The microwave is a very useful appliance that helps us to heat up our food right away. But there are lots of items that you shouldn’t put in your microwave that you probably weren’t aware of. Conversely, there are a lot of things that you can put in the microwave that you probably didn’t know about either. So, we’ll clue you in.
20 Things You Shouldn’t Microwave and 20 Items You Didn’t Know You Could Microwave:
1) Tupperware Can Release Toxins
This one is a big no-no! Plastic containers can warp, melt, release toxins, or even catch fire in the microwave. Just make sure plastic containers are microwave safe before you toss it in because lots of Tupperware isn’t
Putting grapes in the microwave can be a disaster. They can explode and even catch on fire.
3) Sauce or Dips Without A Cover
Always cover sauces or dips in your microwave with a paper towel. If not you’ll be stuck cleaning up a splattered mess.
4) Styrofoam Plates, Cups, Containers, Etc.
Microwaving styrofoam is a bad idea for several reasons. It can melt and release toxins into your food.
5) Hot Peppers Are A Fire Hazard
Hot peppers can catch fire if you put them in the microwave. They can also release chemicals that can burn your eyes when you open the microwave door.
6) Yogurt or Butter Containers
They containers typically can’t handle high temperatures. They can melt and release chemicals into your food.
7) Travel Mugs and Bottles
Never put a travel mug or bottle in the microwave unless it specifically states that it is microwave safe. You can damage the mug or bottle or even your microwave.
Heat might not distribute evenly through your meat in the microwave. It’s best to defrost meat in the refrigerator to prevent the growth of bacteria.
Some of these are made with metal or plastic. Both can be dangerous in your microwave.
Both of these items are metallics. That means they can catch fire and destroy your microwave.
Paper bags seem like they would be microwave safe, but they aren’t. They can release flammable toxins.
Running the microwave without anything in it can be quite dangerous. You can damage the microwave or start a fire since there is nothing to absorb the microwaves.
13) Microwave Hard Boiled Eggs
Some say that you can cook an egg dish in the microwave. But not hardboiled eggs. If you put an entire egg in the microwave, it will likely explode.
Some bowls or cookware have metal trim. Make sure you never put these in the microwave.
Sometimes moms freeze their breast milk, but you shouldn’t microwave it to defrost or warm it up. Microwaving the milk can cause it to heat unevenly and harm the child.
Water will “superheat” in the microwave. It won’t boil but will get super hot and can explode when you take it out.
17) Keep Bread Out Of The Microwave
Bread won’t go up in flames or destroy your microwave. But it will come out of the microwave tasting like crap.
Most of us wouldn’t think twice about tossing a hot dog into a microwave. The preservatives in processed meats can produce cholesterol oxidation which are linked to heart disease.
19) Kale And Leafy Greens
While it may seem harmless, you really should keep kale and other leafy greens out of the microwave. Some scientists say that these vegetables can spark in the microwave.
Putting frozen food in your microwave can create dangerous carcingens. This can lead to unwanted immunological effects.
21) Get All The Juice Out Of Your Citrus
Microwave your citrus for 30 to 60 seconds. You’ll be able to squeeze a lot more juice out of your citrus this way.
Place bacon over the top of an upturned bowl for 4 to 6 minutes. Place a plate underneath it to collect the bacon grease.
Has your honey gone hard and crystalized? Place the uncovered jar in a microwave for 30 to 60 seconds.
You can revive a dried up mascara in the microwave. Place your mascara next to a cup of water inside the microwave and heat it up for 30 to 40 seconds.
Roasting garlic can take up to an hour. Speed up the process by roasting it in the microwave for 90 seconds to 2 minutes.
Fill a jar halfway with milk and shake it. Microwave it for 30 seconds and you have seamed milk foam.
You can make fancy poached eggs in the microwave. Learn how
here.
Remove a stamp from an old envelope. Place a drop of water on it and microwave for 10 to 15 seconds so you can use it again.
29) Give Your Plants A Boost
Fill a plastic container with a thin layer of soil and microwave it for 90 seconds per kilogram. This will sterelize your soil and help your seedlings grow.
Soak your sponge in water and place it in the microwave. Nuke it for 1 to 2 minutes to kill the germs.
You can use your microwave to tie dye clothes. Learn how
here.
32) Toasted Nuts and Nuts
You can make toasted nuts by putting a little oil in a bowl and microwaving them for one-minutes increments. Make sure you stir after each use. You should expect to cook them for at least five minutes.
Wet a paper towel and pad it up. But it in a bowl with your sugar and microwave for 25 seconds to declump.
Waiting for dough to rise can take hours. Learn how to use your microwave for this process
here.
Cut off the tips of your onion and microwave for 30 seconds. When you take it out to chop up it won’t make you tear up.
If you forgot to soak beans overnight you can get the same effect by microwaving them. Place dried beans in 3 cups of water for every 1 cup of beans. Microwave on high for 15 minutes until they boil and let stand for about an hour.
You can shuck corn a lot easier if you use a microwave. Cut off the stalk end and microwave for 30 seconds to a minutes. When it’s done just grab by the uncut end and shake. Your corn should come right out.
Coat thinly sliced potatoes in vegetable oil and place in a single layer on a dish. Heat for 3 to 5 minutes until they are brown.
39) Peel Tomatoes and Thin Skinned Fruits
Cut your fruit in half and microwave for up to five minutes. Once the skin wrinkles, take it out. The skin should peel right off it.
You can steam a small serving of vegetables using your microwave. Wrap them in several layers of damp paper towel or place in a bowl with water and cover with a place. Get details on cook times
here.
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