You have invested in a shiny new microwave for your kitchen, and it simply makes the space pop with newness and functionality. If you are like everyone else, you will want this new appliance to last for as long as possible. After all, a microwave can be one of the most useful appliances in the entire kitchen. Unfortunately, many new microwave owners make a few mistakes along the lines that compromises the life of their new small appliance. Here is a look at a few things you can do to get the longest life from your brand new microwave. 

Never place anything metal or remotely metallic inside the microwave. 

The microwaves that the microwave uses to cook your food or provide heat do not react well when they come in contact with metal. For this reason, it is crucial that you only use microwave-safe containers for food heating or food cooking in the appliance. For example, glass, ceramic, and even some plastics are usually a safe bet. Make sure you don't use metal bowls, leave metal utensils in a bowl, or use dishware or containers that have metal elements. For example, you should not use:

• Dishes that have metal decorative rims or filigree
• Dishes that have insulative metal encasements
• Dishes that have metal handles

Keep your microwave clean on the inside and outside. 

The microwave is kind of like the refrigerator; messes inside sometimes get disregarded because when the door is closed, the mess is out of sight and out of mind. However, keeping your microwave clean is actually an important way to protect its lifespan. Foods that get spilled and repeatedly cooked on the inner surfaces of the unit can corrode the interior, which will expose the metal underneath and basically render the microwave unusable. On the outside of the microwave, be careful to keep the vents clear and free of any dust and debris. 

Only use the microwave as recommended when cooking food items. 

Some of the lower-wattage microwave ovens are only capable of handling short bursts of run time. This means that there may be certain foods that you will not be able to cook. For example, some larger microwaves can run several minutes on full power to cook large baked potatoes in one run, while some smaller units may not be designed to do so. make sure when you first get your microwave, you read through the usage instructions and follow them if you want the microwave to last as long as possible. Contact a microwave repair service for help.