Most microwave meals come pre-cooked and then flash frozen to preserve freshness. Rice, grains, and sometimes veggies, are often left partially underdone so that they can finish the remainder of the way in the microwave. This is to ensure they don’t get overcooked and mushy.

As far as meat products go, they’re often pre-cooked to a safe temperature for consumption before being frozen. Always read the labels on the box carefully to ensure that you’re cooking the meal according to the instructions, which often includes letting the meal stand after cooking.

Are Most Microwave Meals Healthy?

Depending on what they’re being compared to, some microwave meals can be healthier than the alternative. If you’re choosing between a fast food burger and a microwave dinner that has some vegetables and a decent amount of protein, it’ll likely be the healthier option.

However, frozen meals are often high in salt. If you’re someone who needs to be careful about their daily salt intake, then it’s important to read the labels before making a purchase. The extra salt can be a sneaky addition and it adds up.

Sodium is often added to frozen meals as it can act as a preservative. This helps the food to last longer and “taste better.” When cooking homemade dinners, you have complete control over how much salt you’re adding and you don’t need to rely on preservatives.

Some brands of microwave meals can also be very high in saturated fat. Of course, there are healthier choices and it all comes down to reading the ingredient list and determining which choice is the best for your dieting and caloric goals.

Finding a microwave meal that is low in sodium and saturated fat, high in vitamins and minerals, with a decent amount of protein per serving can be difficult but not impossible. These choices make for a convenient meal on those nights that you just don’t feel like cooking.

What are the Healthiest Frozen Dinners?

The healthiest frozen dinners will have a balanced assortment of vegetables, grains, and protein. A frozen pizza is going to be less nutritious most of the time than say, an organic frozen chicken dinner option with steamed broccoli and whole-grain quinoa on the side.

With so many options available today, consumers can often find something that suits their tastebuds while keeping their health at the front of their minds. You don’t have to go for the huge serving of lasagna when there’s an equally delicious and more balanced meal next to it.

Sometimes, frozen dinners are a quick option for a weeknight dinner when you don’t have the time or energy to cook and clean up after a meal. This doesn’t mean that they have to be as unhealthy as fast food, though.

The healthier alternatives will have a lower sodium percentage. If you eat frozen meals consistently and you’re choosing the ones that are packed with salt — you could potentially end up gaining weight and increasing your risk of cardiovascular disease.

If you’re watching your diet or simply want to put healthy ingredients into your body, there are certain brands that are known for providing whole foods without adding a bunch of extra ingredients that many people can’t even pronounce.

Prioritize purchasing frozen meals that are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. All microwaveable meals will be processed but that doesn’t mean they have to be loaded with a long list of unnecessary additives.

Why Are Some Ready Meals Microwave Only?

Microwaves provide the quickest option for heating food and when you’re scrambling for dinner, you often want quick and easy. If your ready meal instructs you to cook it in the microwave oven, that’s going to be your best bet as this will result in the best outcome.

When a meal is labeled as “microwave only”, then it’s been packaged in such a way that allows it to cook efficiently in the microwave. Putting such a meal into the oven or onto the stove, for example, could lead to a less-than-ideal texture.

In the same way, putting a meal that’s intended to be cooked in the oven into the microwave can result in poorly cooked and sometimes underdone ingredients. They may not be safe for consumption, especially if there is raw meat present.

Oven meals are often only 20% of the way cooked, meaning they need the extra time in the slow cooking environment to become fully safe to eat. Attempting to zap these meals in the microwave may lead to underdone sections, which can be dangerous to eat.

If you don’t have access to a microwave, it’s not always recommended to try and cook microwave-only meals using a different method. In this case, you may want to look at meals that only require boiling water to be added, which you can make with a tea kettle.

How Are Microwave Meals Preserved?

Oftentimes, manufacturers rely on loading up microwave meals with sodium. This acts as a natural preservative but has the negative effect of sometimes adding half of a day’s allotment of sodium to your system at one time.

Other chemical preservatives are also added to many meals on the market today. When shopping at your local grocery store, be sure to read the fine print on such meals to gain a better understanding of what goes into them.

Microwave meals are often sealed so that there’s no air getting to the packaged food. You find this with shelf-stable meals, as well as frozen varieties. As long as the seal stays unbroken, it can last for months, if not years.

A key thing to look for when choosing your next microwave meal is the common additive of butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA). Studies have shown that this may be a carcinogen and it’s added to act as a preservative in some frozen meals.

If you enjoy the convince of microwave meals but don’t want to add any negative outcomes to your health, you can always cook your own meals in larger batches and then freeze them in individual portions.

This allows you the same convenience of just popping one into the microwave and enjoying a quick, no-mess dinner.

Can You Get Food Poisoning From Microwave Meals?

If you failed to heat your microwave meal to a safe temperature, there is a possibility of suffering from food poisoning. When you follow the instructions printed on the label, this rarely occurs as they’re tested to ensure that the instructed cooking time will lead to fully cooked food.

There can be a misconception among consumers that microwave meals are completely ready to eat. However, they must be heated properly first to ensure there’s a decreased risk of consuming anything raw or undercooked.

Another important component to keep in mind is that you should always let your microwave meal sit if that’s what the instructions say to do. If you skip this step, you may be at a higher risk of contracting salmonella from your frozen microwave meal.

The standing portion of time for a microwave meal allows it to cook further. You should always include this time in with the “cooking time” and only dig into your meal after the recommended time.

All in all, it’s rare to get food poisoning from frozen meals if you follow the instructions. Within 5-6 minutes, you should have a fully-cooked hot meal to enjoy.

Remember, always read the labels and ingredients to ensure you’re putting healthy, digestible food into your body.

Microwave doors can become stuck open or closed due to the door getting dirty or from parts breaking. Most of these repairs can be done at home with replacement parts or a good cleaning. But if the issues persist, you might need to call an expert. 

We will walk you through the top four ways to repair your microwave so you can get back to your fast-paced life. We will also answer some of your questions and help you decide whether to repair your machine or move on to a new one. Keep reading to learn more! 

What to Do If Your Microwave Door Won’t Open

Microwaves use several various methods to hold the door shut while it operates. These include door hinges, latches, seals, and other sealing mechanisms. 

Like other types of doors, a microwave door can become jammed due to pollution or broken parts. Or they can become locked due to a system malfunction.  

Fortunately, most of these jams or malfunctions are fairly easy to fix and require a little cleaning or repair job. But, some damages must be replaced or fixed by an expert if they remain jammed or broken. 

1. A Dirty Door Jam

The most common cause of a jammed microwave door is debris building up in the door jams. This usually occurs where the door of the microwave connects to the microwave itself. 

The slots along the side of the microwave allows the door hinges to connect and lock when the microwave is in use. Over time and with continued use these hinges can become dirty, jammed, and break down. When this happens, your microwave can get stuck closed and lock shut. 

The best way to fix this is to give the door and door jams a good scrubbing. You can use hot water, soap, and a sponge to clean this area, unless it is particularly dirty.

If there is a lot of grease and debris you may want to use a degreaser, oven cleaner, or other harsh chemicals. Always wear gloves to ensure you don’t harm your skin! 

2. Check the Open Button

Some microwaves use a door handle to open, while others have a push button which unlocks the door. However, this fix focuses on the push button since it can become jammed, dirty, or break from use. 

If you try to press the open button and it stays pressed down, it’s a good indication that it is dirty and gets jammed as a result. Although this can be more difficult to clean than the door jams, it isn’t impossible. 

Some microwaves will allow you to remove the open button by grabbing it from the sides. Although if this is not possible, then you should use a knife and some degreaser cleaner. 

First, spray a lot of cleaners all over the designated area. Allow it to sit for 3-5 minutes. Then, take a rag and butter knife and try cleaning the small crevices around the button. This is where most grease and debris get lodged and can cause the door to get stuck on lock. 

3. Broken Door Spring

The door springs are usually located in the open button and sometimes inside of the door latches. These springs release when pressed and can become jammed with grease, or break from wear. 

If you tried cleaning the open button, but still do not notice any improvements, then you should replace the door spring. You can check the door spring by opening the door and running your fingers over the door latches. 

If they spring upwards and fall back into place automatically, then your door spring is okay. But, if you notice resistance or your door springs getting stuck, you will need to replace them or fix them. 

