Is it safe to use?

minimad1970

I wasn't sure where to put this so I hope it's the right place. The white plastic/paint coating in my microwave has peeled off on the top on the inside. Does anyone know if it is still safe to use it? I have lightly sanded it so there isn't any hanging down so it can't fall into any food. But I don't know if there is any danger apart from this. I did google the problem but it's 50/50 whether it's safe or not, so I hoped there might be someone on here who knows for definite. Thanks for any help.

valk_scot

Is there bare metal exposed and is the microwave arcing ir sparking in use? If so it's not safe to use for definate. Otherwise? Not sure tbh.

minimad1970

I've not tried it yet so I don't know about any sparking, as for arcing, I have no idea what that is:o

jess1011

Id be interested in this as well as our paint has flaked but its not sparking......

BitterAndTwisted

Eh, I set fire to mine (don't ask) and I just gave it a really good scrub and a scour. Been using it since for about three years, maybe more. It hasn't blown up and I'm not dead yet. Peeling paint is no bother to me as I don't ever use it without having the food covered in some way.

minimad1970

Thanks for the replies. I'm going to try it in a minute and see what happens. I'm really nervous of electrical items, I even hate changing a light bulb and I get really bad static shocks when I get in my car, if I don't touch the window first. I'm guessing if I use it once and there are no sparks then it's ok?

meritaten

arcing is where you see what looks like little lightening bolts when the micro is in use - you will hear it too.
I always cover food and am tolerant of a little paint flaking. I just rub it off - my OH tho freaks out - and when HE finally notices it - He buys a new one!

minimad1970

Well I've just used it and there was no arcing, sparking or fire:D so I'm guessing it's ok. I don't use it that much so it'll do for now. Thanks for all your help.

babyshoes

I would imagine it is safe enough to use for the moment as it isn't arcing or sparking, but you probably want to think about replacing it when you can.

If nothing else, the steam from cooking food might make it rust where the metal is now exposed, and once there is a hole in the metal then microwaves can escape, which isn't good for human tissue to be exposed to. Long term exposure can literally 'cook' the flesh, which is why there is an auto-stop when you open the door on all microwaves now.

[Deleted User]

I am not one to throw things out as a rule but I would treat myself to a new one to be on the safe side if you can afford it.Is your life worth more than £30-40 if so chuck it away (in the proper way of course at the tip) and treat yourself to a new one.I have just bought a new m'wave recently as my old one seemed to cook in the middle and not the outside so a jacket was overcooked in the middle and barely cooked round the edges.I'm one of those folk who doesn't like to keep anything that doesn't work properly when it comes to small electrical items its cheaper to replace than repair.Mine was a Panasonic and cost me around £50.00 from John Lewis.Well worth it as I now have one that works correctly

ada1988

How old is it?
and while you use it ,is there any smell ?
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