Nearly everyone has a microwave, but not everyone knows how to pack and move one like a pro. Here’s how.

microwave

Microwaves are versatile food preparation appliances found in just about every home. They’re tough, durable and built for frequent use.

 

But when you’re moving to a new abode, or stashing your stuff in storage, your microwave requires special care if it is to survive the move from one location to another.

 

Here’s a cleaning, packing and moving guide that’ll ensure your microwave is fully functional, and in one piece, when you next use it.

 

Easy hygienic steam-clean for grimy microwaves

Your first step is to get rid of the food residue that typically builds up in a microwave. We’ve got an easy, steam-based solution that’ll leave your mini-appliance clean, hygienic and fragrant fresh.

 

Place a cup of water, and two to three tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice, into a microwaveable bowl. Pop the bowl into the appliance. Turn the dial onto the high heat setting for a couple of minutes, or until the liquid boils and condensation builds up on the interior of the viewing window.

 

After about five minutes, remove the bowl and glass turntable. Wipe the interior of the microwave with a sponge or non-abrasive cloth, and soak the turntable in hot soapy water.

 

Wipe down the exterior of the microwave with a sponge, and dry the appliance – inside and out – with a clean dishcloth. Then leave the door ajar to allow the flow-through of air.

 

This way, you’ll remove most of the gunk, grime and splatter, even those stubborn, burnt-in stains!

 

Microwave pre-to-pack tips

Once the microwave is completely dry, it’s prep-to-pack time. Unplug the appliance from the wall socket. Loosely coil the electrical wire into a loop, and secure the loop with masking tape or a luggage tie. Tape the looped cord onto the back of the microwave.

 

Wrap the turntable, and other loose components, individually with newspaper or bubble wrap. Tape the microwave door closed, and wrap the appliance in bubble wrap. You’re then ready for the next step.

 

Pack your micro like a pro

Ideally, you want to pack your microwave back into its original box. If that’s not an option, place it into a tight-fitting box, and plug all the gaps with scrunched up newspaper.

 

Pack the pre-wrapped turntable, and all the extraneous bits and pieces, in a separate box with the glassware or fragile, breakable items. Mark both boxes accordingly.

 

If you pack like a pro, there’s less chance of your microwave getting damaged in-transit or in storage.

 

Tips for storing a microwave

Whether you’re storing your microwave for the short or long haul, there are a few basic storage rules to adhere to.

 

Firstly, always store a microwave upright, and elevated off the ground on a sturdy flat surface. Secondly, avoid placing items on top of the appliance.

 

Provided you’ve packed properly, and chosen a clean, dry and well-ventilated storage location, your microwave should last months, even years, in storage.

 

Choose XtraSpace storage

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