How to Extend the Life of Your Microwave Oven?
In order for your oven to serve for a long time, without ceasing to delight with healthy and tasty dishes, you must strictly follow the conditions of its operation. There are a number of requirements for the placement of the oven in the room, for its cleaning, as well as for the dishes that are used in it.
Let's take a quick look at how to properly install the microwave.
First of all, remember that this device is installed strictly on a horizontal surface, at a height of at least 60 cm from the floor. The upper gap should be at least 20cm, and the oven should be at a distance of 10-15cm from the wall. This is essential to ensure adequate ventilation. In order to give the stove stability, so as not to accidentally overturn it on the floor, the front edge of the door should be 10 cm deep from the edge of the surface on which it is installed.
On top and on the side surfaces of the microwave, as a rule, there are ventilation holes, so it is necessary to place it so that they do not overlap in any way.
Manufacturers do not recommend installing microwave near other heat sources, or near a refrigerator (the recommended distance between them is 20cm or more). This applies especially to combi ovens, grills or ovens with a double boiler, because they get hotter and therefore generate more heat.
Also note that not all utensils can be used in the microwave.
The existing widest selection of cookware, specially designed for microwave ovens, is able to satisfy all human needs. As a rule, it is made from heat-resistant materials (fired ceramics, heat-resistant glass, etc.). These dishes are very convenient and beautiful, and dishes in it can not only be cooked or reheated, but also served. In grill ovens, you can also use dishes made of ceramics, stone, as well as special baking foil. In microwave ovens, it is allowed to use wooden dishes (for heating), plastic and paper. Ceramics and stone must first be tested for strength. Also, in microwave ovens, wax paper can be used in small quantities. But be sure to remember that metal dishes, as well as those with gold and silver rims or glaze, are categorically unsuitable for use. Failure to do so will result in unwanted electrical discharges. Also, do not use ordinary plastic dishes, because it can melt. Only heat-resistant plastic is suitable, on which there is a special mark on the possibility of using it in microwave ovens. Do not place thin glassware in the oven as it may burst.
How to clean the oven properly?
When purchasing a microwave oven, be sure to pay attention to the quality of its coating, as it will determine whether it is good or bad to clean. For example, a microwave oven with smooth walls made of heat-resistant enamel is easy to clean. But on its surface, small scratches or cracks may appear, in which fat will then accumulate. The ceramic coating is more resistant to damage, in addition, food residues do not stick to it at all. Stainless steel easily tolerates high temperatures and is very easy to clean (even with abrasive powders). The antibacterial coating prevents bacteria from growing, and the Teflon coating prevents food from burning. It is easy to clean, but do not use hard brushes. It is afraid of various kinds of minor injuries.
The glass turntable is washed and cleaned either by hand in soapy, warm water, or in the dishwasher. Then it must be wiped dry, and only then installed in its place.
It is better to remove dirt from the outside of the device with a damp and soapy sponge, after which the surface must be wiped dry with a napkin. Clean the touch panel and door using a damp cloth or tissue.
Never allow food residues, grease and crumbs to accumulate on the door insulation, as this will lead to a loss of tightness.
To remove dried food residues and stubborn grease stains, feel free to place a glass of water in the oven and boil it for five minutes. The generated steam will come to your aid.
When cleaning, try not to touch the ventilation windows, as well as the cardboard that covers the magnetron.
To save yourself from the unpleasant smell in the oven, you need to boil a glass of water with a slice of lemon in it.
Observe precautions!
We strongly do not recommend turning on an empty microwave, otherwise it may simply fail. For the same reason, you should not put food weighing less than 200g into the oven. If you need to warm up a sandwich or a very small portion of food, put the same life-saving glass of water with it.
The door of the microwave oven must be kept closed at all times, since there is no need for ventilation. Make sure that the door fits snugly against the body of the device.
Do not use the oven for drying dishes and sterilizing empty jars, cooking eggs in shells, or heating food in tightly closed containers. Pierce sausage casings, potato skins, apples and egg yolks before cooking. Otherwise, they will simply “explode”, after which your oven will be a disastrous sight.
Follow the listed basic rules, and you can extend the life of your microwave oven... Following simple rules does not take a lot of time, and in return you get many years of flawless work of your home pet.
