How often should I clean the inside, ceiling included?

Monthly. Clean the inside, ceiling included. Splatter soaks up energy and makes hot spots that burn the paint on the inside walls.

How often should I wash the grease filter on an over-range unit, and check the charcoal filter if it vents inside?

Every few months. Wash the grease filter on an over-range unit, and check the charcoal filter if it vents inside.

How often should I make sure the door latches close square?

Every few months. Make sure the door latches close square. If you have to push the door shut, it's fighting the interlock (the safety switch that shuts it off when the door opens).

Microwave Maintenance & Repair Tips | My Appliance Repair Pro

What usually fails on a microwave here

Running but not heating is the magnetron (what makes the heat) or the high voltage diode. Shutting off the moment the door closes is a door interlock switch, and that's a common, cheap failure.

Check this first — about two minutes

Do this before you pay anyone to come out. Sometimes it's all it takes, and we'd rather tell you that than charge you a visit to say it.

1Nothing on this one, and that's deliberate.
2A microwave capacitor holds a lethal charge long after it's unplugged.
3This is the one appliance we'd rather you didn't open.

Still not fixed?

The longer version, written for a microwave that has already failed the quick check above.

Microwave Not Heating? Work Through This Before You Call Microwave not heating? A step-by-step check for one that runs but won't heat, the two things that are safe to check yourself, and exactly where to stop.

Keeping a microwave out of trouble

Most of the calls we get could have been prevented. These are the few jobs that make a real difference.

Monthly Clean the inside, ceiling included. Splatter soaks up energy and makes hot spots that burn the paint on the inside walls.
Every few months Wash the grease filter on an over-range unit, and check the charcoal filter if it vents inside.
Every few months Make sure the door latches close square. If you have to push the door shut, it's fighting the interlock (the safety switch that shuts it off when the door opens).

When to stop and call someone

Stop here Don't push past this Stop using it and call if you see sparks (arcing), if the door is damaged or doesn't latch, or if it runs with the door open. Never open the case yourself. The capacitor holds a lethal charge long after it's unplugged. Schedule Service

Other appliances

Past the point of a home fix?

Call and we'll give you a flat rate before anyone starts, and tell you straight if it's not worth fixing.

Call (480) 791-8858

(520) 788-4004 for Pinal County · (480) 791-8858 for Maricopa County

Microwave Maintenance & Repair Tips