We know how important it is to keep our kitchens sparkling clean and our appliances functioning efficiently. Our trusty microwaves are an absolute lifesaver—especially when it comes to whipping up a hot meal in a jiffy, defrosting dinner, or even making a quick mug cake on a chilly day.

However, despite our best intentions, many of us may be unknowingly making common cleaning mistakes that not only jeopardise the longevity of our microwaves but also affect their performance and hygiene. Well, have no fear, dear readers, because we've gathered expert advice to help you avoid these pitfalls and keep your microwaves in tip-top shape!

It is possible that many of us are unintentionally making common cleaning errors that can compromise the durability, performance, and hygiene of microwaves. Photo by Max Rahubovskiy

Cleaning With Harsh Chemicals​

Though you might be tempted to give the microwave a thorough cleaning with chemicals like bleach, ammonia, or oven cleaner, resist the temptation.

According to Kevin Geick, manager at biohazard cleaning company BioRecovery, ‘These substances can release toxic fumes when heated and leave behind residue that can contaminate your food. Stick to milder, microwave-safe cleaners or natural alternatives.

Neglecting The Vent​

Most microwaves come equipped with vents on their sides or back, which release hot air. Geick warns that 'these vents can become clogged with grease, dust, and debris, affecting the microwave's efficiency.' Ensure your appliance remains in good working order by regularly cleaning these vents with a fluffy brush or soft vacuum cleaner attachment.

Getting The Control Panel Too Wet​

Fingerprints and food splatters accumulate easily on the microwave's exterior control panel, but using excessive water or spraying it directly with a cleaning solution could damage the delicate electronic components. Karina Toner, operations manager of Spekless Cleaning, advises using a damp cloth or sponge to gently clean the buttons and panel.

Using Abrasive Tools Inside The Microwave​

While steel wool or abrasive scrubbers might seem like the right choice for tackling stubborn interior stains, they can actually cause more harm than good by scratching the microwave's interior and creating breeding grounds for bacteria. Toner recommends using softer cleaning tools like sponges or microfibre cloths to effectively and safely remove stains.

Forgetting About Seals And Hinges​

Focusing solely on the microwave's turntable, walls, and ceiling isn't enough. Don't overlook the door seals and hinges, where pesky food particles can get lodged and create unpleasant odours. Justin Carpenter, the owner of Modern Maids in Houston, encourages cleaning these often-overlooked areas.

Touching The Magnetron​

Deep cleaning your microwave may find you face to face with the magnetron, the component which generates waves, creating heat. Rocky Vuong, founder of Calibre Cleaning in Australia, warns that the magnetron 'can retain a lethal electrical charge even when unplugged’. Leave any magnetron-related maintenance to professional technicians to avoid dangerous mishaps.

The magnetron should not be touched. Source: ccohs.ca.

Natural Cleaning Solutions for Household Appliances​

When it comes to keeping our appliances clean, we should think twice before using harsh cleaning products. Not only can they release toxic fumes, leaving behind residue that can contaminate our food, but they can also corrode delicate electronic components or cause other unintentional damage.

Fortunately, environmentally conscious consumers have a range of natural, effective alternatives to choose from, including white vinegar, which can dissolve mineral deposits; Bicarb soda, perfect for removing grease and grime; and lemon juice, excellent for cutting through dirt and powerful odours.

If you don’t have the time or energy to DIY your cleaning solution, there are a wide variety of ready-made cleaners available in Woolworths and Coles.

Key Takeaways

• Many common mistakes can be made when cleaning a microwave, such as using harsh chemicals, neglecting the vent, and using abrasive tools.
  
• It is important to avoid these mistakes and use gentle cleaning techniques to maintain the microwave's efficiency and safety.
  
• Paying attention to smaller details, like cleaning the seals and hinges, can prevent unpleasant odours and potential issues down the line.
  
• The magnetron in the microwave should not be touched, as it can retain a lethal electrical charge even when unplugged, and any related issues should be addressed by a professional technician.

