Microwaves are an incredible invention that can help people create and heat meals quickly. Oftentimes, people do not feel like a kitchen is complete without a microwave due to the variety of uses it has. However, getting and owning a new microwave can bring up some unique challenges, so can you use your new microwave right after you buy it?
It is not recommended that people use new microwaves right out of the box. It is recommended that people inspect the user packet, clean the inside, and remove any manufacturing materials. People would benefit from testing the microwave with water to make sure it heats food safely.
Once people perform these few actions, they will feel and be much safer. There are also many more things that people should know about new microwave use. Some of the aspects include a more in-depth view of how to clean a new microwave, recommended safety tips for microwave usage, how to maintain a new microwave over time, and how to combat basic microwave issues as they arise. Keep reading to find out more.
How to Prep a New Microwave for Use
New microwaves can require a few basic steps before use. One of these steps involves reading about the model of the microwave and its unique features. Many microwaves are made slightly differently to be able to fit different needs. If a person is able to read and apply what is in the user’s manual, they would be better prepared to take care of the microwave long term.
You will also need to prep a new microwave for use. When people get a new microwave, there is often stuff on the microwave to prevent damage. Some of this includes plastic sheets on metal portions of a microwave, plastic covering over the door to prevent damage to the door latches, and bubble wrap to prevent dings and dents in transportation. People need to remove the plastic and other manufacturing materials to avoid accidentally melting them in the microwave and potentially poisoning the food inside.
The last big step is to clean out the inside of the microwave. This can help people avoid their food smelling weird and kill dust and other germs inside the machine. People recommend heating a bowl of water in the microwave for up to 10 minutes. By doing this, the water condenses on the walls of the microwave. The additional time and heat also help an owner make sure that the microwave is working correctly.
Some people recommend adding a wooden spoon to the bowl to avoid having superheated water. After having the water heated up in the bowl, an owner is supposed to take the bowl out of the microwave and use a cloth to clean the water out of the microwave. This process loosens materials in the microwave that are not meant to be consumed and allows the owner to easily clean the microwave.
After doing all of this, a microwave is ready to be used and you know that the microwave is working properly.
Recommended Microwave Safety Tips
Since microwaves are machines with a variety of parts and use radioactive waves, there can be some health concerns if a microwave is not used correctly. People who own microwaves should be aware of and apply these safety tips to avoid getting sick or causing an electrical malfunction.
The first tip is to read and understand how your microwave works. When you understand this, you are able to identify model-specific issues and address them properly. After that, make sure that you use proper microwave procedures. Use the correct dishware in the microwave and don’t overheat products.
If a person puts in a dish that is not microwave safe, the dish could melt and contaminate the food. If a person overheats food, they risk being severely burned upon removing the food from the microwave. As long as people are willing to use the microwave correctly, there should not be any man-made issues.
Another important thing to note is that some microwave issues should not be ignored. These issues can include microwaves that appear to be on when they are not supposed to be and microwaves with damaged doors. Both of these can signal a leak in radiation, which can be harmful. If you notice these issues, don’t use your microwave until it is repaired.
How to Maintain a New Microwave Over Time
Microwaves are built to last! Owners of new microwaves should be able to anticipate getting several years out of the machine before they need a new one. There are many different tools and tricks that can help promote microwave longevity.
A lot of these tips and tricks overlap with basic microwave care. However, starting early and being consistent with how a person uses the microwave can prevent many issues. For example, cleaning the microwave frequently can help prevent the microwave from developing hot spots caused by food spillage. Hot spots can destroy machinery, so preventing them is essential.
Another simple trick is to be gentle with the door. Improper door use can break the door hinges, seals, or latches. The door is the main component keeping the energy inside the machine. This can help prevent additional health concerns and make the microwave last much longer.
Other basic ideas that can help promote and keep microwaves working well include only running the microwave with the correct materials inside. If the microwave is empty, the microwaves inside can overheat the microwave and cause additional damage to the machinery. Improper materials in the microwave also mess with the energy placement and can cause fires and other issues.
For people who have a microwave over their oven, there are some additional preventative steps that should be taken. These steps include avoiding steam condensation on the bottom of the microwave and washing filters regularly. Avoiding condensation from the steam of the food on the stovetop helps prevent the microwave from rusting and deteriorating. Cleaning the filter also helps prevent microwave issues in the long run.
With all of this in mind, a new microwave owner should feel much more comfortable setting up their new microwave. They also will be much more prepared for microwave ownership long term. Hopefully, they will be able to use their microwave for a long time and have many warm meals because of it.
