Ten Microwave Caring Tips

Care is the key to making your appliances last long. Every appliance has its own caring guidelines. If you follow those guidelines carefully then for sure your microwave or any appliance for that matter will last longer than you expect. Here are some of those guidelines for microwaves.

1. Not all mugs, bowls, plates and other kitchen utensils are microwaveable. Do not expect ordinary plastic to survive the microwave when you use it for heating, defrosting or cooking.

Microwave ovens tend to become really, really hot that is why food containers used for microwaving food items is made up of a very special material. Not only is ordinary plastic incapable of surviving the microwave, the same thing goes to ordinary glass too. So when you are cooking food in the microwave make sure the container is microwave safe or microwaveable.

2. Microwaveable dishes usually come with a cover so it is best that you use it to avoid splatters and spills inside your microwave. If the dish you are cooking requires a loose cover then you can use paper towels or wax paper to cover it.

3. The microwave is not built for deep frying. In addition, you won't be able to do such because most microwaves have interlock systems so it won't work when the lid is open. When you have to do some deep frying, use the stove instead.

4. Most feeding bottles are not microwave safe so do not use the microwave when heating or sterilizing these feeding bottles. These bottles are not made to survive the heat inside the microwave oven so it will probably melt inside.

5. The microwave is not a dryer so do not attempt to dry your clothes and other items inside it. Microwaves are made for cooking not for drying.

6. If you see some damage to your microwave or anything beyond normal, have it checked or repaired. This is important because a defective microwave can have disastrous results. Other than that, leaving minor defects can hamper your oven's function as well as end it up to become a very serious and dangerous defect.

7. Always read the manual before you attempt to operate your microwave. Microwave ovens may seem to function or work the same way but each manufacturer has its own special function or feature. So it is best that you get to know your microwave before using it.

8. Always use the appropriate power supply. If the manual says 110 volts, then use 110 volts. If it says 220 volts, use 220 volts. Not using the appropriate power supply can result to your microwave oven getting destroyed.

9. Clean the oven after each use. Even though there are no spills or spatters it is still ideal to wipe it clean. When cleaning, avoid using scouring pads because these will surely scratch the surface of your oven. When cleaning, do not just clean the inside but the outside as well. Lastly, do not forget to wipe dry.

10. Place your microwave oven in a dry place. If you are using a counter top microwave oven, place it away from the sink. Remember that your oven uses electricity and when electricity gets in contact with water it does not only affect your appliance but it can also cause electrocution.