How to safely discharge your microwave capacitor. Before accessing the high-voltage side of the microwave, please ensure that the microwave is unplugged.
One of the best tools for discharging the capacitor is a solid plastic-handled awl, as its fine tips allow you to get into small areas and still make contact with the capacitor. To discharge the capacitor, place one awl on each set of the capacitor's contacts, and then cross the awls over so they touch. This will cause the capacitor to short, discharging any stored energy without damaging the capacitor. Once this process is complete, the wiring on the capacitor can now be safely removed.