Microwave makes food taste weird
 

Okay, I have a microwave that was owned by relatives but hasn't been used in 3 years. It looks like a newer microwave (meaning it was pretty new when they bought it from the looks of it). About a week ago I heated up some beefaroni -- I noticed it tasted a little funny, but thought it was where I hadn't had them in along time.

The next day, my g/f said she fixed some Ramen noodles but they didn't taste funny -- she thought the same thing, she hadn't had them for awhile.

Finally, the other night I had some McDonald's fries that were a bit cold from the drive home. I stuck them in for 15 seconds and though it was faint, the funny taste was definately there!



The best way to describe it is slightly metallic I guess. What could cause this (aluminum in the microwave?) and is there a way to fix it (put a cup of water in the microwave for awhile?).




ps. This was just over a week ago and I haven't felt sick or anything, but im still not using the microwave until I figure out what's wrong with it. Im fine with buying another microwave if needed -- but this is a knowledge forum so im really looking for a "why" :)


Thanks =)

It could well be from sitting. I've never had a microwave make things taste funny, so I have to imagine that is the problem. Clean it out good, with like vinegar, or ammonia or something, and see if that helps at all.

Or try to wait a little while, say around 5 minutes before eating the food... (of course, if it gets cold after 5 minutes... don't wait...)
I am not sure but I was told something about the weird taste of 'fresh' microwaved food...

Hmmmm....I would try deep-cleaning first like with vinegar (I'm not sure if ammonia is a good choice) or some other appropriate cleaning agent.

yeah, go for vinegar. Put a cup of vinegar in the microwave, nuke it until it boils, then let it sit in there for about 30 min. Wipe down all surfaces with a rag dipped in the vinegar, then let it air out for a while!


ahhh, mom.... you'd be so proud if you knew I just said that....

If you boil vinegar in your microwave, make sure you run a glass of boiling water through it was well. The vinegar may condense on the convection fan otherwise, which can't be wiped off. The steam should help dilute that to get rid of the vinegar. Also, use some water and baking soda to clean it out after the vinegar steam bath to help get rid of the vinegar smell...pluss, baking soda is abrasive and will help scour the inside of your nuker. Just make sure not to use the baking soda on the emission plate (the metal plate on the inside). That can scratch it, which may cause arcing (sparks) while using it.