If you would like to watch a short tutorial, check out this YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqeeGBhRwFw

The creator walks you through a quick fix for a malfunctioning door spring. 

4. Replace Your Microwave Door 

Sometimes there is no fixing the door spring and you might need to replace the whole door. This is especially true if your door will not stay shut or opens when in use. 

This can be dangerous so make sure you either buy a replacement or hire an expert right away. Some microwave brands are more prone to fracturing or breaking altogether, and you should get these replaced through the warranty. 

Microwave warranties are somewhat confusing and may not cover the entirety of the door, depending on the issue.

You can purchase specialized appliance warranty insurance, but these might not cover everything. Check the fine print and analyze the offer before purchasing your microwave and any additional insurance. 

How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Microwave Door Latch?

Microwave door latches can cost up to $150 to replace with a professional. However, if you want to do the repair work yourself, you can save some money. Microwave door latch replacements can be purchased online for below $20.00 on average. 

The price to replace your microwave latch varies per brand. However, most common brands such as Frigidaire and Samsung cost a mere $15.00-$25.00 online at Amazon, Home Depot, and Walmart. 

To repair your own microwave door latch, you should: 

• Buy the replacement part 
• Unplug your microwave
• Remove the internal cover of the door latch 
• Remove the broken door latch
• Replace with the new latch 
• Reinstall the plastic or rubber cover 
• Check to make sure it holds shut when closed

If you would like to see a tutorial on how to do this yourself, check out this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zaFP8JrgUlc

The creator shows you how to remove the plastic cover and safely remove the latch. Always unplug your microwave when working on it to avoid the chance of shock. 

However, if you choose to hire a repairmen you can expect to pay much more. Microwave and appliance repairmen cost between $50-$100 per hour.

While replacing a microwave latch should only take thirty minutes or so for an expert, this adds up quickly. Although, if you do not feel comfortable repairing this by yourself, there is no shame in hiring an expert. 

Is It Worth Fixing a Microwave Oven?

It may be worth repairing your microwave if the cost and effort is less than buying a new microwave. Microwaves can cost anywhere between $120.00-$450.00, depending on the brand and capabilities. However, repairs can cost close to the same when you hire an expert. 

Some microwave oven repairs are cheap and simple. Replacing the internal light, the spinning plate, or other small parts are simple and require virtually no expertise. However, some repairs can cost nearly the same amount as a new microwave. 

The average cost for repair is between $50.00-$450.00. Therefore, if the cost is less than the cost of a new microwave, then hiring an expert is not a bad idea. The repair can also be worthwhile if you believe you can get a few more years out of your machine. 

However, if you’re planning on doing the repairs yourself, then you can save a significant amount of money. This is definitely the best route to take if you want to save money.

But, if the repair requires a lot of specialized tools, parts, and time, then the repair might not be worth it. 

It all comes down to balance. If the repairs are not too inconvenient and you will save money in the end, then they are worth it. But if you’re spending the same for a repair as a new microwave, you are better off getting a new one. This will also guarantee a longer life span for your machine for the same cost!

Butter sparks when placed in a microwave on high due to a process known as “arcing”. These sparks are caused by the magnetically charged electrical currents interacting with the butter’s internal compounds. These include magnesium, iron, and selenium. 

Why does butter spark, and what can you do to prevent it? Is there a way to prevent the butter from popping and getting your microwave all dirty? We have all these answers and more!

Is It Bad When a Microwave Oven Sparks?

If your microwave sparks, it could indicate an issue with your microwave’s machinery. Sparking in the microwave could be caused by broken or loose parts inside the microwave. Or, it could indicate something you put in the microwave is reacting with the magnets. 

Sparks in the microwave are not always signs of something seriously wrong with your microwave. However, make sure you check these parts of your microwave to ensure sparks are not being caused by the machine malfunctioning: 

• Broken wave guard 
• Damaged rack 
• Diode burn out

The wave guard is there to protect the interior of the oven from the microwaves. If you notice this is damaged, rusty, or chipped, then you should get it replaced. It keeps all the moisture, food spatter, and other debris from getting inside the internal working of the machine. 

Some microwaves have a rack or support rack above the plate, which spins on the bottom. If the coating on the exterior of the rack begins to peel, it might cause sparks. When these sparks are visible near the rack, it indicates that the rack is causing the sparks. 

The diode in a microwave transfers AC (alternating current) and DC (direct currents) between one another. This creates heating in the microwave and cooks your food or warms your liquids. Damage to this can disrupt the flow of energy and create sparks in the microwave. 

If you suspect sparks in your microwave are caused by these factors, you should take immediate action. You can find replacement parts for many microwave brands on Amazon. Or, you can hire an expert to fix your machine. 

However, seeing sparks does not always signify something is wrong with your microwave. It could also indicate the food or dish in the microwave is reacting to the microwaves. If you notice these sparks, remove the food and dish immediately to prevent a fire from developing. 

Is It Bad to Microwave Butter?

It is not bad for your microwave to heat butter inside of it for a few seconds. However, it is not the best way to warm your butter, depending on how you plan to use it. If you heat butter in the microwave for longer than a few seconds, it could cause the butter to pop and splatter your microwave. 

Butter can be melted in the microwave, but this is not the best method. Because butter and other fatty foods have air pockets, they can pop under heated conditions. This is because the heat gets inside the fat structures of the food, expanding it and causing it to pop. 

This will not harm your microwave, but the grease can be hard to clean up. For the best results, you should wipe down your microwave right away and avoid melting fats in the future. Softening butter is alright in the microwave because it does not get as hot as when butter is melted. 

Last, butter can catch fire in a microwave if you are not careful. The best way to prevent this is to only heat it up at a low power setting and for a couple of seconds at a time. If you see sparks or see it turning to liquid and bubbling, remove it from the microwave immediately with gloves. 

How Do You Keep Butter From Popping In the Microwave?

The best way to prevent your butter from popping in the microwave is to turn down the microwave’s wattage.

If you have the option on your microwave, you can also directly select the melt butter option on the control panel. Alternatively, you can warm it up slowly in 10-second intervals. 

Melt Butter Setting 

One of the best ways to prevent butter from popping in the microwave is to use the melt butter option on the control panel. This option automatically sets the microwave specs optimal for butter melting. 

It lowers the energy of the microwave, so it does not get too hot too quickly This allows the fats a chance to expand slowly, so there are no sudden bursts from the heat. 

Lower Power Settings 

Even though we cautioned against melting butter in the microwave, there are ways to safely accomplish this. The best method is turning the microwave wattage down to 40 percent. We still do not recommend keeping your butter in the microwave for more than 30 seconds. 

Even on a low setting, butter can get very hot. The hotter oil and grease get, the more potential it has to catch fire. Thus, you should avoid warming butter up to the point it boils. If you see sparks, then you should stop the microwave immediately.

Melt in 10-minute increments 

Melting butter in short intervals is also a good option since it prevents the butter from getting too hot all at once. The best way to do this is to microwave butter for 10 seconds and then let it sit for 1 minute before microwaving again. 

You might need to do this 3-4 times before the butter is melted completely. Mix and/or chop the butter in between the heating process to speed up the process.

How Should You Heat Butter In the Microwave?

Butter should be covered while you warm it up in the microwave. Covering the butter will prevent the butter from melting and getting onto the microwave plate. Additionally, if your butter pops, the cover will keep it from splattering on your microwave. 

You can cover your butter with microwave-safe plastic wrap, a cloth, a lid of a container, or a pot holder. Always place the butter in a cup, bowl, or plate, so it does not leak onto the microwave as it melts. 

Plastic wrap is best when used to over butter in a cup since the plastic wrap probably will not touch the butter. Make sure you poke small holes in the plastic wrap so there is a place for the heat to escape. 

Heat up the butter for 10-20 seconds and stir before adding more heat. This will prevent the butter from popping, burning, or catching on fire. 

However, covering it is unnecessary if you only want to soften the butter in the microwave. This is a great way to soften butter to put on bread or other soft food that cold, hard butter can break. 

Can You Put Melted Butter Back In the Fridge?

You can put the melted butter back in the fridge. However, it will no longer be the shape of butter, and the fat and whey may separate significantly. This can impact the butter’s flavor and texture and makes it better suited for use on popcorn than on bread. 

When butter melts, the milk proteins break down and separate from the fat. This will create a somewhat unpleasant cooled-off substance that is somewhat foreign to what you typically expect from butter. 

