Given the busy lifestyle, not many homeowners are left with enough time to devote to cooking. But, the advent of technology and the introduction of innovative kitchen appliances have made things easier for both cooking enthusiasts and those who don’t enjoy it much.
One such appliance that has become indispensable in today’s modern kitchen is the microwave. While it makes meal prep and cooking smooth, you may face an issue with regular use, that of leaking water.
Do you notice water leaking from your microwave? Wondering why there is a leak and what you should do about it? Keep reading to learn more about dealing with such a situation.
Table of Contents
Is It Normal For Water To Leak From A Microwave?
If you notice water leaking from the microwave, there is no reason to get alarmed. There are times when a microwave can leak water, especially if you are making food that has higher moisture content.
Finding excess water inside your microwave when the room temperature is relatively low should not be a sign of damage.
When you start heating food, steam forms, which may start dripping down the microwave door; it is normal and won’t hamper the performance of your microwave. Whenever you finish using the appliance, you can clean up this condensed water using a sponge or cloth.
Why Is Water Leaking From My Microwave?
There are two reasons why a microwave can leak water, and they are:
Condensation
The condensation process consists of water vapor turning into liquid. When you are heating food with higher moisture, the liquid will start condensing inside a microwave. The condensation process is completely normal.
If you cook for a longer time, it may even create a puddle inside the appliance. Let the condensed water present within the appliance cool down before you can wipe it using a cloth or even paper to prevent burning your skin on contact. Condensed water might also coat the microwave’s outside.
Although it is normal, condensation poses a problem in case water gets between the glass layers of your microwave door. You can solve the issue by keeping the microwave’s door open for a few minutes or until water evaporates.
Improper Maintenance
Much like every other appliance, you need to regularly maintain your microwaves as well. You need to clean the food items spilled inside the microwave as soon as it spills to avoid any decay.
The microorganisms present in the spilled food items may cause damage and decay to the interiors of your microwave and cause leaks. If you want to avoid this, keep a paper towel or rag handy to clean the food spills before they can stick to your appliance.
What Should You Do When Your Microwave Leaks?
When you notice water leaking from your microwave, there are three things you should do.
Step 1 – Unplug The Microwave
The first thing to do in case of a microwave leak is to unplug it. You must cut the power supply before you begin to inspect your appliance. It will help you avoid any accidents and keep you safe.
Step 2 – Locate The Source Of The Water Leak
Once you have unplugged the microwave, you can start looking around the microwave to locate the source of the leak. Check if the water is only accumulating within the microwave or leaking outside on the countertop or shelf.
If it is just water puddles accumulating inside the microwave, condensation could be the reason behind it. However, if there is an outside leak, it could be a sign of external damage to the microwave.
Step 3 – Clean Up The Water
Lastly, you should make a habit of wiping the trace of condensed water regularly inside as well as outside your microwave using a napkin.
You can also avoid condensation altogether by keeping the food containers covered while heating them in your microwave.
Moreover, cover the pans when you boil water, cook vegetables, or prepare any other meal that has high water content.
It is useful since condensation can not only run down the walls of your microwave but also leave water marks and food stains on the walls.
Is It Still Leaking? Time To Contact The Manufacturer
If the issue of the leaking microwave still persists, you need expert help. Try to connect with the manufacturer to report this issue. They will either help fix your microwave or offer you a replacement if they can’t fix the issue.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Is My Microwave Leaking Water?
Water might leak from your microwave when the room temperature is very low. When steam forms during the cooking process, water droplets drip on the door of your microwave. However, it is normal, and you shouldn’t get concerned because of it.
- Why Does A Microwave Leak Yellow Water?
It is common to see a yellow or brown liquid leaking from the bottom of a microwave that has a vent and duct system to channel out all the smoke and fumes.
This leak usually consists of cooking oil and fats from the food you cook, which collects on vents. The buildup of oil or grease collects in the duct system and often drips back into your microwave when the cavity gets warm, which forms yellow/brown fluid.
You can simply clean the microwave vents using dishwasher solution and hot water to get rid of the grease.
- Should I Continue Using Microwave If There is A Water Leak?
Occasional leaking of water from a microwave is normal, and you can expect it to happen. It isn’t a defect, so you can continue using your microwave.
Takeaway!
While water leaking from your microwave may cause concern, it is not a big deal. If you often notice leakage in or outside your appliance, you can follow the steps listed above to safeguard yourself and your microwave!
