A College Student's Guide On What To Keep Out Of The Microwave

Although microwaves are great, and do a pretty awesome job heating up most food and keeping you nourished at all hours of the night, there are some foods and materials that you should keep out of your microwave. The best way to avoid starting a microwave fire or making a huge mess in your dorm room or apartment is by keeping the following containers out of your microwave: 

• All Types Of Disposable Bags: Do not put disposable bags into your microwave. Paper bags and plastic bags can cause a microwave fire and release chemicals you don't want in your food. 
• Yogurt And Other Single Use Containers: Disposable containers, such as butter and yogurt containers, are made with a flexible type of plastic that is not designed to hold up under extremely hot temperatures. If you put these single use containers in your microwave, they could easily warp a little and may even completely melt. Harmful chemicals will be released from these types of containers when they are heated up in the microwave; these are not the types of chemicals that you want in your microwave or in your body. 
• Styrofoam Containers: Styrofoam is actually a type of plastic, and thus should be kept out of your microwave. 
• Travel Mugs: You can put some travel mugs in the microwave, but not all travel mugs. If your mug is made of stainless steel, the metal will prevent your microwave from heating up the contents in the mug. Plus, it is never safe to put metal in a microwave. If you have a travel mug that is composed of plastic, make sure it is the microwave safe kind. If is it, the bottom of the mug should be labeled microwave safe. 
• Aluminium Foil: You should not put any metal in your microwave, including aluminium foil. The foil could easily catch on fire inside of your microwave.
• Sponges: While it is true that putting a sponge in the microwave for a few seconds will zap and kill all the bacteria that is growing on the sponge, it will also make your kitchen smell awful. Microwaves release smells, and the smell that is trapped inside of your sponge is not pleasant. If your sponge is smelling bad, just throw it out and purchase a new one. 

All of the containers and materials listed above are not made to withstand the conditions that are present inside of your microwave. Additionally, the microwave will break many of the materials listed above down into their chemical components. You don't want to eat these chemicals. 

If you do happen to put something in your microwave that you shouldn't and your microwave breaks down, contact a company like Crown Appliance & Refrigeration Service for assistance.