How to Silence Your Noisy Farberware Microwave
A noisy microwave can be an annoyance in your home, especially if it’s located in a high-traffic area like the kitchen. Farberware microwaves are a popular brand, but some models are known to make distracting humming, buzzing or rattling noises when in use.
The good news is, there are some simple troubleshooting steps you can take to dramatically reduce the noise coming from your Farberware microwave.
In this guide, you’ll learn the most common reasons a Farberware microwave generates noise, along with actionable tips to silence it through adjustments, parts replacements or handy hacks.
With a few quick fixes, you can restore peace and quiet to your kitchen during microwave operation.
Common Causes of Noise in Farberware Microwaves
Farberware microwaves can produce different types of distracting noises, including humming, buzzing, rattling, squeaking or knocking sounds. Here are some of the most common underlying issues that generate noise:
Faulty Magnetron
The magnetron is the crucial component that generates the microwaves to cook your food. Over time, this tube-shaped part can malfunction and cause a continuous humming or buzzing noise during operation. A defective magnetron needs professional service or replacement.
Loose, Damaged or Unbalanced Turntable
The turntable is the circular plate that rotates while the microwave runs. If the turntable or its rollers become loose, bent or warped over time, this can cause rattling vibrations and noise. An unbalanced turntable ringing against the microwave walls can also generate loud knocking sounds.
Cooling Fan Issues
Microwaves have a built-in cooling fan that switches on during cooking to prevent overheating. An improperly seated fan, defective bearings or accumulated dust/grease can make the fan noisy. It may produce squeaking, grinding or buzzing noises.
Loose Internal Components
Parts inside the microwave like brackets, wires and panels can vibrate and cause noise if they become loose over time. For example, a loose cover panel might rattle when the turntable is spinning. Internal issues usually require taking apart the microwave case to inspect and tighten components.
Grease Buildup
Built-up grease deposits on the turntable rollers, fan blade and other interior parts can alter friction and rotation, leading to squeaking and other noises during operation. Periodic cleaning is required to remove grease accumulation.
Troubleshooting Tips to Silence a Noisy Microwave
If your Farberware microwave is noisy, try these troubleshooting tips before taking more drastic measures:
Inspect and Clean Turntable
Make sure the turntable is clean, properly seated with its roller ring and rotating smoothly. Remove built-up grease deposits and wipe down the turntable surface. Replace the turntable if it’s warped, cracked or broken.
Verify Turntable Installation
Improper installation is a common source of noise. The turntable should have a roller guide underneath that slots into the drive hub, allowing smooth rotation. Make sure it’s correctly aligned and sitting flat.
Check Cooling Fan
Inspect the cooling fan blades and housing for obstructions. Carefully vacuum the fan and surrounding area to remove dust buildup. Make sure the fan blades spin freely without friction or grinding noises.
Tighten Interior Screws
Using a screwdriver, check and tighten any loose screws on brackets, panels and other interior parts. This can reduce rattling from loose components. Be careful not to overtighten anything.
Listen for Defective Parts
Operate the microwave and pinpoint where the noise originates. A humming or buzzing noise signifies a problem with the magnetron and requires a professional fix. Knocking or rattling indicates an issue with the turntable, fan or loose interior parts.
Reset Door Safety Interlocks
If the noise only happens when cooking, try resetting the door sensors. Open and close the door completely, press firmly near the latches and run a test cycle. This can re-align the door switches that disable the magnetron for safety when open.
Quick Fixes and Hacks for Noise Reduction
If basic troubleshooting doesn’t solve the problem, these quick fixes and hacks can help dampen microwave noises:
- Place a microwave-safe bowl filled with water inside. The water absorbs excess noise energy.
- Put noise-dampening pads, like those used under washing machines, under the rubber microwave feet.
- For turntable knocking, place a microwave-safe mug upside down in the center of the turntable.
- Cover the walls with sound-absorbing adhesive foam sheets, avoiding any vents.
- For a rattling fan, wedge a piece of cardboard as a shim to adjust alignment.
- To stop interior rattling, place foam weather seal strips around the interior metal seams.
- Rubber pads stuck on magnetron mounting brackets can reduce humming vibrations.
- If the door is rattling, place removable adhesive foam strips on the inner door edges.
By regularly maintaining your microwave and addressing noises quickly, you can keep your Farberware operating silently for decades. Implement the troubleshooting tips and hacks in this guide to successfully eliminate annoying humming, buzzing, rattling, knocking or other noises.
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