While nearly every household owns a microwave, many people do not spend the time needed to keep it in good repair. While microwaves can be bought fairly cheaply, especially if you buy one second hand from a seller advertising on Craigslist or the classified ads, it is a good idea to keep your microwave working well for as long as possible.

There are some simple things you can do yourself. You should never put anything metal into the microwave, such as metal bowls, containers, foil, or silverware. It is best to use bowls or containers that are labeled as being microwave safe.

You should also keep your microwave clean. It is not hard to clean it out a couple times a week (or as needed) with a damp cloth. Always unplug it before cleaning. If you find that there is grime that does not come off, then put a cup of water with a couple tablespoons of lemon juice in it to heat up for two or three minutes. This will loosen the food stuck on the microwave, making it easier to clean.

If there are serious problems, however, it is good to call in a professional to have a look at it. There are numerous such professionals; check out your yellow pages or do a web search for "microwave maintenance," followed by the name of the city you live in. It is unsafe to use a microwave that is having problems, not to mention the fact that the longer you use a microwave that is no longer working properly, the worse it will get and it is likely to become irreparable after some time.

If you have just bought a microwave, check to see if it is still under warranty. If it is, then chances are you may not have to pay for the repairs or for purchasing a new part. You may also be able to return it or exchange it if the repairman finds it to be defective.

If your microwave is not under warranty, then you will need to pay for the repairs. Check and see what brand name and model the microwave is; there are many different brands and some companies work with particular kinds of microwaves. Try to find a company that has experience and expertise in your model, style and brand name of microwave.

Ask the repairman how much any new parts will cost. Try to get an estimate of how much the repairs are going to cost you, as sometimes it is actually cheaper to get a new microwave than it is to have repairs done, especially if you own an older model for which parts are hard to find.