Although you can re-melt the butter and mix the milk and fat together, it will not stay together when cooled off. It is perfectly safe to keep melted butter in the fridge and reuse it later, but it will not retain its original taste and texture. 

You should avoid using harsh, synthetic cleaners inside of your microwave oven. These include bleach, ammonia, and Clorox. Rather, use lemon juice, vinegar, and essential oils to cut through the grease and leave a fresh scent behind. 

Will hot water help cut through the grease in your microwave? What can you use to get burnt food out of there? And, what’s the best way to get your machine smelling fresh and pleasant again? We will help you navigate the best ways to clean your microwave oven and avoid damaging it.

You SHOULD Clean Your Oven With the Following:

Microwaves should be cleaned with softer chemicals or other natural household cleaners. Hot water, when used in tandem with other natural compounds, works effectively at removing grease. 

It is easier to clean a microwave oven if you remove the spinning plate and any other parts and clean them separately. You can take these parts and soak them in hot soapy water in the sink or wash basin. Never submerge your whole machine, though. This will break your machine. 

Certain parts of the machine clean better with different cleaners. While the interior cleans well with baking soda and vinegar, you can feel free to use harsher chemicals outside the machine. We will help break down each and every one of those recommendations. 

Vinegar and Baking Soda

White, red, and apple cider vinegar are the best natural cleaners for breaking down burnt-on grease. The acidity in the vinegar works to dissolve the grease and cut through it, making it easier to remove with a rag or sponge. 

To use in the microwave effectively, you should: 

• Fill a spray bottle with warm water
• Add 3-4 tbsp of vinegar 
• Sprinkle baking soda in the microwave
• Spray the vinegar-water blend over the interior of the machine 
• Let it sit for 10 minutes 
• Wipe down the inside with a damp rag

Hot Water and Soap

Boil a small pot of water, place it inside your microwave oven, and shut the door. Do NOT turn on your machine, however, since most pots are not microwave-safe. Just let the pot sit in the machine for 10-15 minutes. The steam will release and soften any hard, baked or burnt-on grease and food. 

After you let the steam do its work, take hot, soapy water and wipe down the inside of the machine. We recommend dish soap since it cuts through grease but is not too overpowering and harsh. 

Salt and Hot Water 

If you do not have dish soap or other soft soaps, you can replace it with salt. Simply follow the steps above using a hot pot of water to steam up and soften the baked-on food in your machine. 

To create a cleaner with salt, follow these simple steps: 

• Use hot water from the tap and fill a wash basin
• Add 3 tbsps of salt 
• Mix until the salt is dissolved 
• Add an extra tbsp of salt inside your machine 
• Wipe down the interior with a sponge or rag 

The extra salt will create extra abrasion while you clean. This will not scratch your machine but will help cut through grease. 

Lemon Verbena and Eucalyptus Oil 

Lemon verbena is a beautiful, flowering plant native to South America and North Africa. Eucalyptus is a native evergreen tree of Australia. Both come as essential oils and are excellent for cleaning, disinfecting, and purifying a space. 

To use in the microwave, follow these directions: 

• Add warm water to a spray bottle or wash basin 
• Add 1 tbsp of lemon verbena
• Add 1 tbsp of eucalyptus
• Soak the inside of the machine with the spray
• Let soak for 10-15 minutes 
• Wipe out with a rag

This method is best for consistent cleaning rather than heavy-duty cleaning. Both of these oils are natural disinfectants and also neutralize odors. Wipe out your machine weekly with this cleaner for the best results. 

Lemon/Lime Juice and Citrus Acid

Lemon and lime juice make the perfect cleaning agent for grease and bad smells. Both are natural disinfectants and have plenty of acids to cut through burnt on food and grease. They also neutralize bad odors and leave a fresh, clean scent behind. 

To create your own cleaner, follow the steps below: 

• Fill a spray bottle or wash basin with warm water 
• Add ¼ cup of lemon and/or lime juice 
• Spray undiluted lemon and/or lime juice inside the machine 
• Let sit for 10-15 minutes 
• Wipe out the machine with your diluted cleaner 

For added potency, you can add citric acid powder and/or pieces of the peel to your cleaner. The peel of the fruit has natural oils which help break down grease. Add sea salt for added abrasion for especially dirty microwaves. 

Best Sponges and Other Cleaning Devices for Your Microwave

Dish sponges, mild abrasion sponges, and coarse rags are the best options for cleaning your microwave oven. Rags and sponges should be new or thoroughly sanitized before using them to clean your microwave. 

To clean your sponge or rag properly, you can use the following methods: 

• Wash them in the washing machine with soap and hot water 
• Soak in bleach for 2 hours and rinse thoroughly
• Boil on the stove in a pot of water for 30 minutes 

Before using any sanitizing methods, ensure the sponge or rag is free of debris. Any food or dirty particles should be rinsed off before you start sanitizing to prevent cross-contamination. 

You SHOULDN’T Clean Your Oven With the Following:

The exterior of the microwave can be cleaned with harsher chemicals. But, it is not recommended. Never use harsh chemicals inside of your machine, though. 

Harsh chemicals will leave residues, and the scent will linger long after you use it. This can make your food taste bad or potentially contaminate your food. 

Bleach 

Bleach is a harsh and incredibly potent cleaning agent. Composed of several harsh chemicals, this substance cuts through and kills almost anything it comes into contact with. Bleach is a mixture of sodium hydroxide, calcium hypochlorite, hydrogen peroxide, and sodium hypochlorite. 

Some bleach also has chlorine, which makes it reactive to other household cleaners. Although great for bathrooms, hospitals, and other heavily contaminated surfaces, it should be used sparingly in the kitchen. Bleach leaves a residue that can contaminate your food and leave a harsh, pungent scent. 

Avoid using this in your microwave to prevent contamination and harsh scents. 

Clorox and Powdered Bleach Cleaners 

Clorox, Commit, and other powdered bleaches should not be used to clean a microwave. Not only do they have the harsh compounds found in bleach, but they have it in a higher concentration. 

Using Clorox, Commit, and other powdered bleach could corrode your microwave and damage it. If you are careful, you can potentially use it on the outside of your machine, but we do not recommend it. It is corrosive and could scratch the machine’s metal parts and cause them to rust. 

Clothing Cleaners (borax and other detergent soaps)

Borax, powdered fabric cleaners, and liquid cleaners come in a higher concentration than dish soaps. Although not nearly as corrosive as bleach, these cleaners can leave harmful residue in your machine. 

You might notice your food tastes soapy and unpleasant after cleaning your machine with these soaps. This can give you diarrhea and other digestive issues, so we recommend against using these in your microwave. 

Ammonia (such as Windex and other Ammonia-based glass cleaners)

Ammonia is a highly toxic cleaner that is effective at killing bacteria. However, it is unsafe when used in enclosed, unventilated areas or when mixed with chlorine bleach. Ammonia has a very potent scent that can damage respiratory systems and irritate the nose. 

Similar to bleach, it is really hard to get the residue of this cleaner out of your microwave. This could lead to cross-contamination and harmful fumes being released in the air. 

Oven Cleaner and Harsh Grease Cutters

Oven cleaners are designed for industrial-styled ovens. They contain very harsh and potentially harmful chemicals which should not be used in a microwave. 

Oven cleaners and degreasers can be harmful when consumed and leave a harsh scent behind. Only use these cleaners on their recommended surfaces and avoid contaminating your microwave oven with these cleaners. 

Worst Sponges and Cleaning Devices for Your Microwave 

You should never use very abrasive sponges and cleaning devices in your microwave. Brillo pads, metal scrunchie scrubbers, and other abrasive cleaning sponges can scratch your microwave’s protective coating. 

Only use semi-abrasive cleaning tools inside and outside of your machine. Rust can lead to your microwave’s internal mechanical workings getting wet or contaminated with food and breakdown.

However, you don’t have to microwave plastic containers to produce this smell in a microwave oven. Sometimes, there are other things that cause it.

Keeping a clean and odorless microwave oven is important because it handles the food we consume, but also because the odor can impact the taste of the food you heat in the smelly microwave.

To remove the burnt plastic smell from your microwave, begin by first opening it to allow air into the appliance. Next, place a bowl of odor-breaking substances, such as lemon juice and vinegar, in the microwave and heat the solution for 6 minutes then leave it in the microwave for 15 more minutes. The steam from the solution will remove the plastic odor.

