
Think about your day.
Morning coffee.
Lunch leftovers.
Late-night snacks.
Your microwave is right there with you.
Faithfully buzzing along.
Day after day.
But how long can it keep that up?
Five years?
Ten?
Maybe longer — if you treat it right.
The truth?
Most microwaves fail early because of small oversights.
Tiny habits that slowly wear them down.
The good news?
It doesn’t take much to keep your microwave happy.
A few simple routines can save you hundreds — even thousands — over time.
Why Should You Even Care?
Let’s be honest.
Microwaves aren’t exactly glamorous.
They sit in the corner, hum a little, and do their job.
But try living without one for a week.
Cold pasta.
Hardened butter.
That half-drunk tea you keep reheating on the stove (and forgetting).
Not fun.
Not convenient.
Plus, replacing a decent microwave isn’t cheap.
And repairs?
They can quickly eat into your monthly budget.
Wouldn’t you rather keep yours running smoothly for years?
So you can spend your money — and your mental energy — on things that matter.
Keep That Interior Spotless
Food splatters are more than ugly.
They turn into crusty carbon deposits that absorb microwave energy.
That means less power gets to your food — and more stress on internal parts.
Want an easier life?
Wipe it down after every use.
Just a quick pass with a damp cloth.
For stubborn spots, microwave a bowl of water with a slice of lemon or splash of vinegar.
Three minutes.
Let it steam.
Then wipe.
It loosens gunk.
Kills smells.
Takes 30 seconds.
But saves your microwave from overworking.
Don’t Slam The Door — Ever
Most people don’t realise the door isn’t just a lid.
It’s a safety system.
There are interlocks inside that tell your microwave when it’s safe to start.
Slamming it stresses those parts.
Same with pulling it open too fast.
A door that doesn’t close right?
A microwave that doesn’t run — or worse, runs unsafely.
So take an extra second.
Open it gently.
Close it lightly.
Every single time.
Give It Space To Breathe
Microwaves build heat.
That heat needs somewhere to go.
Cram it between two walls, or pile junk around it, and you’re basically choking it.
That means higher internal temperatures, which shortens its life.
So check your microwave now.
Is there at least a few inches of space on all sides?
Is the top clear for air flow?
If not, slide it out.
Clear off the top.
Let it breathe.
Simple move.
Huge impact.
Always Use The Right Containers
How many times have you microwaved takeaway containers?
Or mystery plastics from the back of the cupboard?
Problem is, some plastics release chemicals.
Others warp.
And metal — even tiny foil bits — can spark.
Use only containers marked microwave-safe.
Glass and ceramic are usually safe bets.
And those “microwave covers” to stop splatters?
They’re lifesavers.
A few bucks to keep your microwave spotless.
Don’t Run It Empty (Seriously)
It sounds silly.
But people do it more than you’d think.
You put a mug inside.
Forget to add water.
Or hit start by accident with nothing inside.
With no food to absorb the microwaves, all that energy bounces around.
It overloads the magnetron (the main heating part).
It can burn it out in seconds.
Always double-check.
Food inside?
Great.
Start.
Clean The Turntable And Wheels
Ever wonder why your plate sometimes jerks or grinds?
It’s probably crumbs stuck under the glass.
Or grease on the roller ring.
Lift out the turntable.
Wipe it.
Wash the little wheels underneath.
It helps your microwave cook evenly.
Reduces strain on the motor.
And stops that annoying squeal.
Keep The Outside In Check
Dust loves to gather on vents.
So does grease from nearby cooking.
A clogged vent means poor air flow.
Poor air flow means overheating.
And overheating… well, you know the story.
Run a soft brush or vacuum nozzle over those slats once in a while.
Wipe with a damp cloth.
Easy.
Listen For Trouble
Microwaves talk to you.
Not literally (thankfully).
But through weird noises, smells, and slow cooking times.
If it suddenly takes twice as long to heat your soup?
Or you smell something burnt?
Or hear a loud humming you never noticed before?
Stop using it.
Unplug it.
Call a professional.
Little problems caught early are cheap to fix.
Big problems ignored turn into full replacements.
Why Choose A Pro?
Because even the best care can’t stop natural wear.
The magnetron will eventually tire.
The door seal can wear out.
That’s when you want experts.
Not guesswork.
Not dodgy YouTube fixes.
If you’re in Melbourne, you’re lucky.
Oven Fixer does Microwave Oven Repair Services and full Oven Repairs And Installation In Melbourne.
They know exactly what to look for.
Fix things right the first time.
And stand by their work.
That way, you’re back to warm meals — without long waits or surprise costs.
Thinking Of Upgrading?
Sometimes it just makes sense.
If your microwave is more duct tape than appliance, or costs more to fix than replace — it’s time.
But installation matters.
Especially for built-in or over-the-range models.
Oven Fixer can help there too.
They’ll install it, ensure it’s perfectly level, vented right, and compliant with safety codes.
No wobbles.
No overheating.
No DIY regrets.
Tiny Habits, Big Rewards
Funny how the smallest things add up.
A quick wipe.
An inch of breathing space.
The right bowl.
Together, they can give your microwave years more life.
And save you hundreds.
Recap: Your Easy Maintenance Checklist
- Wipe it down after every use.
- Use microwave-safe dishes only.
- Never run it empty.
- Open and close the door gently.
- Keep vents and turntable clean.
- Give it space on all sides.
- Listen for strange noises or slow heating.
- Call a pro at the first sign of trouble.
Want It To Last Even Longer?
Then don’t wait until it’s dead.
Get it checked.
Or repaired by people who know exactly what they’re doing.
If you’re in Melbourne, Oven Fixer has your back.
Their Microwave Oven Repair Services keep your kitchen running — with no fuss, hidden fees, or half-done jobs.
Because hot meals aren’t a luxury.
They’re a daily comfort.
And your microwave deserves to stick around to deliver them.