Microwaves tend to be the simplest of all the kitchen appliances, but that doesn’t mean you can put anything inside them. Most people know that metal and foil containers are no-no’s, but is there something else we should be avoiding? In order to prevent a fire from occurring in your home, or releasing toxic chemicals into the air, try watching out for these items so you can keep your microwave in pristine shape.

1. Aluminum Foil

Obviously, you should never put aluminum foil in your microwave. We know that fireworks are exciting, but when you start seeing sparks flying from your microwave, you better stop it immediately. The interior of a microwave is normally metal, so when aluminum foil is placed inside, the radio waves that emit electromagnetic energy to heat up your food, reflects off it, which causes a light show in your microwave.

2. Paper Bags

Paper bags were not made to be put in a microwave. Of course, popcorn bags are different and were made to handle the radio waves emitted from microwaves. It may seem like nothing, but your regular paper bag is not protected and can release chemicals into the air and your food when warmed up. Not to mention, the bag could catch fire so it’s probably a good idea to just not test it out.

3. Plastic Bags and Containers

Plastic isn’t the best material to go inside a microwave. When it’s heated, BPA, an organic compound, is released, which can heavily disrupt your hormones. Keep your hormones natural by never using plastic to warm up your food.

4. Hot Peppers

Heating up peppers is bad for a couple reasons. One being that they could catch fire – which no one wants. Also, microwaving hot peppers is essentially the same as being pepper-sprayed. As soon as you open the microwave, your eyes and throat could be vulnerable to burning – so maybe don’t heat up your peppers in a microwave.

5. Styrofoam

Leftovers have come in Styrofoam containers since the dawn of time, it would seem. Unfortunately, they don’t belong in your microwave for warming up. Remove your food before heating up to prevent harsh chemicals from infecting your next meal.

Microwaves may seem like simple appliances, but they’re very powerful tools that should be used carefully. With your newfound knowledge, you’ll keep your microwave in better shape so that it can stick around to heat up your food for a long time.

Isabelle, Your Appliance Expert