Anytime you’re using a microwave that smells, and notice the source of the smell, make sure you remove it immediately. The longer you keep ignoring the smell, the harder it will be for you to deal with it.

How To Remove Burnt Plastic Smell From Your Microwave 

As much as burnt plastic smells are annoying, you can get rid of them with ease, provided you don’t wait for long before taking action. The best part about this problem is that it’s quite easy to restore, and it can be done by anyone.

Here’s how you can freshen up your smelly microwave:

1. Do a Brief and Quick Inside Clean

Clean up any crumps and particles you can spot on the inside of your microwave before nuking your solution, and it will prevent burning these particles further during the process. If there are splatters, wipe them away with a sponge. 

2. Prepare your Solution

Mix three tablespoons of white vinegar with water in a bowl that’s safe to use in a microwave to avoid having more burnt plastic smells. You can also add a spoon of vanilla extract to the solution if you like to beat the odor thoroughly. You can also use lemon juice.

3. Heat the solution

Put the mixture of vinegar, water, and vanilla, then heat it for around 6 minutes. You should see steam fill the microwave after the solution boils. 

4. Allow Some Time

After five minutes of heating your solution, allow it to remain in the microwave for 15 to 20 minutes to give time for the steam to penetrate every area and dissipate the smell.

5. Take Out Your Bowl

Remove your bowl carefully from the microwave.

6. Clean Your Microwave Once More

Place a clean cloth in the solution remaining in the bowl and wipe the interior of the microwave. Do the same to the door as well as the top part of the microwave. Clean the plate also with some water and soap. 

7. Use Baking Soda to Remove any Remaining Smell

In case your microwave still smells at this stage, place a cup of baking powder in a bowl, put it inside your microwave, close the door and let it stay there overnight or for a day. 

If you follow these steps, you’ll have a fresh microwave-ready to use. 

What Causes a Microwave To Smell Like Burnt Plastic? 

Microwaves are designed to heat your food fast and efficiently. In the process, the microwave can make the objects placed inside super hot within no time.

The longer you continue holding items in your microwave, the hotter they get, causing them to burn, and they end up producing burnt-plastic smells. 

Let’s see a few things that can make your microwave produce burnt plastic smells.

1. Plastic containers

Some plastic containers could be heat resistant, but others melt when exposed to high temperatures. Sometimes whether a plastic container melts or not depends on how long you hold it in the microwave. The moment a plastic begins melting, it will produce a smell that leaves your microwave stinking. 

2. Plastic Wrap

Some plastic wraps may be heat resistant, while others are not. That’s why when they are heated to a certain degree, they’ll start producing smells that are not good for your food. 

3. Food Spots

While heating your food, a portion of it may bubble out and spill on the inside of the microwave. If these spills aren’t cleaned immediately, they continue to harden every time they are heated.

With time these spots could start producing plastic-like smells whenever they heat up. Food spots should always be cleaned because they are likely to create fire hazards in worst-case scenarios.

4. Microwave Turntable

Microwaves have turntables to ensure even heating of food, and most of the turntables are made of glass. But, the piece that rotates and holds the turntable is usually made of plastic. If this plastic is heated for a long time and starts to melt, it may smell. 

5. Microwave Components

If you sense a strange smell of burnt plastic while your microwave is running, there’s a possibility that it’s caused by damaged wires or failing components within the microwave. Be careful if you think your microwave is starting to malfunction.

If you’ve cleaned your microwave and the smell reappears every time you run the appliance, then I’m sure there’s something wrong with the appliance and you should consider contacting a technician or replacing it.

How Do You Remove the Smell Of Burnt Plastic From a Microwave? 

There are several methods you can use to remove the smell of burnt plastic from your microwave. You can use any of these methods depending on the intensity of the smell. 

1. Use Water and Soap

After removing any debris lying inside your microwave, heat a cup of water in the appliance, and the steam will help clear the smell.

Soak a piece of cloth in a bowl of water mixed with soap and clean your oven. Finally, rinse and dry your microwave before leaving it open for around 3 hours to allow some air to flow in it. 

2. Steam Your Microwave Using Vinegar

Strong smells may fail to disappear from cleaning using water and soap. If the odor remains after using water and soap, it’s time to try vinegar. 

All you need to do is add a tablespoon of vinegar to a bowl, mix it with one cup of water, and heat it in your microwave.

Wipe the inside of your microwave using a sponge, and if the smell is still there, add four teaspoons of vanilla to your vinegar mixture. 

3. Deodorize Your Microwave

Does the smell persist? If it does, there’s another method you can apply. Place a deodorizer, for example, baking soda, inside your microwave and leave it in there for 24 hours.

When the deodorizer is in the microwave, it absorbs all the remaining odors.

Make sure not to use the microwave when the deodorizer is inside, as this may lead to food poisoning. If there’s still a smell by the time you remove the baking soda, the plastic is perhaps trapped in the charcoal filter of the microwave. 

Is It Safe to Use a Microwave When It Emits a Burnt Plastic Smell? 

Plastic smells coming from your microwave may result from the items you have placed in it, but this isn’t always the case. Sometimes, a smell of plastic could mean that your microwave is failing. 

So, to be safe, it’s better not to use a microwave that emits a burnt plastic smell. Instead, contact a technician to repair your microwave, and if it’s impossible, replace it with another one. 

How Do I Know If My Microwave Is Failing? 

There are a few signs you can look for whenever you suspect that your microwave is failing. If your microwave makes unusual noise and produces a smell this could indicate a faulty appliance, and it needs checking to avoid risks. 

When troubleshooting your microwave, disconnect it from the power supply to prevent electric shock that could lead to death. It’s also advisable that you contact a technician to perform these checks and repairs instead of doing them yourself. 

Another way you can know that your microwave is failing would be to check if it’s heating your food correctly.

If it doesn’t heat your food at all or heats it slowly, this could be a sign of defectiveness. Sometimes this could be caused by a low power level, so it’s always OK to confirm. 

If you see sparks inside your microwave when it’s in use, that’s also a sign that it has a problem. In case there’s smoke, and the food does not emit it, then the problem could be severe and needs instant attention. 

Whenever your microwave is faulty, always replace it or ask a technician to repair it. After examining the microwave, the technician will advise on the best solution. 

It often makes you wonder why there are sparks in your microwave.

Sparks inside of your microwave can have several different causes including metal inside of the unit, a dirty waveguide cover, foods with certain ingredients, and faulty parts. Placing metal inside the microwave is the most common reason for sparks, as the metal causes the electrons to move around rapidly, causing these charged-up particles to produce sparks.

Troubleshooting these common issues can typically provide you with the reason for the sparks and how you can fix and prevent them from happening again. The fix for each of these causes looks different, and we’ll show you what to do.

Read on to discover what can cause a microwave to spark, what you can do to prevent it, and if the sparks are dangerous to you or your microwave.

What Materials Cause Microwaves to Spark?

When it comes to items that can be put in a microwave, it is important to understand that not every material is microwave safe.

This is because some are made up of substances that when mixed with the electromagnetic waves that are emitted from a microwave can cause sparks to occur.

Here are a few materials that are known to cause sparks in a microwave:

• Metal Utensils: Leaving a metal utensil in your cup or on your plate when you microwave will cause sparks to fly. This is because the metal and electromagnetic waves interfere with each other, causing electricity to pulse between them.

• Dishes with Metal: Even the smallest amount of metal on dishes can cause sparks in the microwave. It is important to pay attention to what your dishes are made of and if they specifically say that they are microwave safe.

• Aluminum Foil: A common household item used to wrap leftovers in can be dangerous when put in the microwave. This is because the foil is made out of metal, even though it is paper-thin. It is essential to remove any aluminum foil from your leftovers before microwaving them.

• Steel Wool: This is a popular item that is used in and around the kitchen to tackle hard-to-clean items. While it may be fine to use steel wool if you are cleaning pans and other appliances, it should not be used to clean a microwave. This is because the steel wool can break off and get stuck in the small crevices of the unit and then cause sparks the next time you use it.

• Some Fruits and Vegetables: Some fruits and vegetables are rich in various minerals that can produce a spark in the microwave. This, of course, depends on how the produce was grown and the type of soil it was grown in. Additionally, fruits such as grapes can cause not only sparks but also a plasma ball due to the high water content.

Is It Safe to Use a Sparking Microwave?

