Microwaves changed the face of cooking for a whole generation of families, making it easier for busy, working people to provide hot meals in less time. However, because microwaves use radiation to cook food, there have long been concerns about the potential risks of using this modern convenience.
Common Microwave Safety Hazards
Radiation exposure
Electrical hazards
What to Look For in Your Microwave
For limited exposure to radiation from your microwave, you want to make sure that the door seal and lock work well. Be wary if the door doesn’t seal tightly or if you notice any warping. Sparks during operation can be another sign that something is wrong with a seal or that a vent may be blocked by grease or other food byproducts.
Radiation and electrical problems can also stem from a broken or damaged stirrer, which makes sure the energy is evenly distributed around the machine. This means that microwave energy would be concentrated in one area of your microwave, rather than evenly distributed. This can be caused if there is something wrong with the stirrer belt or the fan.
How to Maintain Microwave Safety
Always clean your microwave after use. Don’t let food waste or splattered grease and oils build up. Glisten microwave sponges make deep cleaning easy—they can remove sticky and greasy foods, and they are also biodegradable. For quickly wiping up everyday messes, Weiman microwave wipes are a convenient way to avoid potential dangers from cooked-on food.
If you fear that there is a problem with any part of your microwave, contact a qualified professional to get to the bottom of things. Because microwaves can deliver a shock even if they are unplugged, your best bet to stay clear of electrical hazards and radiation exposure is to bring in a pro. If you’re having doubts about the safety of your microwave, it’s best to properly dispose of the suspect and pick up a new one.
Keeping your home and family safe is a crucial part of providing a clean, healthy living environment. The appliances we rely on every day are easy to overlook when conducting a home safety inspection, but they need to have a permanent spot on your safety checklist. Use this appliance safety guide to help you get started.