Are you having a problem with your microwave? If your microwave won’t close due to some underlying factors. The following article is a comprehensive guide on common reasons why your microwave door won’t close and the best ways to fix this issue.
Why Your Microwave Door Won’t Close
Let’s go through the top common reasons why your microwave door won’t close and a possible fix for them.
1. The Hinge Is Bent or Damaged
Check if the hinge is bent or damaged. The hinges can also be loose or rusty, thus interfering with the normal process of opening and closing the microwave door. The microwave hinges are very easy to fix, and you will not require an expert.
How to Fix
You can check if the microwave door hinges are rusted. The best option is to remove the hinges using a screwdriver, scrub them with steel wool, and place them in a container containing basic cola. Later clean the hinges with a powerful detergent and warm water. Ensure the hinges are dry before fixing them back on the door.
Notably, regular lubrication of the door hinges prevents rusting or malfunctioning parts. It is a good practice to use grease or any lubricating oil on the moving parts of the microwave door to preserve the structural integrity of these parts.
If you have checked all of the hinges on your microwave and found nothing wrong with them, there is a chance that some part of your appliance loosened up and needs to be re-tightened. The screws can get broken or even fall off completely; both of these problems will cause problems to the door.
2. The Spring Is Broken or Loose
Check if the spring is broken or loose. Ideally, a spring works to open and close your microwave door. Thus if your spring is broken or loose, it will interfere with the normal process of opening and closing the microwave door.
How to Fix
If you notice that the spring is broken you can incorporate various methods to fix the problem:
- Start by pulling the door of the door hinges
- Find the springs; check on the frame that is underneath the oven
- You can unscrew the panel if the screws are located in the door. If located in the frame, make use of pliers to pull out all rusted or broken springs.
- If you notice any broken springs, remove them and replace them with new one.
3. The Latch Is Obstructed Or Damaged
The primary role of the Latch is to keep your microwave door properly closed. It also allows your door to open very easily. Check if the latch is obstructed or damaged. If it is damaged, the door will not properly open. If so, you will have to find a replacement catch and replace it. This is not hard, as most microwaves come with replacement parts.
How to Fix
The latch can become clogged with food debris. In such a scenario your microwave will refuse to properly close. You can remove any accumulated food debris using a clean and damp towel. Even after removing the food debris and the door does not properly close you can try the following steps:
- Lift the microwave
- Locate the metal panel and unscrew it
- Open the microwave door and locate the bolts in the latch
- Carefully disconnect the rod contained in the door latch, inspect your latch. If it is damaged consider replacing with a new one.
4. The Door Is Misaligned With the Tray And Hinges
Check if the microwave door is aligned properly with the tray and hinges. If the door is not properly aligned, opening the microwave door will be very hard. Once you notice such a problem, ensure that you align the door.
How to Fix
The door can be misaligned due to multiple reasons, In most instances foreign bodies stuck at the door, ensure you remove any item that is causing your door to be misaligned.
5. The Door Button is Not Working Properly
Another common reason your microwave door is not opening is a defective door button. The best way to inspect such an issue is to press the button and check whether it is easy to press or has a possible blockage.
How to Fix
If the button is very easy, it has probably separated from the door mechanism. The button might also be jammed. You can check behind the control panel; depending on the extent of the damage, you can either repair or replace the door button.
6. The Door Seal is Worn Out
The microwave contains a seal or gasket that helps to keep the heat inside the microwave. The gasket is a heat-resistant material. However, it can be subjected to wear and tear after prolonged use. Also, the gasket can become clogged with food debris, making it not to seal properly and thus preventing your microwave from closing properly.
The best way to determine if the seal or microwave is worn out is to turn on the microwave and use your hand to check if the door is hot. If you notice hot air blowing out, it means that your door seal is worn out and should be replaced.
How to Fix
The microwave door gasket has a very important job: creating an air-tight seal between the inside and outside of your microwave. A broken or missing door gasket can cause heat to escape and affect how your oven cooks food; it can also affect its efficiency. The best way to deal with this problem is by replacing the door gasket completely since that is the only way to ensure that your microwave will function properly once again.
7. Defective Door Due to Excess Heat
It is paramount to note that your microwave door can become defective over time. Ideally, not all materials can withstand very high temperatures. If the door is made of inferior materials, it will be damaged by the microwave’s excess heat. The heat will cause the door to expand, thus losing its structural integrity. Therefore it will affect the process of opening and closing your microwave door.
When purchasing a microwave, it is very important to be cautious about the quality of the microwave door. Ensure that it is engineered with a high-quality material that can withstand high temperatures.
How to Fix
If you note that your door is expanded you can fix the problem by tightening the bolts around the door. However, if the door is severely damaged you will have to replace it.
8. The Sensor Is Not Working Properly
Check if the sensor is working properly. If it is not working, you will have to find a replacement sensor and replace it. Remember, the sensors are very effective in detecting the opening and closing of the microwave door.
How to Fix
- Unplug your microwave from the electrical outlet
- Wait for a few minutes for the microwave to reset
- After it has reset, plug the microwave back to the electricity
- If the problem persists you seek the help of a professional
9. A Faulty Door Magnet
Many microwaves have a magnet attached to one of their doors. This magnet holds the door in a closed position. Usually, a faulty magnet is caused by a defective mechanism inside your microwave that moves the magnet when it opens and closes the door.
How to Fix
Unplug the microwave from the electricity and detach the microwave door magnet. If it is damaged consider replacing it.
10. Dirt Accumulation On The Door Track
If your microwave is over five years old, the probability of the track being clogged with grease and dust is very high. Excess grease can cause your door to get stuck, just like excess dust does. Also, you can check the microwave door hinges for accumulation of dirt.
The microwave door hinge has a very important job: lift the door off of the tray and release it when you open or close the door. The hinges are usually located between the top and bottom sections of your microwave. If too much dust builds up around the hinge, it can affect its movement and cause your microwave door to stay open.
How to Fix
To fix this problem, try cleaning out the track thoroughly by blowing compressed air into it or using a piece of cloth to wipe out the grease. You can also use a flat head screwdriver to scrape off all of the greases that you find on the track.
Conclusion
A microwave door can refuse to close due to many reasons. You can consider the above factors and try to fix the problem yourself before calling a professional maintenance specialist to take care of it for you. But in most cases, the DIY fixes presented in this article will help you put an end to this annoying problem.