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Condensation inside and outside your microwave is entirely normal, especially when cooking certain foods. But what if there is too much water? Can your appliance handle it?
Read on to find out if your microwave is waterproof or not.
Here’s if Microwaves Can Get Wet:
Microwaves are not waterproof. However, they can handle a little condensation. Condensation inside your appliance happens when you cook high-moisture food. The steam expelled from the food touches the cold oven walls, causing it to precipitate. Sometimes, this creates a small puddle on the oven floor.
What Happens if a Microwave Gets Wet?
Your microwave is not designed to hold water, so you should avoid getting it wet. Water in an electrical appliance can cause damage or pose a hazard if it isn’t dried thoroughly before use.
Microwave ovens work by producing electromagnetic waves that heat your food. These waves bounce off the metal surfaces inside the oven before being absorbed by the food.
Unlike conventional ovens, microwaves don’t heat the entire compartment. Instead, the water molecules in the food vibrate, generating heat that cooks the food. During this process, steam from high-moisture foods can condense into water droplets inside the oven.
To manage condensation, microwaves draw air through vents, helping cool internal components and expel moisture. However, sometimes water can still pool at the bottom of the oven or collect on its walls, especially when cooking foods with high water content.
While occasional condensation is normal, excessive or frequent buildup can damage the interior. Over time, this might cause paint to peel or rust to form, which, while not immediately hazardous, can reduce the appliance’s lifespan.
The most significant danger is if water leaks into electrical components. This can cause corrosion, which weakens the ability of conductors to transmit electricity properly. Corroded components may overheat and, in rare cases, could cause a fire.
Additionally, prolonged moisture inside the microwave may lead to mold growth, especially if food debris is left behind. Mold can release unpleasant odors and, if left unchecked, may trigger allergic reactions or respiratory symptoms.
To prevent these issues, keep your microwave dry and clean.
Why Do Microwaves Get Wet Inside?
There are two main reasons your microwave gets wet inside: condensation and blocked vents.
Condensation is a natural byproduct of cooking or reheating food with high water content. Steam from the food condenses upon contact with the cooler walls of the oven, sometimes forming water puddles.
This is normal and does not usually affect the microwave’s performance. However, if water gets trapped between the glass layers of the microwave door, you can leave the door open for about 15 minutes to allow moisture to evaporate. Good ventilation helps prevent these issues.
Blocked vents are another common cause of excess moisture. Your microwave’s vents help expel condensation and prevent overheating by keeping internal components cool. Dirt or debris blocking these vents can cause moisture to accumulate inside.
Regularly check and clean the vents with a stiff brush to remove dirt. Always unplug the microwave before cleaning to avoid electrical hazards.
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