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The microwave oven is an essential piece of equipment in the kitchen; it helps quicken cooking and makes it easier. Nevertheless, many times these devices suffer from spills, splatters, and accumulation of food leftovers. Proper maintenance including regular cleaning is necessary for efficient operation and longer service life. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to clean and maintain your microwave.
Ensure that you have the appropriate cleaning materials before beginning:
For safety purposes, always unplug your microwave before cleaning it so that you do not risk an electric shock happening. Remove any removable parts such as the roller ring and turntable and wash them with warm soapy water. Make sure these parts are thoroughly dry before returning them.
One efficient technique of loosening up food particles as well as dirt within one’s oven is steam cleaning.
Using Vinegar:
Fill a bowl made for microwaves with 1 cup of water mixed with 2 tablespoon of white vinegar. Put the bowl into the microwave; heat it on high for five minutes. Give five minutes more for the steam to do its magic by allowing the bowl to sit in a closed microwave. Carefully take out the bowl (it will be hot) and wipe the inside with a soft cloth or sponge.
Using Lemon:
Put one cut lemon into a cup of water filled microwave-safe dish. And squeeze the juice from both halves into it. Put them inside a bowl. Microwave on high for five minutes and let it sit for another five minutes. Take away the bowl and clean the inside of it.
After steaming, any stubborn spots should be easy to clean. Use a soft cloth or sponge to wipe walls, ceiling, and floor of the microwave. For tough stains, dip your cloth in a mixture of water and baking soda; then gently scrub affected areas. Avoid using abrasive materials that could scratch the surface.
Do not forget about going outside your microwave. Wipe off the door, handle, and control panel with a soapy towel wipe. In case you need to clean the window or you microwave apply glass cleaner only. Spray cleaner onto cloth instead of directly onto microwave; this will ensure no moisture gets into electronic control panel.
To make your microwave smell fresh, always put a box of baking soda in there when you are not using it. Alternatively, one could microwave a bowl of water containing two or three tablespoons of baking soda for five minutes and then wash it.
Wipe After You Use It: This is to ensure that the interior does not clog up after each use.
Cover Food with: This is done by using a paper towel or a microwave-safe cover to prevent splatters.
Inspect Seals: Also ensure that the door seals are checked on a regular basis for any dirt or damage which may affect performance.
Check Ventilation: When the vents of the microwave get filled with dust and debris, they overheat thus avoid this at all cost.
Promptly address any performance issues such as erratic heating or strange sounds from your microwave oven. In case you cannot fix yourself by referring to the user manual, kindly contact me for professional repair advice if need be.
Adhering to these steps will keep your kitchen’s microwave clean and well-maintained, hence making it more reliable over time. Not only does regular cleaning improve its working but it also ensures a hygienic food preparation environment.
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