When it comes to performing maintenance on your kitchen appliances, you probably don't spend a lot of time thinking about your microwave. While a microwave is relatively simple to operate, there are still some things you can do to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Here are a few tips to help ensure your microwave will remain in good condition for a long time to come.

Respect the Weight Limit

Microwaves with a turntable often include a maximum weight limit that the turning dish inside the microwave can hold. If you try and put an especially heavy baking dish or a heavy frozen item into the microwave, you could end up damaging the mechanism that the microwave uses to turn the dish. Educate yourself on this weight limit and stick with using your oven if you need to heat up something especially bulky or heavy.

Be Gentler with the Door

People don't tend to use a lot of care when opening or shutting the microwave door. It's far too easy to pop open the microwave, quickly toss something in, and then slam the door shut. Your microwave can withstand a lot of abuse, but if you are too hard on the door, you might end up causing wear and tear over time. The door's latches will gradually break down, and you might one day end up with a door that won't shut or open like it's supposed to. 

Don't Let Stains Linger

We've all had a stain or two in our microwave from food splattering or boiling over while the microwave was in use. You might not think a couple of drops of food here or there is a big deal, but this can also cause a problem over time. Everything inside your microwave sucks up energy when the microwave is in use, and that includes the food stains. If you leave the stains in there, they will continue to burn up every time the microwave is turned on. You could end up with a burn that causes permanent cosmetic damage to your microwave or one that even damages an internal component. Get into the habit of wiping down your microwave after every use if you notice food or liquid has splattered. If you get to it while the stain is still fresh, it shouldn't take you more than a few seconds to take care of.

Clean your microwave on a regular basis, be easy on the door, and don't put anything too heavy on the turntable and you should end up with a microwave that will serve your family well for many years. If you do encounter any problems, contact a microwave repair service today