cavity.
5. Avoid Overload and Burns
The last thing that you want to happen when you use your microwave is to cause an overload or burn yourself or someone else. This can happen if you put too much or too hot food in the microwave.
Overloading the microwave oven can cause it to spill, explode, or overheat. Furthermore, food that is too hot when you put it in the microwave can cause a burn. Make sure that the food is not too hot or too cold before you microwave it.
Research online to find out the right settings for your microwave so that it is not overloaded, not too cold, and not too hot when it is in use.
But if a fire or other breakdown occurs, be sure to immediately contact appliance repair in Mississauga found at https://fixappliances.ca/mississauga-appliance-repair/.
Final Say
Anyone who’s ever owned a microwave knows how helpful they can be. Even though most people know the importance of keeping their appliances clean, many aren’t aware of the specific ways they can do it.
Keeping an appliance clean is not as tricky as one may think, especially if you follow the above 5 simple tips on how to care for your microwave oven.