Depending on the reason your microwave is sparking, it can pose a threat to either you or the unit itself. Because of this, it is not recommended that you use a microwave that has been sparking until you have determined the cause.

In most cases, sparking in the microwave is caused by something that can be fixed quickly such as a material that should not be in the unit.

This could be that you accidentally left a metal utensil in the microwave that caused a spark. In this situation, it is perfectly safe to continue using it once you have removed the utensil.

Perhaps your microwave is sparking because the dish you are using has a bit of metal in it that is causing the problem.

You could try removing the dish and putting something else in to see if that was the cause. If so, you should be safe to use your unit.

After checking your microwave, if anything obvious is not causing the sparking, then it is unsafe for you to use it. As a result, you should unplug your microwave until you determine the cause or have it inspected by a professional.

Why Does My Microwave Spark With No Metal Inside?

There are various reasons why your microwave may spark with no metal being left inside the unit. Some of these include damage to the parts of the microwave such as the waveguide cover or a faulty diode.

The panel of your microwave is called the waveguide. This part of the unit is where the electromagnetic waves come through to cook your food. The waveguide cover protects the electronics in the microwave from any food particles, steam, or other debris.

When the waveguide cover is broken for whatever reason, the electronics are no longer protected. This can cause the food particles, steam, and other debris to build up on the waveguide and eventually cause damage to the electronics resulting in sparks.

Additionally, if your microwave has a faulty diode, which is typically the worst-case scenario since it does not happen often, it can cause sparks in your unit.

Diodes are what create the waves that are used to cook your food. If they become damaged, you can see sparks followed by your unit shutting down entirely.

Lastly, a microwave can also spark if you have accidentally started the unit while it is empty. Since the unit runs off of electromagnetic energy, it is designed to come from the unit to the food to cause the cooking process.

When it is empty, the waves will bounce off of the unit itself and can cause sparking to occur.

Why Do Certain Foods Cause Sparks in the Microwave?

When it comes to a microwave that is sparking, some foods could cause this to happen. This could be caused due to either the food being more water-based or soils that contain certain minerals that could result in a reaction with the electromagnetic waves in the microwave.

As odd as it sounds that certain foods can cause sparks in a microwave, it is something that can happen, depending on the type of food it is. Keep in mind that the more water-base a food has, the more likely it is to cause sparking in the unit.

This is especially true when it comes to fruits and vegetables. This is because some fruits have a higher water content than others and can cause a reaction to the electromagnetic waves emitted during the cooking process.

In addition, some vegetables can spark when they are in the microwave mostly due to the soil that they are grown in. this is because certain minerals that are contained in the soil can cause the vegetables to later spark in the microwave.

What Can I Do to Prevent Sparks in the Microwave?

There are many things you can do to prevent sparks in your microwave oven that are pretty simple. Most of these are common sense things to be aware of such as not putting metal in the unit and making sure you are taking the time to clean your microwave regularly.

Sometimes it is easy to forget that utensil in the cup of tea as you place it in the microwave. This typically happens because you are so busy multitasking that you just make a mistake. Keep in mind, though, that sometimes these little mistakes can become costly mistakes if you are not careful.

Taking the time to ensure that the dish you are putting in the microwave is labeled “microwave-safe” can also prevent sparks from happening in your unit. This is something that is often taken for granted but can save you a headache in the long run.

Additionally, keeping your microwave cleaned thoroughly regularly can prevent food particles from making their way into parts of the unit that they should not be. This can keep your microwave working properly for a long period.

When you are cleaning your microwave, it is important that you also pay attention to what you are cleaning with. Metal-based cleaning supplies, such as steel wool, should never be used in a microwave oven since part of it could break off and be left behind.

Can Sparks Damage a Microwave?

Sparks in the microwave may not be an immediate threat to you personally, however, they can have lasting effects on the unit itself. This is because the sparks can damage the working parts of the microwave such as the waveguide cover and diodes.

When there are sparks in the microwave, they tend to bounce from the object that caused the sparks to the unit itself.

If this happens, the waveguide cover can be permanently damaged and cause further sparks, and eventually result in the microwave no longer working.

In addition, if the waveguide cover is damaged, this can lead to the sparks making their way through the waveguide and to the diodes. When this happens, the microwave can be damaged beyond repair.

However, if you’ve ever used your microwave to bring water to a boil for tea or coffee, I’m sure you’ve thought about boiling your eggs in the microwave, and if it works?

You can boil eggs in a microwave by placing a deep microwave-safe bowl with warm water or an EggPod in the microwave. Place the eggs in the bowl, add salt, and run the microwave at 800-900 watts for 5-8 minutes depending on how you want them cooked. Poke a minuscule hole in the shell to prevent the egg from exploding.

Boiling eggs in a microwave can be a simple procedure. With a few adjustments, you can spare yourself the trouble of cleaning the microwave after an egg explosion. Continue reading to learn the best method of approach when it comes to boiling eggs in a microwave.

How to Boil Eggs in a Microwave Oven

When boiling eggs in a microwave, the main precaution is to ensure the eggs do not explode when cooking. In this exercise, you will need a microwave-safe bowl. You only need to follow these simple steps, and your eggs will boil without exploding.

Step 1: Fill the microwave-safe bowl with water and place the eggs in the bowl. Ensure the eggs are completely submerged in the water.

Step 2:  Add half a teaspoon of table salt for every egg in the bowl. The added salt prevents the eggs from exploding when boiling inside the microwave.

Step 3: Let the eggs boil in the microwave for 5-8 minutes. The boiling time depends on how you prefer the eggs, soft, medium, or hard.

Alternatively, you can follow this procedure to prevent the eggs from exploding when cooking.

Step1: Fill a microwave-safe bowl with water and heat it in the microwave for three minutes.

Step 2: Use a safety pin or a thin sharp object to pierce the bottom of an egg. This step is essential, and it prevents the boiling eggs from exploding.

Step 3: Place the pricked eggs into the bowl with hot water and cover it: Microwave the eggs at a reduced heating power of 50 percent.

Step 4: Let the eggs boil for 4-10 minutes, depending on how soft or hard you want the eggs to be.

Peeling the boiled eggs shouldn’t be challenging, especially for hard-boiled eggs. Soft-boiled eggs are half-cooked with the shell intact and could bring you a slight challenge.

If you’re having a challenge using your bare hands, consider using a spoon. Tap on each side of the egg until the shell cracks. You can use the spoon to lift off the shell carefully, which should go rather smoothly.

The shell of an egg peels off better the day after they’re cooked. So, if you’re cooking a tremendous amount of eggs that you’re going to peel as well, consider waiting until the next day to peel them to save some time.

How Do You Hard, Medium, and Soft Boil an Egg in the Microwave?

Boiling eggs in a microwave can start as a trial and error for many people because each microwave works differently. You may have to make adjustments to your microwave to achieve satisfactory results.

It’s advisable to start with a single egg to figure out your preferred settings then add more eggs. The eggs that don’t turn out as you imagined can be fixed by frying them in the pan or trying to re-boil them.

Hard-Boiled Eggs In the Microwave

When you want to get hard eggs, you boil them for 5-8 minutes, depending on your microwave. You may need to adjust these timings until you get a perfectly hard egg. After boiling, let the eggs stay in hot water for three minutes. Transfer the eggs to an ice bath for cooling.

Medium-Boiled Eggs In the Microwave

Eggs get harder depending on how long they stay in hot water after boiling. When making medium-boiled eggs, ensure that you transfer them into an ice bath after staying for one minute in hot water.

To cook medium-boiled eggs in the microwave, run two eggs in the microwave oven for 4 minutes.

You’ll want to add time the more eggs you’re boiling. Adding 30 seconds for each additional egg should keep you on the right track.

Soft-Boiled Eggs In the Microwave

If you like soft-boiled eggs, run your eggs in the microwave for 3 minutes then transfer them into an ice bath immediately.

Depending on the wattage of your microwave, you may have to add or remove time. If your eggs are large, set the timer closer to 4 minutes and try from there. Adjust time when boiling more than 3 eggs.

I Recommend Microwaving Your Eggs In an Egg Pod

Have you heard of egg pods before? It’s basically a little steamer that will hold 4 eggs and boil them in the microwave. Then, when they’re done, the eggs can be peeled by shaking the egg pod with the eggs inside. With an egg pod, you will have your eggs ready to be consumed under 9 minutes.