How do you plan to apply this newfound knowledge to effectively clean and maintain your microwave, guaranteeing its longevity and optimal performance? Share your strategies for keeping your microwave pristine and efficient, as a clean and well-functioning appliance is vital in our daily lives.

Happy cleaning, members!

 

[MotherGoose]

"How do you plan to apply this newfound knowledge to effectively clean and maintain your microwave, guaranteeing its longevity and optimal performance?" Well, speaking of longevity, what I want to know is why my first microwave oven lasted over 30 years, but the last three replacements have lasted barely more than two years. And why the warranty has gone down from an initial 5-10 years to 2 years to 1 year only. When I asked the man at Harvey Norman's, where I bought my last machine, to recommend a microwave made in Australia, he said that there was no such thing. He also said that the issue of shoddy appliances was the fault of the Australian consumer for demanding cheaper goods rather than the fault of the manufacturer for making a product that doesn't last a reasonable amount of time.

 

[Andrew]

We know how important it is to keep our kitchens sparkling clean and our appliances functioning efficiently. Our trusty microwaves are an absolute lifesaver—especially when it comes to whipping up a hot meal in a jiffy, defrosting dinner, or even making a quick mug cake on a chilly day.

However, despite our best intentions, many of us may be unknowingly making common cleaning mistakes that not only jeopardise the longevity of our microwaves but also affect their performance and hygiene. Well, have no fear, dear readers, because we've gathered expert advice to help you avoid these pitfalls and keep your microwaves in tip-top shape!

View attachment 20923

It is possible that many of us are unintentionally making common cleaning errors that can compromise the durability, performance, and hygiene of microwaves. Photo by Max Rahubovskiy

Cleaning With Harsh Chemicals​

Though you might be tempted to give the microwave a thorough cleaning with chemicals like bleach, ammonia, or oven cleaner, resist the temptation.

According to Kevin Geick, manager at biohazard cleaning company BioRecovery, ‘These substances can release toxic fumes when heated and leave behind residue that can contaminate your food. Stick to milder, microwave-safe cleaners or natural alternatives.

Neglecting The Vent​

Most microwaves come equipped with vents on their sides or back, which release hot air. Geick warns that 'these vents can become clogged with grease, dust, and debris, affecting the microwave's efficiency.' Ensure your appliance remains in good working order by regularly cleaning these vents with a fluffy brush or soft vacuum cleaner attachment.

Getting The Control Panel Too Wet​

Fingerprints and food splatters accumulate easily on the microwave's exterior control panel, but using excessive water or spraying it directly with a cleaning solution could damage the delicate electronic components. Karina Toner, operations manager of Spekless Cleaning, advises using a damp cloth or sponge to gently clean the buttons and panel.

Using Abrasive Tools Inside The Microwave​

While steel wool or abrasive scrubbers might seem like the right choice for tackling stubborn interior stains, they can actually cause more harm than good by scratching the microwave's interior and creating breeding grounds for bacteria. Toner recommends using softer cleaning tools like sponges or microfibre cloths to effectively and safely remove stains.

Forgetting About Seals And Hinges​

Focusing solely on the microwave's turntable, walls, and ceiling isn't enough. Don't overlook the door seals and hinges, where pesky food particles can get lodged and create unpleasant odours. Justin Carpenter, the owner of Modern Maids in Houston, encourages cleaning these often-overlooked areas.

Touching The Magnetron​

Deep cleaning your microwave may find you face to face with the magnetron, the component which generates waves, creating heat. Rocky Vuong, founder of Calibre Cleaning in Australia, warns that the magnetron 'can retain a lethal electrical charge even when unplugged’. Leave any magnetron-related maintenance to professional technicians to avoid dangerous mishaps.

View attachment 20922

The magnetron should not be touched. Source: ccohs.ca.

Natural Cleaning Solutions for Household Appliances​

When it comes to keeping our appliances clean, we should think twice before using harsh cleaning products. Not only can they release toxic fumes, leaving behind residue that can contaminate our food, but they can also corrode delicate electronic components or cause other unintentional damage.

