Oh! I thought you were asking because you were looking to open it up and repair the rattle.

Old microwaves are generally as safe as new ones. Check the seal around the door as well as the front glass for damage, where radiation could leak through. If you want to be super sure and have some change to spare, you should be able to find a "microwave detector" or "microwave leak detector kit" to use.

The thing to be aware of is the capacitor, which stores electrical charge even after you unplug it. Depending on a number of factors this charge can stay present for days after unplugging your microwave.

Research how to manually discharge the capacitor of your model microwave (if it's even possible with your older model) and do this as soon as you're able to, and then do it again for good measure before you start your work in earnest.

It's electricity and it can hurt you, know the risks, etc. etc.

Hey, you'll do great! Remember to breathe!

I so dearly miss O!nigiri when it was around the corner. Chum Chum has onigiri but it’s never been the best. :(

Wanted: coffee stuff. I've moved and am looking to restock my coffee-making nook. I'm most interested in a Chemex, coffee/kitchen scale, grinder (mechanical or electric), temperature-controlled gooseneck kettle, and even that old fiddly mokka pot I know you never use. Send me a message with what you have and how much you'd like for it if I picked it up. :)