Microwaving can be a quick and convenient way to heat up your food. However, not all materials are made to withstand the high temperatures and rapid heat changes a microwave can produce. Some materials can even be dangerous when microwaved, causing fires, chemical reactions, or even explosions. In this post, I’ll be sharing 12 things I wish I’d never put in the microwave. These experiences have taught me some important lessons about what is and isn’t safe to microwave.
1. Plastic Containers Not Labelled “Microwave-Safe”
One thing I learnt the hard way is that not all plastic containers are safe to use in the microwave. Some plastics can melt or warp, releasing chemicals into the food.
I once microwaved leftover spaghetti in a plastic container, and it started to warp and melt. The spaghetti was ruined, and I had to throw out the container. Now, I make sure to only use containers labelled “microwave-safe” and when in doubt, I transfer food to a ceramic or glass dish.
2. Styrofoam Containers
Styrofoam containers are another no-no for the microwave. While some are labelled as microwave-safe, many are not and can melt or release harmful chemicals when heated.
I once heated up some take-out in its Styrofoam container. I was left with a melted mess and the food was inedible. It’s always better to transfer food into a microwave-safe dish before heating.
3. Paper Bags
You might think that paper is safe to microwave, but paper bags can catch fire in the microwave. The thin, dry material can quickly ignite when exposed to the microwave’s heat.
One time, I tried to microwave popcorn in a paper bag, thinking it would be a healthier alternative to store-bought microwave popcorn. The bag caught fire and caused a lot of smoke. Now I know to only use microwave-safe popcorn bags.
4. Metal
Metal is a well-known microwave hazard. It can cause sparks and potentially start a fire.
I once accidentally left a spoon in a bowl of soup I was heating up. Sparks flew and I was lucky it didn’t start a fire. Always double-check for any metal before microwaving.
5. Eggs
Eggs in their shells can explode when microwaved due to the pressure build-up inside the shell.
I once tried to boil an egg in the microwave and it exploded, creating a big mess. Now I know to only microwave eggs after they’ve been cracked open and placed in a microwave-safe container.
6. Hot Peppers
Hot peppers can release capsaicin, the compound that makes them spicy, when microwaved. This can cause a burning sensation in your eyes and throat.
I once microwaved a chili pepper, and the capsaicin filled the air, causing me to cough and my eyes to water. Now I know to only microwave peppers in a covered dish.
7. Grapes
Grapes can create a plasma fireball in the microwave due to their high water content and the microwave’s electromagnetic waves.
I once microwaved a grape out of curiosity, and it created a fireball. It was scary and could have been dangerous. Now I know to never microwave grapes.
8. Dry Sponge
A dry sponge can catch fire when microwaved due to its dry and porous nature.
I tried to sanitize a sponge by microwaving it, not knowing it was completely dry. It caught fire and filled my kitchen with smoke. Now I know to only microwave sponges that are wet.
9. Aluminum Foil
Aluminum foil can cause sparks and potentially start a fire when microwaved.
I once microwaved a leftover burrito still wrapped in its foil. It sparked and could have started a fire. Always make sure to remove any foil before microwaving.
10. Nothing
Running your microwave empty can cause damage to the appliance because there’s nothing inside to absorb the microwaves.
I once turned on my microwave by accident when it was empty. It started to make a strange noise, and I quickly turned it off. Now I know to always have something inside when running it.
11. Certain Fabrics
Certain fabrics, like wool or certain synthetics, can catch fire or melt in the microwave.
I once tried to warm up a wheat bag in the microwave, not realizing it was covered in a synthetic fabric. It started to melt and could have caught fire. Always check the label before microwaving any fabric items.
12. Travel Mugs
Metal travel mugs can cause sparks and potentially start a fire when microwaved.
I once tried to reheat my coffee in a metal travel mug. It caused sparks and could have started a fire. Now I know to only microwave drinks in microwave-safe mugs or cups.
In conclusion, it’s always important to make sure that what you’re microwaving is safe to do so. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when using this convenient but powerful kitchen appliance.