Fortunately, environmentally conscious consumers have a range of natural, effective alternatives to choose from, including white vinegar, which can dissolve mineral deposits; Bicarb soda, perfect for removing grease and grime; and lemon juice, excellent for cutting through dirt and powerful odours.

If you don’t have the time or energy to DIY your cleaning solution, there are a wide variety of ready-made cleaners available in Woolworths and Coles.

Key Takeaways

• Many common mistakes can be made when cleaning a microwave, such as using harsh chemicals, neglecting the vent, and using abrasive tools.
• It is important to avoid these mistakes and use gentle cleaning techniques to maintain the microwave's efficiency and safety.
• Paying attention to smaller details, like cleaning the seals and hinges, can prevent unpleasant odours and potential issues down the line.
• The magnetron in the microwave should not be touched, as it can retain a lethal electrical charge even when unplugged, and any related issues should be addressed by a professional technician.

How do you plan to apply this newfound knowledge to effectively clean and maintain your microwave, guaranteeing its longevity and optimal performance? Share your strategies for keeping your microwave pristine and efficient, as a clean and well-functioning appliance is vital in our daily lives.

Happy cleaning, members!

Had to buy a new microwave because of non replaceable parts

We know how important it is to keep our kitchens sparkling clean and our appliances functioning efficiently. Our trusty microwaves are an absolute lifesaver—especially when it comes to whipping up a hot meal in a jiffy, defrosting dinner, or even making a quick mug cake on a chilly day.

However, despite our best intentions, many of us may be unknowingly making common cleaning mistakes that not only jeopardise the longevity of our microwaves but also affect their performance and hygiene. Well, have no fear, dear readers, because we've gathered expert advice to help you avoid these pitfalls and keep your microwaves in tip-top shape!

View attachment 20923

It is possible that many of us are unintentionally making common cleaning errors that can compromise the durability, performance, and hygiene of microwaves. Photo by Max Rahubovskiy

Cleaning With Harsh Chemicals​

Though you might be tempted to give the microwave a thorough cleaning with chemicals like bleach, ammonia, or oven cleaner, resist the temptation.

According to Kevin Geick, manager at biohazard cleaning company BioRecovery, ‘These substances can release toxic fumes when heated and leave behind residue that can contaminate your food. Stick to milder, microwave-safe cleaners or natural alternatives.

Neglecting The Vent​

Most microwaves come equipped with vents on their sides or back, which release hot air. Geick warns that 'these vents can become clogged with grease, dust, and debris, affecting the microwave's efficiency.' Ensure your appliance remains in good working order by regularly cleaning these vents with a fluffy brush or soft vacuum cleaner attachment.

Getting The Control Panel Too Wet​

Fingerprints and food splatters accumulate easily on the microwave's exterior control panel, but using excessive water or spraying it directly with a cleaning solution could damage the delicate electronic components. Karina Toner, operations manager of Spekless Cleaning, advises using a damp cloth or sponge to gently clean the buttons and panel.

Using Abrasive Tools Inside The Microwave​

While steel wool or abrasive scrubbers might seem like the right choice for tackling stubborn interior stains, they can actually cause more harm than good by scratching the microwave's interior and creating breeding grounds for bacteria. Toner recommends using softer cleaning tools like sponges or microfibre cloths to effectively and safely remove stains.

Forgetting About Seals And Hinges​

Focusing solely on the microwave's turntable, walls, and ceiling isn't enough. Don't overlook the door seals and hinges, where pesky food particles can get lodged and create unpleasant odours. Justin Carpenter, the owner of Modern Maids in Houston, encourages cleaning these often-overlooked areas.

Touching The Magnetron​

Deep cleaning your microwave may find you face to face with the magnetron, the component which generates waves, creating heat. Rocky Vuong, founder of Calibre Cleaning in Australia, warns that the magnetron 'can retain a lethal electrical charge even when unplugged’. Leave any magnetron-related maintenance to professional technicians to avoid dangerous mishaps.

