A stitch in Time ...... Review on Maintaining a Microwave Oven

Anyone who has read my review, '' I bought a lemon'' would be forgiven for demanding, ''Who gives this guy the right to write on this subject''. You may understand from the afore-mentioned review that all my attempts at maintaining my microwave oven have ended in abject failure.

On my part, I aver that my experience has made me well qualified to write a few words on this subject. I will also add here some safety information.

1. Reduce splatter inside the oven by covering the dish in which the food is. This takes care of much of the cleaning hassle.

   
   




2. Cleaning. Ensure that you clean the inside with a soft, damp cloth as soon as you finish using it. Make sure that all the splatter is removed. If required, use a little mild detergent. It goes without saying that it is easiest to clean when the spill is fresh.

   
   




3. Remove the turntable and wash it with detergent and a soft scrub. Ensure you replace the turntable correctly.

   
   




4. Never use strong chemicals in cleaning the inside of your oven.

   
   




5. After cooking food with strong odour, you may boil a bowl of water with juice of 1 lemon to deodorize the oven.

   
   




6. It is very important that the door shuts correctly and uniformly to prevent leakage of microwave energy outside the oven. Check this out from time to time. Also pay particular attention to this when cleaning. The part of the door and oven, which come in contact when closed, should be thoroughly clean.

   
   




7. Ovens have a little exhaust fan, which cools the magnetron inside. This fan throws out warm air through a meshed grill. If this mesh is clogged the magnetron will overheat and fail. Make sure that this mesh is clear.

   
   




8. For the same reason as explained above, make sure that there is enough space on the side of the oven where this hot air is expelled.

   
   




9. Do not spend more time than necessary, close to the oven. Despite all claims by manufacturers, some microwave energy will leak. We don’t want to absorb more of it than absolutely unavoidable do we?

   
   




10. Check the power chord at regular intervals. Also ensure that the earth connection is proper.

    
    

All said and done, the microwave oven is a great boon for the modern kitchen. Use it well and it can be a great friend.