Why is my microwave door hard to close or not sitting flush?

If the door does not close smoothly, the microwave may not start and it should not be used until the problem is understood. A door that does not sit flush can also let heat escape or prevent the safety interlock from engaging properly. Stop using the appliance straight away if the door is bent, the latch is damaged or the cabinet is distorted.

1. Check that no packaging, crumbs or spilled food are caught around the door frame, hinge area or seal. Clean away anything visible with a soft damp cloth, then dry the area.
2. Close the door gently and observe whether it catches, springs back, or needs extra pressure. If it only closes when pushed hard, there may be a mechanical alignment issue.
3. Look at the hinges and latch area from the outside. If anything looks bent, cracked or loose, do not force the door shut.
4. Make sure the microwave is standing level on a stable surface. An uneven appliance can make the door appear misaligned.
5. Test the door again after cleaning and levelling the unit. If it still does not sit flush or the microwave will not run, stop using it.

If the door remains uneven, difficult to close or unsafe to latch, stop using the microwave and contact the retailer or store where it was purchased. Do not try to adjust the hinges or latch yourself.