I recently saw a picture of a microwave with peeling and bubbling paint inside, and it reminded me of my own experience. The paint inside microwaves serves a purpose—it reflects microwaves to cook food evenly.
When you heat uncovered, moist food, steam hits the walls and damages the paint over time, causing it to bubble and peel. Cleaning with rough tools or chemicals and leaving acidic spills can also harm the coating.
The plastic wheel beneath the turntable can cause scraping damage if it’s dirty or not spinning properly. When paint peels and metal is exposed, it can cause sparks and even fires. Rust can form and contaminate food.
If the peeling is small and no sparks occur, it’s not an emergency but a warning. Cover food when microwaving, clean gently, and keep the turntable wheel clean. You can fix peeling areas with microwave-safe paint or replace the microwave if damage is severe.
Avoid metal inside the microwave, don’t microwave oversized items, and steam-clean weekly with lemon or vinegar water to keep it clean and safe. With care, your microwave can last longer and stay safer.
