How to Fix a Microwave Door That Won’t Close

It can be frustrating finding that your microwave door isn’t closing. Not only this, but if it’s not closing properly, it can cause microwaves to escape, which may be harmful. There are a number of reasons your microwave door is not closing properly. 

One possible cause for a malfunctioning microwave door is an obstruction within the hinges or latch mechanism. This can often occur due to food debris build-up over time, which prevents the door from properly aligning and latching shut. Another common reason for a faulty microwave door is wear and tear on the seal around the edges of the appliance. Over time, this seal can become damaged or warped, resulting in air leaks that prevent proper closure of the door. Other problems may include broken door hinges, latches, and door release buttons. Regardless of what may be causing your specific problem with your microwave’s inability to close properly, it’s essential that you take action quickly before problems escalate.

Common reasons your microwave door isn’t closing: 

• The door’s hinge is obstructed 
• The door’s seals are worn and not allowing the door to close properly 
• The latch isn’t holding the door closed 
• The door release button is jammed

How to fix a microwave door that isn’t closing 

Clear the hinge obstruction 

You’ll be happy to know that clearing a microwave door hinge obstruction is relatively easy and doesn’t require professional assistance. All you need are some basic tools like a screwdriver and cleaning supplies. 

First, unplug your microwave from its power source before attempting any repairs or maintenance on it for safety reasons. Next remove the front panel covering the hinges using a screwdriver. Once this has been done successfully, clean all visible parts around those areas thoroughly with a soap and water solution followed by dry wiping afterward until no moisture is left behind, which could cause rusting later down the line. Once everything looks good again, reassemble the door, making sure the screws are tight so nothing comes loose during use.. 

Check the door seals 

Microwave door seals are an essential component of the appliance. They ensure safety and optimal performance. However, over time, these seals can wear out or become damaged, which can lead to the microwave door not being able to close. This results in radiation leakage and other hazards. Therefore, it’s crucial to check your microwave’s door seal regularly and fix any issues promptly. 

The first step in checking your microwave’s door seal is to inspect it visually for any signs of damage or wear. Look for cracks, tears, gaps between the seal and the oven frame, or discoloration on the surface of the gasket material. If you notice any visible damage on your microwave’s door seal, don’t hesitate to replace it with a new one from an authorized dealership. 

If you find no visible signs of damage but you still suspect that something might be wrong with your microwave door seal, you can perform a simple test by placing a piece of paper against it and closing the door. If the paper can be pulled out easily without resistance, the door seal needs to be replaced. 

Check the latch 

The easiest way to check if the latch is responsible for your microwave door not closing is looking for any dirt buildup around the latches or hinges. Sometimes debris such as grease gets stuck inside these areas causing problems later. Removing any debris and giving them a clean wipe should resolve the issue. 

If you have cleaned your door latch and this has not solved the issue, the next best thing to do is to check if the latch is faulty. A good way to check if the latch is faulty is to check whether the door closes properly by gently pulling on it after closing. If you feel any wobbling when opening/closing the doors, something may be wrong with its hinges, which will need fixing immediately. 

Additionally, if you see that the microwave’s door corners do not perfectly align when the microwave is closed, it may indicate that the latch is not holding the door closed in place properly. Some microwaves have adjustable latch mechanisms that can be realigned to restore proper functioning. Consult the microwave’s user manual or manufacturer’s instructions to see if your model has adjustable latches and how to make the necessary adjustments. 

Check the door release button

The door release button allows the door to open and close at the right time. If this button is jammed, it could cause your microwave to think the door is shut even if it isn’t closed properly. If the door release button is jammed, simply wipe down the edges of the button or use a toothpick to scrape out any food that may have become jammed in the mechanism. 

How to properly care for your microwave 

Proper care and maintenance of your microwave is crucial to keep it functioning properly. For example, a big reason why your microwave door may not be closing is due to food debris or grease buildup on the door or door seal. To avoid this issue, make sure to wipe down the door and door seal after each use with a damp cloth and mild detergent. 

Additionally, it’s essential to clean the interior of the microwave regularly to prevent food buildup and potential fire hazards. You can use a microwave-safe cleaner or a mixture of water and vinegar to clean the inside of the microwave. To ensure that your microwave is functioning correctly, it’s also important to check and replace the door latch if it’s damaged or worn out. 

By following these simple steps, you can extend the life of your microwave and avoid the frustration and potential danger of a door that won’t close.