Boiling eggs in the microwave has never been as easy as it is with egg pods. They’re amazing for microwave-boiled eggs, especially hard-boiled, but can also be used for vegetables.

How Do You Use an Egg Pod In the Microwave?

An egg pod doesn’t require very much of you. The components you need come with the product, except for the microwave, but I’m quite sure you’ve got one or are planning to buy one considering you’re reading this article.

With all components in place, simply follow these instructions.

Step 1: Pour water of around 50 milliliters into the bottom tray of the egg pod. The amount of water depends on the size of your egg pod. In this example, we use an egg pod that accommodates four eggs.

Step 2: Seal the top of the bottom tray and place it inside a microwave. Set the time to 9 minutes and start heating at high temperatures.

Step 3: Do not open the microwave after 9 minutes elapses when the timer goes off. Set another alarm for two minutes and wait.

Step 4: Once two minutes have elapsed, transfer the egg pod to the sink with running cold water. Let the water run over the eggs for two minutes. If you have no cold running water, you can pour cold water over the eggs using a jar.

Step 5: Without replacing the water in the bottom pod, close its top with the other half and shake the pod for 10 -15 times. Shaking the pod cracks the shells of the boiled eggs.

Step 6:  Open the lid of the egg pod. The eggs are ready to peel, and you can easily remove the cracked shells. Sometimes you may have to run clean water over the eggs and remove any bits of the broken shell from the eggs.

Is It Safe To Boil Eggs In A Microwave?

Yes, boiling eggs in a microwave is safe as long as the recommended safety precautions are applied to prevent the eggs from exploding or water from leaking out of the bowl and into your microwave oven.

Other than that, microwaving eggs is a rather harmless procedure.

It is recommended you use a microwave-safe bowl when boiling eggs. This rule is also applicable when preparing other foods using a microwave. Safe bowls do not contain plastics and are mostly made from ceramics and glass. You should also avoid using metal or aluminum foil in the microwave.

Precautions to prevent eggs from exploding when boiling include adding salt to the bowl or piercing the eggs with a sharp object before boiling them in the microwave.

Handle the eggs in the bowl carefully to avoid splashing water in your microwave or damaging the eggs. Make sure the bowl is deep enough to hold the water without it running over the brim.

Lastly, don’t leave your eggs in the microwave for too long – and stay close enough to monitor them the first couple of times.

Can Raw Eggs Explode In The Microwave?

Without the necessary precaution, boiling a raw egg in a microwave can result in an explosion. If you boil an egg in a microwave, piercing or poking it will allow the trapped air to escape from underneath the eggshell, reducing the pressure inside the shell.

An egg is transformed from a plasma state into a solid-state when placed in boiling water, and it gains rubber properties. As an egg solidifies, some of its water content is superheated. The superheated water boils spontaneously in the air when the egg is cracked, hence the explosion.

A recent study established that the yolk of an egg when cooking in a microwave has a higher temperature than the boiling water. This could probably be the cause of the explosion. To me, it sounds like the egg becomes a superheated sauna or a pressure cooker of sorts.

In the same study, the exploding eggs produced a sound of over 100 decibels, which is equivalent to being close to a running motorcycle. While the sound occurs for a short time and won’t cause any physical damage, you can still imagine the mess it will create inside the microwave.

However, you don’t need to worry about explosions following the simple outlined step. Always remember to pierce the eggs or add salt to the boiling bowl.

It’s common to hear about users who are cautious about using their microwave directly after cleaning it. This is totally understandable, as it includes heat, chemicals, moisture, and electricity.

You can use a microwave after cleaning it if the microwave was cleaned with a natural or non-toxic and food-safe cleaner. Natural cleaners include vinegar, lemon juice, and baking soda. If the microwave was cleaned using strong chemicals, which isn’t recommended, make sure to thoroughly wipe the residue out of the microwave and check the cleaner’s label for warnings before running it.

If you have your doubts about cleaning your microwave, and if you’re safe to use it now that you’ve put chemicals in it – continue reading. In this article, we consider critical information related to cleaning a microwave. 

We’ve used Miracle Wipes on our microwave for the last couple of years. First, we place a bowl of water and vinegar in the microwave and run it. When the steam has settled, we clean the residue with miracle wipes. Our microwave has never been as fresh as it is now.

Is It Safe To Use a Microwave Directly After Cleaning It?

Absolutely! It’s very safe to use your microwave directly after cleaning it if the cleaners used were non-toxic and food-safe, meaning they can cause you no harm. If your microwave was cleaned using baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice, or any other natural solution, you’ll be totally fine.

If you used strong caustic chemicals or bleach to clean your microwave, I would be hesitant to use it right away.

Regardless of what you’ve used, you should give the inside of your microwave a thorough scrub to ensure that all chemicals, food debris, and dirt are removed. If possible, remove the glass turntable and scrub it well before returning it. 

To clean your microwave safely, ensure you follow the manual guidelines on safe cleaning procedures. You need to avoid abrasive and harsh chemicals while cleaning your microwave. 

How Do You Get Rid of Chemical Residue In a Microwave?

After cleaning your microwave, there is a high chance that some chemical residue will still be inside the microwave. The best way to remove the chemical residue is to wipe it using a clean and dry cloth. 

Ensure you wipe every part of the microwave, including the vents. Use a fresh cloth dipped in warm water to remove chemical residue from the window spray. Before you wipe the microwave after cleaning, leave it for a few minutes.  

Can You Use a Microwave That’s Wet or Moist Inside?

Microwave cavities are not designed to be waterproof. Therefore, they can easily allow water or moisture to accumulate inside.

However, the moisture isn’t a problem, and they can handle a little condensation but with a few issues might arise for the efficiency and safety of the user and appliance. 

What Will Happen If Your Microwave Gets Wet?

Since the microwave isn’t designed to hold water, you need to avoid getting it wet by all means. In fact, water is terrible news in almost any electrical appliance, especially when you turn it on without fully drying it. 

Too much or frequent condensation or water in your microwave damages its interior. Water leaks in the microwave are also known to lead to paint lift. This could potentially translate to rust. Even though corrosion isn’t a safety concern at all, it’s known to reduce the lifespan of microwaves. 

The presence of water in your microwave also causes it to leak into electrical conductors forcing them to lose their current transmission capacity. In the end, the efficiency of the microwave is greatly reduced. 

Additionally, water in the microwave causes oxidation of the conductors. The more the conductors become oxidized, the more they become exposed to overheating. If they become very hot enough, you could witness a fire accident. 

Finally, the presence of water in your microwave encourages the growth of molds. This will affect the smell and safety of your food. Mold also causes allergic reactions and respiratory symptoms. 

Why Would A Microwave Get Wet Inside? 

A microwave gets wet inside due to poor maintenance and condensation. Condensation results from reheating or cooking certain foods. 

Since a microwave heats up water molecules, it produces steam that usually condenses when it gets into contact with the microwave walls. This will likely lead to a water puddle at the microwave base, which might then drip down the oven door.

There is no need to worry when this happens since such water leaks don’t affect the microwave’s performance. 

However, if you fail to wipe the condensation from the microwave door, it’s likely to cause stains and watermarks.

To solve the problem, keep your microwave door open for almost 15-minutes to allow the water to dissipate fully. Proper ventilation and the application of vent fans can help speed the drying of water and prevent moisture build-up. 

A microwave can also experience leakages thanks to a lack of maintenance. Your microwave needs regular cleaning and maintenance for optimum performance just like any other appliance. Your main focus should be cleaning vents to prevent blockage. 

If they’re already blocked, unblock them immediately. Never clean the vents when your microwave is in operation. 

What Should You Use To Clean a Microwave Oven?

We understand that cleaning a microwave isn’t easy and is something you won’t like doing all the time. However, you can clean your microwave within minutes with the right tools and skills. 

Before you clean your microwave, unplug its power cord. This could be the perfect time to inspect the power cord for damage or dirt. You can then inspect the inside of your microwave to determine the dirtiest sections.

But what can you use to clean your microwave? Below are things you can employ to easily clean the microwave and give it a decent smell: 

1. Using A Wet Paper Towel / Miracle Wipes

We recommend using a wet paper towel or miracle wipes if your microwave isn’t very messy. You just need to put your wet paper towel in the microwave and run it on high for about 5 minutes. 

This approach creates steam that is critical in removing contaminants and unwanted dirt in the microwave. It also functions as a primer for tougher components like stuck food. 

