Microwave Maintenance for Fire Prevention

12/6/2021 (Permalink)

Preventing Fires With Microwave Maintenance

If you have a microwave in your Etowah, OK, home, then you may be wondering how you can get rid of that pesky smoke smell that comes with frequent use. Fortunately, some routine maintenance may solve this problem. Here are a few things you can do to prevent both odors and potential fire danger.

Maintenance Steps You Can Take

Maintaining a clean appliance is as important for fire prevention as it is for a properly functioning unit. Here are some steps you can take:

• If applicable, replace any filters regularly. Filters are most commonly seen on models located over the vent grill.
  
• Clean your appliance often to avoid grease and food particle buildup. These can burn and even cause a fire if allowed to remain.
  
• Only use microwaveable materials in the unit when heating food. Dishes should be marked as microwave-safe.
  
• Never put metal material of any kind inside the appliance.

Cleaning Options

In many cases a regular cleaning can solve smoke smell problems. There are many cleaners on the market for use on kitchen appliances, but vinegar, soap and water are also good cleaning options. You can put a microwaveable bowl with vinegar and water into the unit and heat it until it begins to steam. The steaming process will help loosen any built-up food, allowing you to clean it off.

What To Do After a Fire

In the event a fire does occur, the first step should be to get it out as quickly as possible. You may have a fire extinguisher on hand or need to call emergency personnel. Afterward, cleaning up the fire damage is often the next task. A fire damage restoration service may be able to help. The professionals can make repairs to your home and remove smoke odors. In some cases they can salvage damaged appliances.

Regular maintenance can not only help keep your appliance free of that awful smoke smell, but it can also help prevent a potential fire. Remember, in the event a fire does occur, a professional can help make any repairs necessary to your home.