How to Avoid Making Your Microwave Catch on Fire

Microwaves are a quick, convenient way to heat up your food or make quick meals. However, if not careful, microwaves can pose a fire hazard. While avoiding microwave fires is often as simple as not putting certain materials in your microwave, you should also take some basic safety precautions like not leaving your microwave unattended. Thankfully, you don't need to go to great lengths to prevent microwave fires!

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Avoiding Known Fire-Starters

1
Don't put metal in your microwave. Any kind of metal will spark in a microwave, which can cause a fire very quickly. Metal objects that should not go in the microwave include, but are not limited to:
- Pots and pans
- Silverware
- Plates, bowls, or cups with metal or metal trims
- Metal cans
- Takeout containers with metal handles
Aluminum foil is a type of metal, so it's not safe to put in your microwave. If your food is wrapped in aluminum foil, unwrap it and put it on a plate before putting it in the microwave.^{[1]XTrustworthy SourceFood Safety and Inspection Service of the USDAFood safety information provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.Go to source}
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3
Only put microwave-safe plastic into your microwave. Styrofoam, regular plastic wrap, and some plastic containers will heat up and melt in the microwave, which can start a fire (and transfer chemicals into your food).^{[2]XTrustworthy SourceHarvard Medical SchoolHarvard Medical School's Educational Site for the PublicGo to source} Check if the plastic is microwave-safe before putting it in the microwave; if it's not, transfer it to another container.
- Don't microwave single-use containers, like yogurt cups or margarine tubs. They're not designed for reuse and will melt.^{[3]XTrustworthy SourceFood Safety and Inspection Service of the USDAFood safety information provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.Go to source}
- Do not microwave plastic bags or trash bags.^{[4]XTrustworthy SourceFood Safety and Inspection Service of the USDAFood safety information provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.Go to source}
4
Be cautious with paper products. Some paper products can go in a microwave; others will start a fire. Like with plastics, check if they're microwave-safe before putting them in the microwave.^{[5]XTrustworthy SourceNational Institute of Health Office of ManagementResearch and education office within the National Institutes of Health.Go to source}
- Things like wax paper, parchment paper, and paper towels are safe if they're specifically labeled as microwave-safe.^{[6]XTrustworthy SourceFood Safety and Inspection Service of the USDAFood safety information provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.Go to source}
- Recycled paper can be dangerous, because it can have very small pieces of metal in the paper. Always make sure the product is microwave-safe beforehand.^{[7]XTrustworthy SourceNational Institute of Health Office of ManagementResearch and education office within the National Institutes of Health.Go to source}
- Plain brown paper bags are not microwave-safe and will catch fire.
- Cardboard is also unsafe to microwave.^{[8]XResearch source}
5
Check if food or drink containers are microwave-safe. Not every container can be safely microwaved. While glass and ceramic containers are not as much of a risk (since they don't burn or catch fire easily), plastic containers can melt and catch fire.^{[9]XTrustworthy SourceFood Safety and Inspection Service of the USDAFood safety information provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.Go to source} If you're not sure if something is microwave-safe, check the bottom of the container; microwave-safe containers will be labeled as such.
- This applies to Tupperware, travel mugs, and any dish coverings you might use.
- Metal or aluminum containers are not safe to put in your microwave.
While this might seem odd, grapes and chili peppers will actually catch fire in the microwave. Grapes, when touching each other, will spark in the microwave and could start a fire. And chili peppers contain capsaicin, which is flammable when microwaved - and capsaicin also becomes airborne, meaning you'll get a spicy spray to the face when you open the microwave.^{[10]XResearch source}
7
Avoid putting non-food objects in your microwave. While it might seem obvious, things like clothes, phones, dry sponges, and matches are not meant to be put in a microwave. These can damage your microwave and could potentially start a fire.^{[11]XTrustworthy SourceNational Institute of Health Office of ManagementResearch and education office within the National Institutes of Health.Go to source} If you're not sure whether something can safely go in your microwave, don't microwave it.
- There are some non-food objects that can be safely microwaved if you know what you're doing, like CDs, but these can still damage your microwave. Only microwave non-food objects if you know how to do it safely.
8
Never use the microwave when there's no food inside. If you run the microwave with nothing inside it, there's no food to absorb the energy, so the microwave is absorbing its own energy. While some microwaves are built to better withstand this, other microwaves can be severely damaged by this, and can catch fire.^{[12]XTrustworthy SourceUS Food and Drug AdministrationU.S. government agency responsible for promoting public healthGo to source}
- If you want to set a timer, look for the Timer option on your microwave, or use a physical timer (or your phone).
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Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Practicing Safety Strategies

