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We bought a relatively new home (2001), and for some reason, the built-in microwave has rust in the back corners.
Besides from sounding gross, I'm wondering if there is any possible health risks with heating food up in this microwave?
The food does not directly touch the rust, but I'm not sure exactly how microwaves work and if the rust can become airborne. Does anyone know? Also, I'm not sure what the cause of the rust is; I've never had a microwave do this before (so, possibly the cause of the rust may be more significant than the rust itself?)
thanks!
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Add a Comment37 Comments
Our 11-year-old built-in microwave had a rust spot in the back right corner that developed into a large hole that's a bit larger than a quarter now. About twice a year sparks shoot out of it. We're really concerned, and try not to use it that much, but it's hard with a busy family. It's a built-in Maytag microwave/oven combination. Are we going to have to replace the whole thing, or can it be repaired?
November 10, 2017 - 7:26amThis Comment
Replace it its 11 yrs old.
May 9, 2019 - 9:10amMicrowaves put out radiation you really want your family to be exposed to this?
Rusty microwaves are dangerous.
It could burn your house down
This Comment
I have also wondered about that, about an old oven
January 26, 2018 - 10:35amwhich I replaced. My new one had a gold colored
cardboard over the vent and I am quite worried about that. Is it hurtful to use that oven?.
This Comment
Hello Anon
January 29, 2018 - 5:45pmCall the manufacturer and ask. There should be a 1800 number online.
Best,
Susan
This Comment
Genius, who'd a thunk of calling, are you a realtour
July 14, 2018 - 11:57amThis Comment
Realtor.
What kind of a response are you looking for?
We are not appliance manufacturers nor rust experts.
If appliances are rusty on the inside - replace them!
July 16, 2018 - 9:35amSusan
This Comment
Hello Anon
Appliances these days are made to work for about a decade. If you have a large hole in your microwave that very occasionally shoots sparks, replace it!
November 13, 2017 - 4:07pmSusan
This Comment
My microwave is only 2yrs old under the plate rust built up, i bought the proper microwave spray from ebay scraped the rust off and used the spray but when i was scraping the rust off my spoon went through the bottom of the base, so now there is a small hole, is microwave still safe to use. help.
July 5, 2017 - 1:52amThis Comment
Hello Anonymous,
I would not use this microwave and would report the problem to ebay, if you can.
Maryann
July 5, 2017 - 1:11pmThis Comment
if those rust holes can be closed up and repaired, what with?
April 9, 2017 - 9:10pmThis Comment