Maintaining a Microwave

Published on Monday, September 19, 2011

Written by The Editors

Microwaves are simple units that require minimal maintenance. Still, there are steps operators can follow to prolong the service life of these units.

Proper cleaning and maintenance are keys to safe and sanitary microwave use.

Routine maintenance for these units is simple, but necessary.

• Regularly inspect and clean air intake filters to keep components cool and help evacuate odors.
• Clean the oven interior with soap and water. Some units come with a clean filter reminder option.
• Spills should be wiped up as they occur. Covering food that splatters during cooking will help keep oven cavities clean. Some units offer sealed ceramic bottoms that help prevent spills from leaking underneath the oven.

Rather than spraying cleaners directly onto components, which can compromise the oven's electronic system, apply the solution to rags or towels and then wipe the oven clean.

Once a month, check microwave performance by heating a cup of water up to a boil in a defined amount of time. For example, in a 1000-watt unit, boiling time is two minutes and 55 seconds. For a 2000-watt unit, this time is reduced to one minute 30 seconds. This field experiment ensures the oven and its heating elements are operating properly.

Here are a few additional maintenance tips offered by CFESA.