The manufacturer's guide of included with your microwave can give you more information on microwave safety and what you should and shouldn't do with that specific microwave.^{[13]XTrustworthy SourceNational Institute of Health Office of ManagementResearch and education office within the National Institutes of Health.Go to source}
If the vents are blocked, it will trap heat, and a fire could start. Make sure there are no objects near or up against the microwave, and don't place things on top of the microwave.
This is especially important if you're heating up meals that take longer than three minutes. The longer the food cooks, the more likely it is to burn or catch fire.^{[14]XTrustworthy SourceNational Institute of Health Office of ManagementResearch and education office within the National Institutes of Health.Go to source}
If you're heating up a microwave meal or popcorn, check the packaging before you put it in the microwave. You don't want to set the food on fire by leaving it in for too long, and some microwave meals need part of the packaging removed. Directions are usually placed on the box or the packaging of the food itself.
5
Keep young children away from the microwave. Young children can turn on the microwave for a long time, or unknowingly put dangerous things into a microwave. If you live with children, explain to them that they should not use the microwave unless an adult is there to supervise them.^{[15]XTrustworthy SourceNational Institute of Health Office of ManagementResearch and education office within the National Institutes of Health.Go to source}
- Elementary-aged and older children can typically be taught how to safely use the microwave.
- If possible, place the microwave higher up so young children are unable to reach it.
If something is wrong with your microwave's power cord or the outlet it's plugged into, it could spark and cause a fire. Be sure all power cords and plugs are functioning properly and that the cord is intact.^{[16]XTrustworthy SourceNational Institute of Health Office of ManagementResearch and education office within the National Institutes of Health.Go to source}
Microwaves have multiple electrical components that can be easily damaged if you don't know what you're doing. If you try to fix a broken microwave and damage something in the process, the microwave could catch fire when it's next used.^{[17]XResearch source}
8
Know how to react if your microwave does catch on fire. If something goes wrong, and your microwave catches fire, it's important to stay calm. Shut off the microwave and/or unplug it immediately, and do not open the door. Most fires will die out on their own once the microwave is off.^{[18]XTrustworthy SourceNational Institute of Health Office of ManagementResearch and education office within the National Institutes of Health.Go to source}
- Do not open the microwave if there's a fire. Opening the door will give it oxygen and will make the fire worse. Wait until the fire dies out.
- If the fire doesn't stop or starts to spread, leave your house and call emergency services.
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Does tin foil blow up in the microwave?
Community Answer
Tin foil will catch your microwave on fire.
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Can heating aluminum cause a fire in the microwave?
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It can. There are some circumstances where aluminum foil or an aluminum pan can be used to heat something in a microwave: the foil needs to be smooth and non-wrinkled, should be at least one inch away from the oven walls, and should not cover all of the food. If the microwave has metal shelves or a metal turntable, do not use an aluminum container. If you see sparks, immediately turn off the microwave and transfer the food to a microwave-safe dish.
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Can I put an item in the microwave if it contains 87.5 percent cotton and 12.5 polypropylene?
Michele
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Many plastic containers contain polypropylene, and while generally considered microwaveable, you should check with the manufacturer before placing in a microwave. It would seem that you're talking about batting for a microwave bowl or heating pad. This type of combination should never be left in the microwave for more than 3 minutes at a time. Don't use 100% cotton, though, which can catch fire in the microwave. Your combination of cotton and "scrim" is fine, so long as it's not microwaved for too long.
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Tips

If in doubt, microwave for less time. You can always put the food back in.
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Check your microwave regularly to make sure it's in good shape. It should heat up properly and should not make strange sounds. If you notice something wrong with the microwave, do not use it until it is fixed.
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