9 safety tips for using a microwave

Oh, the convenience of microwave ovens! No matter which model you have, they provide a quick and simple way to cook and reheat foods. But if you’re not careful or use them incorrectly, microwaves can potentially pose safety risks.

If you need a replacement part for your countertop or built-in microwave, you can use your model number to find what you need at AppliancePartsPros.com. We also have thousands of free DIY troubleshooting and repair guides to help you fix your appliance yourself.

Let’s uncover some safety tips for using your microwave.

1. Read the owner’s manual

As tempted as you may be to skip this step, you should always take the time to familiarize yourself with your microwave’s manual/instructions. This is especially important when you get a brand-new appliance.

Make sure to thoroughly read the instructions, since they contain some important guidelines for your specific model. Follow all the recommended safety precautions in the manual to keep yourself safe and give your microwave the best chance at a long life in your kitchen.

Key things to note from the manual

• Amount of clearance space needed around the microwave
• Required power levels
• Information about cooking times
• Part replacement instructions/recommendations

Keep the manual in a safe, easily accessible place so you can refer back to it as needed while performing maintenance or repairs.

Read more: How to Install and Replace a Microwave

2. Keep it clean

Clean the interior and exterior of the microwave at least once every month. If you use it more often, clean it at least once a week, and always clean up big spills and splatters as soon as they happen.

Wipe down the surfaces with a soft cloth and mild cleaner such as a water-baking soda paste or vinegar. Pay close attention to the microwave oven door, hinges, door sealing surfaces and turntable to remove any food residue buildup.

Never use harsh chemical cleaners or abrasive scouring pads to clean your microwave. These can damage its surfaces.

Read more: How to Clean a Microwave

3. Regularly check for damage

It’s a good habit to check your microwave for any signs of damage before each use. This can keep you safe and extend the appliance’s lifespan.

When checking your microwave, look for:

• Cracks or dents on the outer casing: Visible cracks or dents can weaken the structure of the microwave.
• Problems with the door, hinges, latch, or sealing surfaces: Make sure the oven door opens and closes properly, without any resistance or misalignment. The hinges and latch mechanism should also be in good working condition. You should also inspect the sealing surfaces around the door for any signs of wear or damage. A faulty door or compromised seals can result in harmful radiation leaks, which could pose a significant risk to your health and safety.
• Damage to the electrical cord or plug: Check the power cord and plug for any fraying, cuts, or other damage. A damaged cord is a serious electrical hazard and should be replaced immediately.

4. Use microwave-safe containers

Always use containers specifically designed for reheating and cooking foods in the microwave.

A good rule of thumb is to only use glass, ceramic or plastic containers that contain a “microwave-safe” label. Products with this designation are microwave-safe cookware designed to withstand the cooking process.

Never use dishes with metallic paint or metal components! Aluminum foil and metal pots and pans should not be used in the microwave since they can cause damage and may lead to electrical arcing or fire.

5. Be mindful of pressure

Never try to microwave sealed food containers, plastic pouches, sealed jars, or whole eggs with intact shells. The pressure and steam buildup within these items can cause them to explode.

Follow these steps for safe heating:

• Always remove any external packaging or wrappers from food items before heating them in the microwave.
• Take off the lids of jars or other containers to allow steam to escape.
• Transfer food into a microwave-safe dish or container before heating.
• For certain foods like hot dogs, potatoes, and egg yolks, it’s advisable to pierce their membranes before cooking to prevent steam from building up.
• Stir food periodically to avoid bubbling over and splatters.

6. Don’t run it empty

Never turn on the microwave without any food items inside. The microwave energy needs to be absorbed, and without any food substance to take it in, the waves can reflect back and potentially damage the microwave or burn out the magnetron, which is the component that generates the microwaves.

If you’re reheating small amounts of food for a short time, it’s a good idea to place a small glass of water alongside the food inside the microwave to help absorb excess energy and prevent the food from overheating or drying out.

7. Stay near the microwave when cooking

Always stick around the microwave while it’s operating, especially when reheating foods that are prone to splattering, such as sauces or fats. Monitoring the cooking process will allow you to take quick action if any issues come up.

Remember: If you see any sparks or smoke inside the microwave, turn it off immediately and don’t use it until the issue is resolved.

8. Carefully remove foods after cooking

It might sound obvious, but microwaves are very powerful and cooking food in them can generate a lot of heat that can cause burns or other hazards in your kitchen.

When your food is done cooking in the microwave, always let it stand for at least 1 minute to prevent any splatters when outside air rushes in after opening the oven door. Step back a bit when opening the door to avoid being hit by the steam, and open the door slowly.

Always use oven mitts or potholders when removing dishes from the microwave to protect your hands from burns. Even if the containers only feel slightly warm, the microwaved food inside can be extremely hot.

It’s also a good idea to rest hot dishes on a potholder or covered surface on top of the countertop to prevent burn marks, scratches or worse from sudden temperature changes. Allow the food to rest for a few minutes before handling it to prevent burns.

You may want to stir the food after it’s removed from the microwave to make sure it’s fully cooked.

9. Cover foods

To make sure your food heats evenly and stays moist, cover it with microwave-safe lids or vented microwave-safe plastic wrap.

If you decide to use vented plastic wrap, make sure it doesn’t touch the food because it might melt onto it. Don’t forget to leave a little opening to let the steam escape.

More information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helps enhance your microwave experience while minimizing safety risks.

If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, you can find other resources and our DIY blog at AppliancePartsPros.com. There, you can enter your model number to order the exact parts you need. Most orders arrive in 2-3 business days.

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