2. Cleaning with Soap

Here, you can either use the hand-on or hands-off methods. Let’s consider what each option involves.

Hand-on Approach

• Mix a dishwashing liquid with water in a bowl. Soak and squeeze the sponge until the water gets suds. 
• You can then remove the turntable to scrub with a soapy sponge. Rinse and allow it to dry. Also, remove all crumbs from the microwave using a rag or damp paper towel. 
• Using a soapy sponge scrub, the microwave’s inside surface. Wipe down the surfaces using a damp paper towel to get rid of suds. Ensure that water doesn’t get in the vents. 
• Finally, wipe everything using a rag or dry paper towel to prevent streaking. Afterward, replace the turntable.

Hands-off Method

• Mix warm water and a dishwashing liquid in a bowl. You can then add some baking soda if you want to deodorize your microwave. Put the bowl in your microwave and operate it on high for 5-minutes. 
• Remove the turntable and wipe it using a damp sponge. You can then dry it using a paper towel. Also, wipe down the microwave surface using a damp sponge. 

3 Using Baking Soda

If there is food stuck in the microwave, baking soda would be the best solution for you. You just need to mix water and baking soda and put it on any hardened food in the microwave. 

Let it settle for about 5 minutes, and wipe it off using a towel or wet sponge. Repeat the process until all the unwanted burnt food is removed. 

4. Using Lemon

Lemon is a great natural disinfectant that you can use to clean your microwave. Here, you just need to cut a lemon into two and put the cut side on the microwave movable plate. Add several teaspoons of water and place the plate back into the microwave. 

Remove the plate from the microwave and wipe the excess fluid in the microwave. Ensure you thoroughly wipe the outside and inside of the microwave. 

5. Vinegar Solution

You just use vinegar solution the same way you use soap. Here, you need to mix vinegar and one cup of water in equal parts. 

Ensure you wipe the microwave dry after applying vinegar solution to ensure no vinegar traces are left in the microwave.

For your information, the vinegar solution offers a versatile, natural, and timeless cleaning product that can remove stubborn grime and stains. We recommend using this option if your microwave is extra dirty.

Read more: Distilled Vinegar vs Regular 

6. Commercial Cleaners

You can use different commercial cleaners to clean your microwave. However, be warned that they sometimes emit unpleasant and toxic fumes. This can give your food an odd taste. 

If you decide to use commercial cleaners, choose one that is fume-free. After cleaning, leave the microwave door open for several hours. 

The good thing is that you can employ commercial cleaners outside the microwave. Ensure you dry your microwave after cleaning it. 

7. Using Window Cleaners

If there is one part that requires constant care, it’s the microwave door. The best solution to use would be a window cleaner that works effectively for both the outside and inside of the microwave. 

Get a sponge or rag and dip it into a window cleaner solution. You can then scrub the exterior and interior of your unit. Repeat the process until your microwave is very clean. 

Read more: What You Should Clean Your Microwave Oven With

Why Is My Microwave Sparking After Cleaning It?

If your microwave is producing sparks after cleaning, there is a high chance you left metal inside. This could be a tin foil or a spoon in your coffee. 

For your information, even a tiny bit of steel wool in your microwave can cause sparking. This results from the electromagnetic waves being converted into electricity when it gets into contact with metal.

Read more: Why There Are Sparks In Your Microwave

Some foods are so fragile that an extra minute or two in the microwave can impact their texture – even after the cycle has finished. The beep also prevents us from leaving food in the microwave for so long that it starts to cool down.

Without the beep, the microwave would have no way of indicating that your food has finished heating, and while this is a great function there are times when you’d like to remove the sound.

So, how can you stop a microwave from beeping whenever this sound is no longer useful?

Most modern microwave ovens have a mute function, which you can use to turn off your microwave’s beeping. Look for a sound button on the control panel, and hold down the button to stop the beeping. The button’s label usually says “Mute”, “Sound”, or “Silence” but it can vary depending on the brand.

Continue reading to find out more about this function, how to identify if your microwave has one, and how to activate it.

Tip: Check out Today’s deal on the Instant Pot Pro XL 11-in-1. (It’s 50% off on Amazon!!)

How To Stop Your Microwave From Beeping

Imagine preparing a meal in the middle of the night or early in the morning without waking everyone up. It is possible. You don’t have to do away with your microwave just because of the awful beeps, you can put this to an end. 

Let’s cut to the chase and explore a few tips and tricks you can use to stop your microwave from beeping. It would help if you kept in mind that microwaves and their display panels differ depending on the model.

Some models don’t even have a specific button for muting the sound. If that’s the case with your model, it is either missing the ability to mute the beeps, or the function is assigned to another button. We’ll get to that in a second.

One more thing, microwaves deal with beeps differently. Some microwaves may beep once when the timer finishes, while others may constantly beep until you open the door. 

If you want to stop the constant beeping of your microwave, you must know how your microwave’s mute function operates. 

When muting your microwave, begin by checking the control panel. Observe keenly, as the mute function may have been labeled as a secondary function, and not a standard button.

Secondary functions are features that can be activated through holding a button or a combination of buttons for a brief moment. It’s like holding down the digit 0 on your phone to make

Observe the following things:

• Check if you can spot a Sound button. 

• If you spot it, hold either 0 or 1. In some manufacturers, these keys are set as secondary functions.  

• Press and continue holding the Cancel or Stop button.

In most cases, pressing and holding Cancel, Stop, 0, or 1 will lead to two incidents – either the beeping sound stops or a child lock feature gets activated.

The child lock feature locks the control panel meaning you can’t press any button. You have to do the unlocking by holding the button again for around 3 seconds.

If you follow these steps and your microwave doesn’t stop beeping, why don’t you consult the manual? Perhaps your microwave needs a combination of buttons to stop beeping, and the only way to learn about this may be by going through a manual. 

In case the beeping persists, there may be an additional option to try. Switch off the microwave and unplug it from the power supply.

Let it stay that way for 2 or 3 minutes to eliminate any residual power before plugging it back in. Your microwave should be fully reset after this, eliminating the beeping hitch. 

Does your microwave continue beeping even after trying all these steps? Contact your manufacturer for expert troubleshooting and to find out if your microwave oven actually has the mute feature or any workaround to it.

Why Do Microwaves Beep?

Major manufacturers produce microwave ovens with an inbuilt beeping sound. Microwaves usually beep for different reasons. 

Each beeping sound pattern means something different. Microwave ovens can beep when:

• You press any button on the control panel
• When the microwave has finished
• When there’s an error
• When the microwave oven has a power deficit
• When the door isn’t closed properly

The beeping sound is an important function because it

• Prevents the food from “aftercooking”, which could lead to an overcooked meal.
• Reminds you of the food in the microwave to prevent it from going bad or cooling down.

This may sound like a double-edged sword. Prevent from aftercooking AND prevent from cooling down? Aren’t those two on different ends of the spectrum?

Yes, immediately after the microwave oven finishes, they are.

While microwave ovens have less aftercook than conventional ovens, there’s still enough heat in the microwave to keep cooking the food.

The temperature is lowered relatively quickly but the extra exposure to heat can ruin some foods.

For instance, forgetting a hamburger bun or fajita in the microwave for a brief moment of time could change the entire texture of the bread – for the worse.

Additionally, leaving food in the microwave for too long could leave you with a meal that has cooled down.

Do Microwaves Have a Silent Mode? 

Many modern microwaves have a silent mode. Therefore, if you don’t need the beep to notify you that your food has finished running, you can just turn it to this mode.

Assuming your microwave has a silent mode, how do you figure this out?

• The first thing you can do is to check on your microwave’s front control panel to see if you can find any obvious sound-related keypads.

• Your microwave’s manual can help you if you are stuck. The instruction manual should contain all information you might need while operating your machine.

• Another way through which you can learn about a microwave’s silent mode is by consulting online, provided you know what model your microwave is – but that information should be written somewhere on the microwave’s label.

How To Activate Silent Mode On a Microwave

Alarms are essential; however, sometimes noise is the last thing you need in your house, provided you keep watching over your food when it’s in the microwave.

There are some ways to stop the beeping sounds of a microwave, and one of them is activating the silent mode. When hunting for the silent mode on your microwave, you should be looking for a button with a speaker or sound icon. 