View attachment 20922

The magnetron should not be touched. Source: ccohs.ca.

Natural Cleaning Solutions for Household Appliances​

When it comes to keeping our appliances clean, we should think twice before using harsh cleaning products. Not only can they release toxic fumes, leaving behind residue that can contaminate our food, but they can also corrode delicate electronic components or cause other unintentional damage.

Fortunately, environmentally conscious consumers have a range of natural, effective alternatives to choose from, including white vinegar, which can dissolve mineral deposits; Bicarb soda, perfect for removing grease and grime; and lemon juice, excellent for cutting through dirt and powerful odours.

If you don’t have the time or energy to DIY your cleaning solution, there are a wide variety of ready-made cleaners available in Woolworths and Coles.

Key Takeaways

• Many common mistakes can be made when cleaning a microwave, such as using harsh chemicals, neglecting the vent, and using abrasive tools.
• It is important to avoid these mistakes and use gentle cleaning techniques to maintain the microwave's efficiency and safety.
• Paying attention to smaller details, like cleaning the seals and hinges, can prevent unpleasant odours and potential issues down the line.
• The magnetron in the microwave should not be touched, as it can retain a lethal electrical charge even when unplugged, and any related issues should be addressed by a professional technician.

How do you plan to apply this newfound knowledge to effectively clean and maintain your microwave, guaranteeing its longevity and optimal performance? Share your strategies for keeping your microwave pristine and efficient, as a clean and well-functioning appliance is vital in our daily lives.

Happy cleaning, members!

Had to buy a new microwave because of non replaceable parts.
. The LED panel lost some lights, and the interior light burnt out. Hard to set timer or se what's cooking.

 

[SGH]

When we had to replace our last one, the new one doesn't have a turntable. I still look at it sometimes thinking something is wrong.

 

[Wandiwa]

Has anyone else noticed that microwaves only come door hinge on the left, controls on the right .... never seen one configured opposite to that. Anybody seen otherwise or know the reason?

 

[lAURY]

Mug full of cold water. Microwave till just boiling. Wipe clean with paper towel. Hey presto easy clean.

 

[Gsr]

I believe all appliances are made to an inferior standard to what they used to be. Nothing is made to last, otherwise the manufacturers would go out of business as people wouldn’t need to buy new items as after. Most appliances are made so they last just long enough til they are out of warranty, then people buy new ones as if the old one is repairable, which is unlikely, the cost is so high it is cheaper to buy a new one. We seem to live in a throw out society.

 

[Alan W]

To clean a Magnetron you would need to doing some serious dismantling and ignoring the warning stickers that say "only to be opened by a qualified technician". Not a normal thing that anyone would clean!

 

[Kayer02]

When we had to replace our last one, the new one doesn't have a turntable. I still look at it sometimes thinking something is wrong.

Wow ! Really. I have never seen or heard of a microwave with out a turntable. That is strange.. I suppose it's just like a washing machine without an agitator.

 

[MotherGoose]

Wow ! Really. I have never seen or heard of a microwave with out a turntable. That is strange.. I suppose it's just like a washing machine without an agitator.

My new one doesn't have a turntable either but it seems to work well without one. It is weird though, because when you look at it, you immediately think something is wrong, and then you remember...

 

[ssmith]

We know how important it is to keep our kitchens sparkling clean and our appliances functioning efficiently. Our trusty microwaves are an absolute lifesaver—especially when it comes to whipping up a hot meal in a jiffy, defrosting dinner, or even making a quick mug cake on a chilly day.

However, despite our best intentions, many of us may be unknowingly making common cleaning mistakes that not only jeopardise the longevity of our microwaves but also affect their performance and hygiene. Well, have no fear, dear readers, because we've gathered expert advice to help you avoid these pitfalls and keep your microwaves in tip-top shape!

