Have you ever encountered a pool of water in or outside the microwave right after cleaning it? Well, you are not alone in this. A few little-known causes can result in microwaves leaking yellowish or brown fluid. Many people assume that it can be due to fatty food you have heated but that’s not always the case.
In this blog post, we will give you a complete overview of what are the possible causes that can result in microwave leaking fluid. We will also give you some microwave maintenance and inspection tips. You will also get to know about the safety standards that you can follow to prevent any hazardous incident!
So, stay tuned with us till the end.
What is this yellowish or brown oily fluid leaking from the microwave?
If you see a yellowish or brown fluid in or under the microwave then it is likely to be oil. Most of the time, we don’t thoroughly clean the microwave which can result in unnecessary build-ups. After heating a greasy or oily food the vapors can move up in the hood of the microwave.
Note: Make sure to check the countertops to see if there is any oil spillage from the bottle of cooking oil, if not then it’s likely to be caused due to grease build-up.
Because over time the fumes can accumulate in the microwave interior. So when the microwave is switched on, these build-ups melt and cause a pool of yellowish-brown liquid at the bottom of the microwave. This is also one of the root causes of the burning smell coming out of your microwave.
Check our guide to learn about the 5 Common Causes of a Burning Smell from the Fridge (+ Easy Fixes)!
Is microwave leakage normal?
If you have just cooked the food and see a pool of fluid inside the microwave it is totally normal. After heating or cooking the food the steam or fumes evaporate and are collected on the top of the microwave. Once the microwave comes back to normal temperature the fumes turn back into water that might look like a fluid leak, however, it’s normal.
But in case you see yellowish or brownish liquid even when you have not used the microwave, this shows the accumulation of grease in the vents. The consistency of this liquid is oily and the only way to get rid of it is to clean the microwave vents thoroughly.
3 Little-Known Causes Behind Microwave Leakage
Faulty Microwave Door Seal
If you have not closed the microwave door seal after using it, it can also lead to a fluid leak. We all know when the food is heated condensation can cause water vapours to evaporate. Once the food is cooked and the microwave returns back to room temperature the vapours turn back to liquid. So if the door seal is broken you will see a leak of water under the microwave after a few hours.
Food- Related Leakage
Food-related leakage can be in the form of water as well as yellowish-brown liquid. If you have cooked greasy food then fatty fumes are accumulated and later when they melt down you see the liquid dripping from the microwave interior. Whereas if you heat food with high moisture content the fumes drip in the form of plain water and it’s completely normal.
Blocked Vents
If the vent connected to the microwave is blocked then you will see that the microwave is leaking back the fluid. These blocked vents are one of the major problems that can cause the seeping of liquid from the microwave. The fumes and vapors from the cooked food don’t find the way out and start collecting and once the microwave is switched off there is a pooling of condensed water/fumes in the microwave.
How to Clean Up Microwave Leakage?
First of all, you must do a microwave inspection to check whether the fluid leak is inside or outside the microwave. If it’s inside then you must switch off the microwave and let the liquid cool down later you can use a kitchen towel to wipe that pool of water.
However, if the water is outside the microwave then make sure to pull the plug and raise the microwave to wipe the liquid outside the microwave with a rag. Also, let the countertop dry before placing the microwave back in place.
How to Prevent Fluid Leak in Microwave?
In order to prevent fluid leaks you must clean the microwave after each usage as condensation can cause piles of water in the microwave plate. You must also use utensils or vessels that don’t overflow as it causes fluid leaks in the microwave plate.
Always make sure to start cooking by cleaning the door seal. If the seal is not closed properly then it can cause both water and oily leaks once you are done using the microwave.
What Are The Microwave Hazards That You Must Avoid?
Microwave safety is one of the most important things that must be kept in mind while using it. If you are not careful it can pose a risk to your health as well as the machine. Proper microwave maintenance is necessary to make your microwave last long. There are certain microwave safety standards that must be followed:
- When the microwave is working make sure to stand at a safe distance as it can decrease the radiation coming from the microwave. As suggested by CSIRO, microwave radiation leakage should not exceed the limit of 50 W/m2.
- In order to avoid microwave health risks, make sure to choose a company that guarantees that microwaves are not meant to change the structure of the food molecules that are being cooked or heated.
- You can also avoid microwave fluid contamination by using a vessel or bowl that is not made up of plastic and steel. There are certain vessels that are specifically made up of material that can be used inside the microwave. In this way, you can prevent yourself from any possible hazard.
FAQs on Microwave Leaking Fluid
Why is there liquid in my microwave?
If you see a fluid leak in the microwave, it can be due to the heating or cooking of food. As we know most foods have a high moisture content that results in condensation after heating.
What to do if water spills in microwave?
If you see any water spillage inside the microwave, first make sure to switch off the microwave, and later clean the interior and exterior of the microwave. You can use a rag or a towel to clean the liquid content, after that, you can use it after it’s completely dried.
Can a damaged microwave harm you?
We all know a damaged electrical machine is always a cause of concern. Because if there is an electrical issue it can cause a hazardous situation. So if your microwave is damaged it can result in an electric shock which is one of the severe microwave hazards.
Can microwaves penetrate water?
Microwaves can penetrate water and in turn, heat the liquid. This is the reason why microwaves are used to heat the liquid and you are able to cook high moisture content food in the microwave.
Can you tell if a microwave is leaking?
You need to do a microwave inspection in order to see whether your microwave leaking fluid or not. First, make sure to check the microwave sealing, if it’s okay then you can check for blocked vents. If the pooling of liquid is still taking place then you must to a technician to check for microwave malfunction.
Why is steam leaking from my microwave door?
If the steam is leaking from your microwave while heating or cooking the food it is an indication of microwave malfunction. When the microwave sealing is cracked or broken it can cause the steam to move out of the microwave and later condense looking like a fluid leak. So you must always inspect the microwave door seal before using it.
Why do microwaves absorb water?
Microwaves are heating radiations used in the oven. These radiations react with water and heat up the water molecule, when the water absorbs microwave, it excites and becomes high energy. This results in evaporation that are caused when heating the food.
Final Thoughts
All in all, microwave leaking fluid is not always a cause of concern if it’s from the steam of cooked food. However, if the fluid leak becomes a constant it can definitely be your time to ponder. You must check the vents first because a blocked vent can cause the pooling of liquid in or outside the microwave.
The best way to clear the vents is to clean the interior walls of the microwave this can help you to get rid of grease. However, if you are unable to do so, it is your call to look for a technician who can do a thorough microwave inspection for any fault!
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Written By Gemma Wilson
Gemma is an expert at writing about how appliances are made and how to use them. She can tell you how to choose the best appliances for your needs and how to take care of them properly. She can also give helpful tips on how to fix and troubleshoot appliances and give advice on how to choose the most energy-efficient ones.