How to Clean Your Microwave and Make It Last
8 expert tips to help extend the life of your over-the-range appliance
Over-the-range microwaves are built into the cabinetry and bolted to a wall, so replacing one that conks out is no simple chore.
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. That means wiping down the interior when someone heats up a bowl of pasta without covering it, and regularly cleaning the grease filters that catch the cooking fumes from the rangetop below, especially if you often fry food.
The OTR models in our microwave ratings range from under $100 to well over $1,000. Getting one repaired can cost at least a few hundred dollars. To avoid the hassle and expense, here are some simple things you can do on a daily or weekly basis to make your microwave last. (Word to the wise: Most of these tips also work for countertop models, but they’re easier to replace.)
1. Be quick with the cleanup. Sponge up spills as soon as they occur. Bits of food left behind can absorb some of the microwave’s energy when you turn it on again, creating a hot spot that can damage the interior. Take special care not to scratch the protective mesh inside the door if it’s exposed, because it prevents microwaves from escaping and zapping you.
To remove cooking stains, wipe the walls and bottom of the oven with a hot, damp cloth. Wash removable parts, such as the turntable, in hot water and dishwashing liquid.
To mask odors, place a bowl of water containing a quarter-cup of lemon juice in the oven and run it on high for 1 minute. Remove the bowl and wipe the oven cavity, using the condensation that will have formed to clean it. Wipe stains using plain water. Repeat if necessary. Scrape off stubborn stains with a plastic credit card.
Which brand tops our reliability chart? Check out the winners and losers in CR’s latest Appliance Brand Reliability Rankings.
2. Turn on the exhaust fan. An OTR’s exhaust fan isn’t as efficient as a range hood’s, but you should use it anyway. “Many times the user will not turn on the exhaust when cooking on the range cooktop, causing the moisture rising from pots and pans to collect on the electronics of the microwave and shorten its life span,” says Wayne Archer, a technical expert at Sears Home Services. If moisture collects, wipe it off with a paper towel or soft cloth.
6. Avoid most metals. Metal reflects microwaves, whereas glass, paper, plastics, and most ceramics allow them to pass through to the food. Putting metal utensils or dishes with metal trim or silver or gold plating in a microwave can cause arcing—actual sparks flying. If the metals are touching the sides of the interior, the arcing can burn a hole in the cavity wall, damage that’s not repairable. So keep at least an inch of clearance on all sides of your food. Some manufacturers say you can use a small amount of aluminum foil in a microwave, but only if it’s folded tightly around the food. If you want to try that, check the microwave manual first. Protruding pieces of foil or the metal from twist ties can act as an antenna and cause arcing that damages a microwave.
7. Use preprogrammed cooking times. To prevent food from overcooking and spattering the inside of the oven, use the presets. And be mindful of cooking times. “Too often we hear of a microwave meeting its maker because an incorrect cook time was input into the control system and the unit fried itself,” Zeisler says. “If you inadvertently set it at 50:00 instead of 5:00, you can damage the microwave.”
8. Don’t attempt to repair the electronics yourself. Not that you necessarily would, but in case you’re tempted, consider that the Consumer Product Safety Commission has reported that people have been electrocuted trying to repair their microwaves. A microwave can hold an electrical charge at thousands of volts in its capacitors for hours or even days after it has been unplugged, according to RepairClinic.com. “The capacitor is a component that stores energy and releases it when needed,” Zeisler says. “This energy can be released when touched by a person.” RepairClinic.com advises leaving such repairs to a pro. But get an estimate first. It’s an expensive repair, and it may cost less to replace the appliance.
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