View attachment 20923

It is possible that many of us are unintentionally making common cleaning errors that can compromise the durability, performance, and hygiene of microwaves. Photo by Max Rahubovskiy

Cleaning With Harsh Chemicals​

Though you might be tempted to give the microwave a thorough cleaning with chemicals like bleach, ammonia, or oven cleaner, resist the temptation.

According to Kevin Geick, manager at biohazard cleaning company BioRecovery, ‘These substances can release toxic fumes when heated and leave behind residue that can contaminate your food. Stick to milder, microwave-safe cleaners or natural alternatives.

Neglecting The Vent​

Most microwaves come equipped with vents on their sides or back, which release hot air. Geick warns that 'these vents can become clogged with grease, dust, and debris, affecting the microwave's efficiency.' Ensure your appliance remains in good working order by regularly cleaning these vents with a fluffy brush or soft vacuum cleaner attachment.

Getting The Control Panel Too Wet​

Fingerprints and food splatters accumulate easily on the microwave's exterior control panel, but using excessive water or spraying it directly with a cleaning solution could damage the delicate electronic components. Karina Toner, operations manager of Spekless Cleaning, advises using a damp cloth or sponge to gently clean the buttons and panel.

Using Abrasive Tools Inside The Microwave​

While steel wool or abrasive scrubbers might seem like the right choice for tackling stubborn interior stains, they can actually cause more harm than good by scratching the microwave's interior and creating breeding grounds for bacteria. Toner recommends using softer cleaning tools like sponges or microfibre cloths to effectively and safely remove stains.

Forgetting About Seals And Hinges​

Focusing solely on the microwave's turntable, walls, and ceiling isn't enough. Don't overlook the door seals and hinges, where pesky food particles can get lodged and create unpleasant odours. Justin Carpenter, the owner of Modern Maids in Houston, encourages cleaning these often-overlooked areas.

Touching The Magnetron​

Deep cleaning your microwave may find you face to face with the magnetron, the component which generates waves, creating heat. Rocky Vuong, founder of Calibre Cleaning in Australia, warns that the magnetron 'can retain a lethal electrical charge even when unplugged’. Leave any magnetron-related maintenance to professional technicians to avoid dangerous mishaps.

View attachment 20922

The magnetron should not be touched. Source: ccohs.ca.

Natural Cleaning Solutions for Household Appliances​

When it comes to keeping our appliances clean, we should think twice before using harsh cleaning products. Not only can they release toxic fumes, leaving behind residue that can contaminate our food, but they can also corrode delicate electronic components or cause other unintentional damage.

Fortunately, environmentally conscious consumers have a range of natural, effective alternatives to choose from, including white vinegar, which can dissolve mineral deposits; Bicarb soda, perfect for removing grease and grime; and lemon juice, excellent for cutting through dirt and powerful odours.

If you don’t have the time or energy to DIY your cleaning solution, there are a wide variety of ready-made cleaners available in Woolworths and Coles.

Key Takeaways

• Many common mistakes can be made when cleaning a microwave, such as using harsh chemicals, neglecting the vent, and using abrasive tools.
• It is important to avoid these mistakes and use gentle cleaning techniques to maintain the microwave's efficiency and safety.
• Paying attention to smaller details, like cleaning the seals and hinges, can prevent unpleasant odours and potential issues down the line.
• The magnetron in the microwave should not be touched, as it can retain a lethal electrical charge even when unplugged, and any related issues should be addressed by a professional technician.

How do you plan to apply this newfound knowledge to effectively clean and maintain your microwave, guaranteeing its longevity and optimal performance? Share your strategies for keeping your microwave pristine and efficient, as a clean and well-functioning appliance is vital in our daily lives.

Happy cleaning, members!

I clean my microwave using just warwe that I heat up in the microwave and then just wipe down all the surfaces with a soft rag. Works for me every time

 

[Defiant540]

I clean my microwave using just warwe that I heat up in the microwave and then just wipe down all the surfaces with a soft rag. Works for me every time

warwe???