Ideas to rehab rusted interior microwave interior rehab

Question

The interior of my 1997 GE microwave is rusted and is dripping paint and rust flecks. It works great but for the yucky interior. Of course I cover my food carefully during use. Anyone know if I can rehab the rusted interior?  Thank you in advance for your brilliance!!!

Connie Phillips · Answer

I would put that microwave to rest. I wouldn't want to eat anything that came out of there. I'm sure safety measures have improved since this model came out. A used one should be easy to find or if that isn't in the budget, ask your friends or the hometalk community if they have an extra one to donate to you. Sincerely, Connie

Janet Pizaro · Answer

Sorry to say but I agree with connie. The rust inside makes me a little leary of what chemicals are going into your food.

Rose · Answer

Really! I think you have gotten all the use out of this microwave as your gonna get! Time to get an early Christmas present! Happy shopping!

Sheri Ketarkus · Answer

REPLACE IT!

Patty · Answer

I was told by the EPA to trash microwaves that get that way because it's already toxic to be using it as I see it,,I think you should trash it for health reasons!  Good luck

Joan Gondeck · Answer

Microwaves are so cheap now, replace it!

Bunny · Answer

Get rid of it. Anything that damages a microwave can potentially enter your food. Don't take a chance. I saw one at WalMart for about $70.00. It's just not worth the risk.

Linda · Answer

I would worry that the rusted metal would allow leakage of microwaves, as all metal inside should be covered to prevent this, & also uncovered metal can spark & cause a fire. If you are determined not to buy a new oven, try sanding off all the rust, make sure the surface is very smooth, wipe with a damp cloth to remove any remaining dust, leave it to dry thoroughly, then apply 'white touch up paint for microwave oven interior' that can be bought from Kitchenwareonline on Amazon, leave to dry thoroughly (overnight) between coats so the enamel can harden, making sure there are no bubbles on the surface. The tins only contain 14ml so you might need a few, I would recommend 3 coats as there can be a lot of condensation when cooking food/drinks, also to prevent rusting happening again, make sure you wipe out the oven immediately after using it with paper towel to mop up the condensation, & leave the door slightly ajar when not in use. I don't use a microwave oven as I'm sensitive to radiation so can't guarantee that this paint will work. There may be different makes, & larger tins, google search 'Paint for microwave oven interiors' or 'Microwave cavity paint' & see what comes up. I personally would replace the oven for peace of mind :)

Elaine Simmons · Answer

Wow, I am with the others. Ditch it!

Barbara Aragon · Answer

Replace it. This happened o my GE after only 2 years, I called them and they replaced it, saying that I was using too harsh of chemicals to clean it. I was very careful to use mild cleaner after that...but the replacement did the same thing (but 5 years later). No more GE microwaves for me. I now heat a cup of vinegar in the microwave to soften any splatters, then wipe it out with a wet wash cloth.

Cynthia Nye · Answer

Is it rust or built up splatters? Heat a big cup of water to boil, let steam and wipe out with soft sponge. No need for chemicals

Linda Johnson · Answer

I would replace this microwave right away. Newer microwaves are more energy efficient & have more features. They're lighter weight and easier to use, too.

That being said - I wipe out my microwave immediately - every time something splatters. I use a rag with warm water. I also cover up anything with fatty or acidic food - like spaghetti or bacon. These foods will damage the inside of a microwave.

Marie · Answer

FYI,,,My microwave stopped heating, I looked up the possible causes and what I found out from every source was that you don't mess with microwaves if you are not a professional, they are extremely dangerous, look it up, I'm glad I found this out!!

Karine · Answer

It is not worth the repair ... Microwave ovens are dirt cheap these days. Using it in the current condition could be dangerous to your health !

Gigilambert · Answer

You should have tossed that away a long time ago. The gaskets wear out long before the microwaves do, and it is hard to tell when it is leaking radiation. Back in the 80's they recommended replacing every three years now I believe it is every 10 years. I could be wrong but I don't trust them. I see more and more people eliminating them from the homes. Its probably safer that way.

Bess · Answer

Get rid of it. It is a health hazard!

Jean Quintana · Answer

There is no saving this old microwave. Dump it.

Nita · Answer

Toss it in the recycle bin, you should have long ago, they are cheap enough to get a new one.

Nancy Spencer Carlson · Answer

The 'get rid of it' answer is pretty obviously unanimous. My next question is 'What can he make from the box?' Any ideas?

Renata · Answer

With some paint and some legs or a stand U could turn it into a kids play stove /oven ...( taking off all the electrical stuff of course).

Linda Partridge · Answer

It has had it's use,time to throw it away and be safe..new ones don't cost all that much now days..especially when on sale...made better and safer..

Linda · Answer

definitely ditch it and buy new, it is not worth your health to try and paint it. see if there is a recycling area near you to avoid it going into the landfill.

Tamara · Answer

For your health and safety replace it.

Nancy · Answer

I agree with above comments...ugly and not safe! And new ones re so reasonable!
Treat yourself!

Swan Road Designs · Answer

If you've had it since 1997, in addition to being in questionable shape, it is hugely outdated as far as size and energy efficiency. I suggest as others have already mentioned, get rid of it and purchase a newer one. In the nearly 20 years since you got yours, microwave ovens have progressed. The overall size, relative to its cooking capacity, has reduced. They no longer are the size of a bus, plus they use a lot less energy than the ones of the era in which yours was made.

Treat yourself, your kitchen space and your utility bill to a new microwave oven.

Subodh Jain · Answer

You can repaint the same. I did it for myself. take the unit of the socket. 
take the appliance in an open place with good amount of natural light to see the inside properly. Use a coarse sand paper for metal and remove all the rust and the paint using your hand with sand paper. Once you see the bare metal surface. Take a Zero No. metal sand paper and prepare the surface till  smooth. Now take a Small 1.25' paint brush, paint the bare surface with metal Primer Coat( available at all paint stores.).take the smallest available packing. else the remaining shall have to go as waste. Once this is dry in sun, take a metal paint matching the color of the inside of the microwave and put one coat on the entire prepared surface area.Let it dry. Once dry use once again the zero No. sand paper used earlier to rub the painted surface gently. Clean the entire surface with a soft cotton cloth and put a second coat of paint and let it dry in full sun. Check if you require another coat if you find the surface is not even.
Once fully dry. It is ready for use. keep in mind not to use any water any given point of time.
I have done my self and using for the last more than 10 years now without any problem.

J K Weigle · Answer

Get a new one.

Marilyn · Answer

Microwaves are super cheap.  Please run to Walmart and buy a new one asap!!

Lola · Answer

What the heck, I bough a perfectly fine one at an estate sale for 15.00. Get a new one, unsafe and disgusting.

Kaye Watkins · Answer

Go to a store & buy a new one.... dump that old microwave.....

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