You’re in a hurry, and you don’t have time to wash your dishes. You know you can put them in the dishwasher, but you’re out of dishwashing detergent. What do you do? If you have some paper towels on hand, you can put them in the microwave!
But can you use paper towels in the microwave? Yes, you can. But you must follow some precautions. Like all other absorbent materials, paper towels contain a low water content. They can dry up and catch fire quickly if not used properly. You should also avoid heating paper towels with easily flammable things.
One of the most common challenges people have when using paper towels in the microwave is figuring out how to do it safely. There are a few things to consider when using paper towels.
Paper towels can be a great way to heat food in the microwave when used correctly. They’re easy to use and can help avoid spills and messes.
This blog post will discuss the consequences of putting paper towels in the microwave, the benefits of putting paper towels in the microwave, and how to use paper towels safely in the microwave.
Table of Contents
Benefits of Using Paper Towels in the Microwave
When it comes to using paper towels in the microwave, there are several benefits to consider. For starters, using paper towels can help speed up the process of heating your food.
They can also help keep your food from splattering, making for a messier cooking experience. Additionally, if you’re looking to reheat leftovers, using paper towels in the microwave can help ensure that your food remains hot and fresh.
Paper Towels Control Splashing In The Microwave:
Paper towels are also helpful for controlling splashing in the microwave. When cooking foods or liquids that tend to splash, cover the top of the container with a few pieces of paper towels to help control it.
The best part of this is that it saves you the hassle of cleaning the microwave’s walls and turntable after your food has been heated.
Paper Towels Catch Drip While Heating Liquids:
Paper towels are also frequently used in the microwave to line the top of the turntable. The primary purpose of doing this is to collect drips while heating soup or other meals with a lot of liquid. Just take off the paper towel instead of cleaning the turntable after you’ve finished microwaving.
Paper Towels Keep The Moisture Of The Food:
Paper towels are frequently used to wrap food in the microwave. The goal of this is to preserve the moisture of the food. Commonly, foods may lose their moisture while cooking things in the microwave.
Consider this technique similar to covering a pot while steaming food on the stove, with identical effects.
Paper Towels are cheaper:
Paper towels are inexpensive and practical. You might assume that paper towels aren’t particularly cost-effective at first. However, when you consider that you may reuse them, they turn out to be relatively affordable.
LEARN MORE: Can You Microwave Milk?
Risks of Using Paper Towels in the Microwave
When it comes to microwaving foods, there are a few things you should never put in the oven. Paper towels are one of those items. Paper towels can cause a fire in the microwave if you don’t use them correctly.
- You should not place paper towels directly on top of the food. If you do, the heat from the food will cause the paper towel to ignite. It can result in a fire in the microwave and potentially burn your food.
- If paper towels are wet or moist, it may cause a fire. Damp paper towels will not dry in the microwave and will create steam. It can cause a fire if the towels are close to anything else flammable.
- Paper towel balls tend to ignite more easily than unfolded paper towels. When you’re finished using them, make sure they are unfolded and flat before putting them in the microwave.
- If they are not labeled as “microwave safe,” it is better not to use them. Paper towels that are not specifically meant for microwaving may contain chemicals or dyes that can be harmful if ingested. Always read the label to make sure the product is microwave safe.
- Microwaves heat food until it’s hot, so please don’t leave any paper towels in there for long periods. It can eventually cause fire and start to burn up your microwave, which might require an expensive repair or even a replacement.
- Remember not to use excessive amounts of paper towels at once because it could lead to a fire.
It’s essential to be aware of these risks when using paper towels in the microwave. Ensure you follow the guidelines for safe use and only use paper towels if they are specifically made for microwaving.
LEARN MORE: Can You Microwave Ziploc Bags?
Instructions on Using Paper Towels in the Microwave
Using paper towels in the microwave is a safe and easy way to speed up your cooking if you follow these simple precautions.
For example, if you’re reheating leftovers or making popcorn, using a paper towel as a liner will help absorb excess moisture and heat, making your food more evenly cooked and preventing the dreaded “microwave burnt popcorn smell.”
Plus, if you have a spill in your microwave, using a paper towel to clean it up is an easy way to avoid any mess.
But there are some steps you must follow to make sure you’re using them safely.
White paper towels are safe to use:
According to USDA, white paper towels are safe to use in the microwave. Paper towels that are colored or printed may contain dyes that can be harmful if ingested. Always read the label to make sure the product is microwave safe.
Unfolded paper towels are safe to use:
It’s better to place your paper towel flat in the microwave. This is true whether you’re placing the paper towel beneath or above your meal. As heat doesn’t spread as readily from a crumpled paper towel, it’s safer not to fold, bunch, or wrinkle them.
Using Moist Paper towels Are Safe Sometimes:
In certain situations, wrapping your meal in a moist paper towel might help it stay fresh. For example, reheating bread products like rolls, tortillas, pizza, sandwiches may require wet paper towels. Draping a damp paper towel over a bowl of leftovers can also aid in keeping it from drying out.
The fan of a microwave oven may move about a dry paper towel on rare occasions. If you moisten the paper towel, you may drape it over the top of the container or food, and it will stay in place better.
Recycled Paper Towels Should Not Be Used:
If your paper towel is recycled, you should not use it in the microwave. Recycled paper towels are more varied in terms of composition. They are more likely to include chemicals that are harmful to microwaves.
There’s a greater danger of melting, sparking, and eventually catching fire if it’s composed of anything as minor as tiny pieces of plastic, metal, or something else.
LEARN MORE: Can You Microwave Cardboard Cups?
Conclusion
There are a lot of benefits to using paper towels in the microwave. They help absorb moisture and steam, which can prevent spills and messes. Paper towels can also help to heat food quickly and evenly.
However, there are some things to consider when using them in the microwave. Make sure not to overload the microwave with too many paper towels, as this can cause a fire. Also, be sure to check the paper towel package for any warnings about cooking with them in the microwave.