Another alternative is to try and hold down the 0 or 1 button. Manufacturers program these buttons to stop beeps when they are pressed.

Sometimes your microwave could produce abnormal beeps even after making all efforts to stop it. In such cases, call your technician immediately, and you’ll get help to diagnose the issue. 

How To Silence a Samsung Microwave

There are a couple of things you can try to stop your Samsung microwave from beeping. 

1. Power Cycle your Microwave

Unplug your microwave or switch off the breaker box. Hold on for 60 seconds and power it again. If there’s beeping even when the microwave isn’t powered, then the beeping isn’t from the machine. 

2. Mute the Microwave

Use the Sound On/Off feature to mute your microwave. It’s usually placed on the Options menu.

3. Run Your Microwave Briefly and then Press Clear/Stop 

Put a cup of water in your microwave and run it for a few seconds. Once it completes a cycle, and you can hear the chime sound, press Clear/Stop. 

4. Seek Service

If the beeping persists, visit the support center for help. 

How to Silence a Kenmore Microwave

You can silence your Kenmore microwave without facing any problems, provided you follow a few steps. 

Press the settings button four times until you see “Sound” in the window. Then hit START, and the annoying sound will stop. 

How to Silence a Hamilton Beach Microwave

Are you afraid the sound from your Hamilton Beach microwave could wake your baby while cooking? You can silence it in a simple process. 

Look at the options panel and check for a button either marked as “Mute”, “Silence”, or “Stop sound”. After spotting this button, press it to mute your microwave. This may happen by clicking the button once, whereas in some cases, you may have to hold on to the button for around 3 seconds. 

How to Silence an LG Microwave

To silence your LG microwave, check for the custom setting option, and click it. After clicking the custom button to turn off the noise, press 1 and 2 to activate the process. When all these steps are complete, you’ll have a silent microwave. 

Can You Silence a Microwave That Doesn’t Have Silent Mode?

Yes, you can. If your microwave doesn’t come with the silent mode, you can apply another technique to eliminate unnecessary noise. 

A way to silence your microwave without using the silent mode is by doing a hard reset, and It’s probably the easiest way.

Unplug your microwave from the power supply and wait for about 5 minutes before plugging it in again. 

This process eliminates charges from your microwave and leaves it in a state of complete reset. So, once you plug back your microwave, the sound will be gone, and you can enjoy the silence. 

This may not work for all microwave models.

Can You Silence Your Microwave Mechanically?

You may be tempted to cut the sound wiring in your microwave. It may work out with some home appliances, but such alterations to a microwave may just be too risky.

Tampering with the wiring in electric devices shouldn’t be attempted unless it’s a repair or maintenance, which of course, must be done by a qualified technician. 

So are they robust enough to take any form of abuse? Can you run them while empty?

Well, here’s the answer. 

You shouldn’t operate a microwave for extended periods while it’s empty, as it will damage its electrical components. Depending on how well they’re designed, microwaves can run while empty for approximately 5 to 10 minutes. After the grace period, your microwave will trip or catch fire. 

Therefore, never run your microwave oven while it’s empty for your safety and the people around you. You will be endangering your lives and voiding your insurance by doing so. 

Today’s article looks more into the working of a microwave oven, what happens when you run it empty, and what to do if you do so. Let’s get going. 

How Do Microwave Ovens Work?

The working of microwave ovens is pretty simple and sophisticated all at the same time. And given that we all know that opening a microwave oven while it’s running is a safety hazard, few of us know how it works or its safety measures. If you don’t, you’re in the right place.

Microwave ovens use non-ionizing electromagnetic energy to cook food uniformly and without any external heat source. 

But how does it generate electrons?

The microwave oven has a transformer that steps up the supply voltage to 4,000 volts and feeds it to the magnetron. Within the magnetron is a filament that heats up pretty quickly and starts releasing electrons. 

These electrons get directed through a waveguide and bombard the water molecules in the food, causing them to oscillate and bump against each other. This causes sufficient friction that warms up your food. And due to its nature, foods with high water content cook more quickly than the drier ones. 

Generally, electromagnetic energy or waves have a frequency of 2450 MHz or a wavelength of 12.24 cm. Therefore, you’ll notice that most microwaves are of a standard size.

Additionally, microwaves don’t cook food from the inside out, as you may have heard. Instead, they cook the outer layers first and allow the inner layers to cook through conduction. 

What Happens When You Run a Microwave With Nothing Inside?

Running a microwave with nothing inside is dangerous, and you shouldn’t attempt doing so. But if you forget and run it empty for a few seconds, you don’t have to worry. On the other hand, running your microwave while it’s empty for some minutes will damage its magnetron, melt some parts, and even catch fire.

Microwaves ovens take some time before they heat up, depending on their design and quality.   

As we’ve seen, microwaves generate oscillating electromagnetic waves absorbed by the food while heating. 

However, if your microwave is empty, the electromagnetic waves will bounce around the cooking chamber and may find their way back to the magnetron. At this instance, it may overheat, and you’ll notice a burning smell before it shuts down. 

However, if it doesn’t shut down, the excessive energy buildup within the cooking chamber will overheat the microwave oven’s electrical components causing it to burn.

How Long Can You Run a Microwave Empty Without Damaging It?

While it’s best not to run a microwave while it’s empty, there are times when you accidentally do so. The good news is that you won’t damage your microwave if you run it empty for a small amount of time (less than 5 minutes). 

Some protective devices inside the microwave oven shield the magnetron from the waves bouncing back from the cooking chamber. Additionally, the cavity, the door, and the tray absorb the excess energy while cooking your food. 

While empty, it takes approximately 5 minutes for the electromagnetic waves to overwhelm these protective components. Running the microwave for extended periods, let’s say past 10 to 15 minutes, causes sparking, melting, and its components may catch fire. 

If it’s designed well, your microwave will trip before any damage can happen to it. 

If it doesn’t trip, it’ll get into a thermal runaway whereby some random part in your oven will superheat until a crucial part fails. It can be a breaker tripping, melting of electrical insulations, or the fuse blowing. 

Of the three faults, melting of electrical insulations is very dangerous as it exposes your oven to short circuits. At this point, your microwave oven will catch fire and burst into flames.

The best that you can hope for if you mistakenly start cooking while your microwave is empty is for it to trip. However, it doesn’t always do so. 

If it doesn’t catch fire immediately, be assured that you’ll have taken off some months from your microwave’s service life by running it while empty.

How Can I Tell If My Microwave Was Damaged By Running It Empty?

A clear indication of a damaged microwave oven is if it fails to heat your food on time. And you can’t tell that it’s broken by just looking at it. You’ll have to troubleshoot it since its failure can result from one or more causes. 

Here are some clear signs of a microwave that has been damaged by running it while it’s empty.

1. A broken Control Board 

The control board is directly behind your microwave’s control panel. Open your microwave’s casing to access the control board and look out for signs of arcing or molten insulations. 

Also, look out for signs of burning around the relays, as these will indicate a short circuit within your control board. You’ll have to replace your control board if you find any signs of burning.

2. Faulty High Voltage Circuit

A microwave’s high voltage circuit consists of a magnetron, a high voltage diode, a transformer, and a high voltage capacitor. If any of these components fail, you won’t have enough heat in your microwave to cook or warm your food. 

Telling whether any of them is faulty requires using a multimeter and checking for continuity. But remember to approach the high voltage circuit with caution to prevent cases of short circuits, electrocutions, or even fires. 

As a safety precaution, disconnect your oven from your power supply line before beginning your diagnosis. 

3. A Molten Turntable 

Running a microwave while empty results in high heat buildup. This energy can sometimes be sufficient to melt the porcelain turntable. If you find that your microwave oven is not working and the turntable is molten, the chances are that it’s broken. 

You should note that a broken turntable isn’t an indication of a faulty microwave. Instead, it’s a sign that indicates that your oven may have more outstanding underlying issues. 

Don’t replace your turntable if it’s molten; consult an electrical professional first. 

Conclusion

As we’ve seen, running an empty microwave is very dangerous. However, you don’t need to worry if you’ve done so for 5 minutes or less. If you’ve been running it empty for long periods, you’ll need to shut it off from the power source. 

Leave it to cool for some time and run a simple test by placing some food inside. Turn it on, set it to your usual timing and wait for the results. Did it work well? If so, then you’re lucky. 

If not, I’d recommend you consult an electrician to troubleshoot and repair the unit.