My children cannot imagine our kitchen without the microwave oven. Whether making meal preparation faster and easier, reheating dinner after a late football practices or simply popping a bag of popcorn for a movie night the appliance has a crucial role in our kitchen, and in those of most around the country. A stoppage in microwave use is like working with a stubbed toe; you can do it, but it sure is miserable. Good maintenance will prevent such instances and may eliminate visits by the appliance repairman unless, of course, he's coming over for the movie.
Interior
Clean the interior of your microwave oven after every use. This prevents splatters from building up on the over walls or floor. Because these food particles continue to absorb microwaves when the oven is in use, they can result in burns to the interior.
If the interior of the oven is damaged, either through scorching or rust, sand the area to remove as much of the damaged paint as possible. Clean and dry well. You can continue to use the oven, but it is important to keep food or grease from building up on the bare spot. As soon as possible, purchase high-temperature appliance paint and repair the area.
Exterior
The exterior parts of the oven will also last longer if kept clean. Use a reliable cleaner on a weekly basis, or more often if spills occur.
The door of the oven keeps microwaves inside the appliance. If the door is damaged, or if the seal doesn't seem to be working well, it needs to be seen to immediately by a professional.
The big No-No
Never run an empty microwave as a timer. The oven works by bouncing microwaves off of food or liquid inside the oven. If there's nothing inside, the microwaves may be absorbed by the appliance, possibly damaging the workings of the oven.
Danger!
The microwave oven is provably the most dangerous of all common household appliances. A severe shock can occur even if the oven is unplugged. As with all household items, maintenance is helpful and will increase the life-span of the oven. Most repairs, however, should be left to professionals.
