Microwaves have been a popular kitchen appliance in many households and businesses. After years of use, it could be pretty common for microwave ovens to develop rust in the cavity.
Is a microwave oven with rust inside dangerous? Should you use a microwave with rust inside to cook food? Is there anything you can do with the rust inside your microwave?
Before you use a microwave with rust inside to heat food, here’s what you need to know.
Is a Microwave with Rust Inside Dangerous?
Is it dangerous to use a microwave with rust inside to cook? It is generally safe to use a microwave with rust inside. Rust on the cavity of a microwave usually does not have negative influences on its performance.
The working principle of the microwave oven relies on the conversion of microwave energy into heat. With that being said, we need to recognize that microwave radiation won’t be able to penetrate iron objects.
That is to say, the rust on the inside of the microwave won’t cause microwave leakage nor affect the normal operation of the microwave oven.
However, there are always exceptions. If the rust inside the microwave is so severe that it could cause damage to the magnetron or lead to microwave leakage.
In that case, it would be recommended to stop cooking with the microwave with rust inside, and ask a professional for help.
Before it’s properly inspected and repaired, it would be a good idea not to use the microwave with rust inside for the sake of safety and equipment maintenance.
What to Do When Your Microwave Has Rust Inside?
However, to keep things safe and to help your microwave remain in good shape, it would be better off if the rust could be cleaned up and fixed with paint.
There are several things you should do to cope with the rust inside your microwave oven:
- First, you’d want to carefully sand the rust inside the microwave oven. If the rust is not too severe, you could easily get rid of the rust with this step.
- White vinegar or baking soda would come in handy at the moment. Mix some of the vinegar or baking soda with water, and have a cloth dipped with it. Now you can wipe the rusty area with the damp cloth.
- However, if the rust is too severe, something chemical might become necessary. Now you can use the cleanser or rust remover to further clean the rusty area. You can spray the rust remover or cleanser on the rusty area and then wipe it with a clean cloth.
- When you have the rust removed and cleaned the rusty area, you can use some anti-rust paint to protect the cavity of your microwave oven and prevent further rusting.
- It’s recommended to clean the microwave oven cavity regularly. It can help avoid food residue and moisture retention and thus effectively prevent rust from happening.
NOTES: When conducting the approaches outlined above, make sure to use cleansers and anti-rust paints that are safe to use around food and do follow the instructions provided with these products.
If you are not sure what to do with the rust inside your microwave oven, it is always a good idea to seek advice from the manufacturer of your microwave or a qualified service provider.