June 26, 2016

How to repair arc or burn marks in a microwave video

How to repair arc and burn marks in a microwave.
How to repair arc and burn marks in a microwave.

This video from Sears PartsDirect will show you how to repair microwave arc and burn marks with touch-up paint. Sometimes placing aluminum foil close to the sides, or using your microwave rack incorrectly, can create an electric spark in your microwave, burning the inside of the unit.

There is an easy way you can repair these types of burns using touch-up paint. This video will walk you through that process and show you some ways that you can avoid burning your microwave in the future. You can read a full transcript of the video below.

Looking for replacement microwave parts? Check out our parts page.

What burn marks can be fixed?

Hi, this is Wayne from Sears PartsDirect. We’re going to talk today about preventing and repairing arc and burn marks inside your microwave. Some of the common causes are food spattered on the liner that is not cleaned off, iIncorrect rack usage during cooking and aluminum foil or metal getting too close to the side during cooking.

For microwaves that are not stainless steel on the inside, you can repair arc marks up to the size of a quarter using this touch-up paint, but only if the marks appear on the inside walls, the floor, or the ceiling. Don't attempt repairs on the outer frame, or the door. Any repairs to the door or frame could affect the shielding and cause radiation leaks. And don’t attempt repairs on burn marks larger than a quarter, as that could be a sign of a more serious problem and should be checked out by a service technician. Also, don't use this repair on microwaves with a stainless steel the inside, because the paint won’t stick.

Preparing the surface

First, order the correct paint for your microwave. Then follow these steps to touch up the affected areas. Clean the area using soapy water and dry the spot thoroughly. Sand the burnt spot down to bare metal using a fine grit sand paper. Wipe the area clean to remove any residue. Apply a thin coat of microwave cavity touch up paint. Wait for 5 minutes to allow the first coat of paint to dry. Reapply a second coat of microwave cavity touch-up paint. Be sure to wait 24 hours for the paint to dry before using your microwave.

Preventing burn marks

Now, here are some tips to help you prevent arcs and burns in the future. Clean the cavity often. For stubborn residue, place 1 or 2 cups of water in a microwave-safe cup. Bring that to a boil for 2 to 3 minutes. The steam will soften the mess so that it’s easier to clean out. Keep rack supports clean or they can start to melt. Cover food when cooking or reheating to avoid splatter. Do not store the metal rack in the microwave and only place the rack in the microwave when it will be used for multi-level cooking.

When using the rack, insert it correctly so it doesn't touch the sides or back of the microwave cavity and it’s mounted correctly in all of the rack supports. Never place the rack on the floor of the microwave. Never use the metal rack when cooking popcorn. As the bag expands, it could push the rack out of position and create arc or burn marks.

Well I hope this video helped you out today. Be sure to check out our other videos, here on the YouTube Channel, and don't forget to subscribe.

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