Using microwave, like any other appliance, can be dangerous. Below are some microwave safety precautions in using microwave.
- Do not overcook or overheat foods. Doing this may increase the chance of burning the food, including yourself and the microwave. If you are not sure of the right time, cook shortly and then check the food if it is ready to eat, if not, set the microwave again for a short time.
- Give a few minutes before taking the food out of the microwave to prevent explosive situations and contact burns. Do not add anything like tea bag or sugar to a newly microwaved liquid while having the cup near your face or holding it.
- Pick foods with skins such as eggs, potatoes, sausages and eggplants to avoid explosion. Never microwave a whole egg with the shell on it.
- Covered foods are likely to jump or splatter out of the tray such as beans, etc. Use plastic wraps only if it is designed for microwave use but still do not let it touch the food so the chemicals will not touch the food either. It is better to just cover the food with another microwavable tray or dish or plate that is designed for that purpose.
- All manufactured paper products have chemicals. Do not use paper plates, grocery bags, butcher’s wrap, newspapers or other paper materials to heat the food or as food cover. Some white paper towels are microwaveable and you can use it for their specific purpose in the microwave. Oven cooking bags, parchment paper and wax paper are also safe for microwave use but do not overheat.
- Plastics have toxic materials and will melt in the microwave. Microwave may release the toxins in the plastics so make sure that they do not touch the food. Use microwaveable plastic wrap instead. Do not reheat Styrofoam, plastic containers, whipped topping bowls, and margarine tubs for reheating.
- Do not use metal items such as aluminium foil and containers, steel, wire ties and utensils in the microwave.
- Avoid cooking meats, cheese, eggs, breads and custards in the microwave.
- If the microwave catches fire, press the stop button and unplug it. Do not open the microwave or throw water in it. Let the fire burn out although it may damage your oven, you wouldn’t want to hurt yourself. Do not use microwave with broken window.
- Ensure that kids know how to operate the microwave.