Microwave Sparking Inside? Do This
Sparks or arcing inside your microwave? Stop, unplug, and read this before you use it again.
Seeing sparks arc inside your microwave is alarming — and a sign to stop immediately. The good news is that the cause is often simple and safe to address, though some faults need a technician.
Stop and unplug first
If your microwave sparks, switch it off and unplug it. Running it while it arcs can damage the interior and the magnetron, turning a minor issue into an expensive one.
The common causes
- Metal in the cavity — foil, a fork, or a plate with a metallic trim.
- A dirty interior, where built-up food splatter chars and arcs.
- A damaged or worn waveguide cover, the small panel on the interior wall.
- Flaking interior paint exposing bare metal underneath.
What you can safely fix
- Remove any metal and never use dishes with metallic decoration.
- Clean the interior thoroughly to remove burnt-on food.
- Inspect the waveguide cover for burn marks or damage.
When to call a technician
If sparking continues with a clean, metal-free cavity, the waveguide cover or an internal component needs replacing. Because microwaves hold high-voltage parts even when unplugged, this is a repair for a qualified technician — not a DIY job.
Frequently asked
It can damage the appliance and should never be ignored. Unplug it, remove any metal, clean the inside, and if it still sparks, have it checked.
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