Smoke in the kitchen is always an alarming sign, and one must be extra careful if it’s coming from the microwave. First and foremost, disconnect the microwave from the main power supply and open all the doors and windows.
Next, try figuring out why the microwave is giving out smoke. Here’s a list of things that might be helpful.
White Smoke From Microwave – What To Do?
1. Have you been overusing the microwave?
Have you been having a busy day in the kitchen? Sometimes we tend to overuse the microwave without realizing it.
Although these days, most microwaves are assembled using the latest technology and can work for hours at a stretch, you still need to be careful of overusing them.
Fix:
If you feel like you’ve needed the microwave more than usual, try giving short breaks between microwaving the next food. The break would give the microwave enough time to cool down. Don’t microwave anything for longer than 8-10 minutes.
If it’s an overuse issue, the smoke will disappear once the microwave cools down. In case of any foul smell accompanying the smoke, let your microwave rest for a longer duration before you use it again.
2. Make sure never to microwave metal
It’s a known rule never to microwave anything that is metal. Check if you accidentally left something that is metal inside the microwave. This includes cutlery and metal (including foil) dishes.
While some believe that metal will cause the microwave to blow up, this is not true. If a smooth metal dish is used, such as one made of stainless steel, the only thing you will see is that the food will not heat up.
Microwaves cannot penetrate metal. They can induce an electric current that leads to arcing and sparks. If there is anything combustible in the oven, you may see some white smoke and even fire.
Fix:
To be on the safe side, make it a rule to never use anything metal in the microwave. Stick to microwave-safe glass and ceramic containers.
3. It could be a short circuit
At times the diodes inside the microwave burn and short circuit. The short-circuiting lead to smoke in the kitchen. Other than the rectifier diode, the high-voltage capacitor and the magnetron are also prone to damage.
If you’re not familiar with these parts, it’s better not to attempt to fix them yourself. Instead, get help from a qualified electrician to avoid any safety hazards.
Fix:
If you can’t figure out why there’s smoke coming out of the microwave, seek help from a qualified electrician or an official representative from the microwave manufacturer.
Most microwaves come with a warranty, so it’s wise to call the company and let them assess the damage in case of an electric issue.
4. Are you using microwave-safe dishes?
You can’t put any old dish inside the microwave if you’re heating food for a longer duration. It is better to be safe than sorry.
Fix:
Invest in good microwave-safe dishes to avoid any unwanted situations.
5. When was the last time you cleaned the microwave?
A dirty microwave is not only a health hazard but also a safety hazard. At times, smoke comes from residual food particles left inside the microwave.
Fix:
Properly clean your microwave on the inside every week if you use it a lot. Here’s how: first, mix two tablespoons of white vinegar with a cup of water in a microwave-safe bowl.
Add a slice of lemon or a few drops of essential oil if you like. Put this inside the microwave and cook it on high for five minutes. You want to generate steam to loosen the grime.
Leave it undisturbed for ten minutes, then open the oven and remove the hot bowl. Next, unplug the device from the main socket. Use a soft, wet cloth dipped into your vinegar solution to wipe down the inside of the microwave.
Use a soft sponge for any stubborn dirt. Wash the glass plate in the dishwasher or by hand if you prefer. Wipe everything down with a dry cloth and plug the oven in again. It is now fresh, clean, and ready for use.
To Conclude
We hope our troubleshooting guide has helped you to locate the source of the white smoke coming from your microwave oven. If in any doubt, do not hesitate to contact an electrician.