One worrisome thing about rust in the microwave might just be that it signals that you have uncovered metal. Some microwaves can handle this but others might spark or flare (like when you've accidentally put something with foil in there, or if you have a metal rim on a plate).
In terms of the rust itself, here's one answer from a consumer question and answer board:
"As long as the oven's metal bottom is sound underneath the rust, there isn't a problem. The cooking chamber walls are so thick and highly conducting that they reflect the microwaves extremely well even when they have a little rust on them. However, if the metal is so rusted that it loses most of its conductivity in the rust sites, you'll get local heating across the rusty patches and eventually leakage of microwaves. If you're really concerned that there may be trouble, run the microwave oven empty for about 20 seconds and then (carefully!) touch the rusty spots. If they aren't hot, then the metal underneath is doing its job just fine."
Here's another Q&A in the Minneapolis Star Tribune:
"Q I found a little rust spot inside my microwave. Is this a problem?
"A Not necessarily. Rust comes from moisture. Unless it's extensive, rust won't hinder microwave operation. But rust could lead to a penetration of the metal and arcing when the oven is operating. That could make the spot larger or cause microwave energy to leak.
"If the spot is not too large, it can be touched up. Check with your local hardware or home store or an appliance-repair shop that works with microwaves. In many cases, however, it's cheaper to buy a new microwave."
This apparently is not an uncommon problem: I found a microwave interior spray paint with a Whirlpool endorsement and a special label for "Pressurized finishes." It's possible you could get it at a local home improvement store after removing the rust yourself:
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One worrisome thing about rust in the microwave might just be that it signals that you have uncovered metal. Some microwaves can handle this but others might spark or flare (like when you've accidentally put something with foil in there, or if you have a metal rim on a plate).
In terms of the rust itself, here's one answer from a consumer question and answer board:
"As long as the oven's metal bottom is sound underneath the rust, there isn't a problem. The cooking chamber walls are so thick and highly conducting that they reflect the microwaves extremely well even when they have a little rust on them. However, if the metal is so rusted that it loses most of its conductivity in the rust sites, you'll get local heating across the rusty patches and eventually leakage of microwaves. If you're really concerned that there may be trouble, run the microwave oven empty for about 20 seconds and then (carefully!) touch the rusty spots. If they aren't hot, then the metal underneath is doing its job just fine."
Here's another Q&A in the Minneapolis Star Tribune:
"Q I found a little rust spot inside my microwave. Is this a problem?
"A Not necessarily. Rust comes from moisture. Unless it's extensive, rust won't hinder microwave operation. But rust could lead to a penetration of the metal and arcing when the oven is operating. That could make the spot larger or cause microwave energy to leak.
"If the spot is not too large, it can be touched up. Check with your local hardware or home store or an appliance-repair shop that works with microwaves. In many cases, however, it's cheaper to buy a new microwave."
This apparently is not an uncommon problem: I found a microwave interior spray paint with a Whirlpool endorsement and a special label for "Pressurized finishes." It's possible you could get it at a local home improvement store after removing the rust yourself:
http://www.repairclinic.com/SSPartDetail.aspx?s=t-277-%3d%3di277&PartID=277
Here are some sites that tell you how to remove rust:
http://natural-cleaning-products.blogspot.com/2008/06/remove-rust-from-kitchen-appliances.html
http://www.expertvillage.com/video/165828_home-remedies-remove-rust.htm
February 5, 2009 - 9:45amThis Comment
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