Whether you use it every day or a few times a week, your microwave is easily one of the most convenient appliances you own. And the minute it stops being convenient and starts acting funky is the minute you ought to address the problem. These are the problems you shouldn’t ignore, according to experts. 

A burning smell.
“A burning smell (and smoke) is a sign something is amiss with your microwave and you should immediately turn off and unplug it,” says Ron Shimek, president of Mr. Appliance, a Neighborly company. This could be as minor (for example, caked-on food burning to a crisp), or it could be a more serious wiring or an electrical issue. Either way, ignoring this issue can ultimately result in a fire. For that reason, Shimek says that you should “definitely call an appliance repair technician right away, as they can help to diagnose the problem.” 

Caked-on splatters.
Not cleaning food splatters can make for a very time-consuming chore down the road, but it can also shorten the life of your microwave. “While these may seem harmless, over time microwave splatters can turn rock-hard and even burn the walls of this small appliance,” says Shimek. “To extend the life of your microwave and keep it running in top shape, make sure you wipe it down with a warm cloth daily. This will remove residue on the inside of the microwave that can keep air from circulating inside the machine, which is how it heats food.”

Weird sounds while cooking.
All microwaves have a low and steady “hum” while they cook, but if yours starts making other weird noises, it’s time to investigate. Any sort of rattling, clanking, or louder-than-normal sound could be a sign of an electrical or motor issue. And this is important to check out sooner rather than later since continuing to run your microwave could cause sparks or a fire. While you’re at it, make sure that you’re not microwaving anything you shouldn’t.

A malfunctioning display or buttons that don’t work properly.
If your microwave display screen flickers or blinks, or the buttons seem stuck or finicky, it’s time to diagnose the problem. It may just be a temporary circuit-board issue that can be reset by unplugging and plugging the microwave back in, says Appliance Service Station. Or it could be an electrical issue, which is a greater cause for concern since that puts the device at risk for sparking or smoking, notes SFGate.

A door that doesn’t close completely.
Speaking of the exterior, if the door of your microwave won’t close, then it’s important to address the issue right away. Having the door sealed tightly ensures that all radiation stays inside, according to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). The cause could be as simple as a loose screw or a piece of food impending closure, or it may be time to replace your microwave. 

SOURCE: rd.com

Whether you use it every day or a few times a week, your microwave is easily one of the most convenient appliances you own. And the minute it stops being convenient and starts acting funky is the minute you ought to address the problem. These are the problems you shouldn’t ignore, according to experts. 

A burning smell.
“A burning smell (and smoke) is a sign something is amiss with your microwave and you should immediately turn off and unplug it,” says Ron Shimek, president of Mr. Appliance, a Neighborly company. This could be as minor (for example, caked-on food burning to a crisp), or it could be a more serious wiring or an electrical issue. Either way, ignoring this issue can ultimately result in a fire. For that reason, Shimek says that you should “definitely call an appliance repair technician right away, as they can help to diagnose the problem.” 

Caked-on splatters.
Not cleaning food splatters can make for a very time-consuming chore down the road, but it can also shorten the life of your microwave. “While these may seem harmless, over time microwave splatters can turn rock-hard and even burn the walls of this small appliance,” says Shimek. “To extend the life of your microwave and keep it running in top shape, make sure you wipe it down with a warm cloth daily. This will remove residue on the inside of the microwave that can keep air from circulating inside the machine, which is how it heats food.”

Weird sounds while cooking.
All microwaves have a low and steady “hum” while they cook, but if yours starts making other weird noises, it’s time to investigate. Any sort of rattling, clanking, or louder-than-normal sound could be a sign of an electrical or motor issue. And this is important to check out sooner rather than later since continuing to run your microwave could cause sparks or a fire. While you’re at it, make sure that you’re not microwaving anything you shouldn’t.

A malfunctioning display or buttons that don’t work properly.
If your microwave display screen flickers or blinks, or the buttons seem stuck or finicky, it’s time to diagnose the problem. It may just be a temporary circuit-board issue that can be reset by unplugging and plugging the microwave back in, says Appliance Service Station. Or it could be an electrical issue, which is a greater cause for concern since that puts the device at risk for sparking or smoking, notes SFGate.

A door that doesn’t close completely.
Speaking of the exterior, if the door of your microwave won’t close, then it’s important to address the issue right away. Having the door sealed tightly ensures that all radiation stays inside, according to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). The cause could be as simple as a loose screw or a piece of food impending closure, or it may be time to replace your microwave. 

SOURCE: rd.com