5 Things You Should Never Put in Your Microwave

When it comes to reheating and cooking during our busy schedules, the microwave truly is a miracle appliance. And we all know that items like aluminum and metal should never be put in the microwave, but just what else exactly should you avoid nuking?

Below, check out five things you should absolutely never put in the microwave. (Number 5 might surprise you!)

1.Sauce

Let’s rephrase: You can heat sauce up in the microwave, but you should always make sure to cover it — even just with a paper towel — because liquid-y sauces tend to pop and splatter if left uncovered.

2. Hot peppers

Believe it or not, hot peppers can actually catch fire in the microwave. Plus, by heating up the chemicals in the peppers, you could accidentally hurt your eyes after opening the microwave and being exposed to the fumes.

3. Raw eggs

You can probably get away with reheating scrambled eggs, but if you’re thinking of cooking raw eggs or reheating over-easy or sunnyside-style eggs with runny yolks, don’t: they’ll just explode and make a big mess.

4. Styrofoam

Being able to nuke your takeout leftovers is a great convenience — after all, waste not, want not — but did you know it’s not healthy to microwave those styrofoam takeaway containers or cups? Styrofoam is make of plastic, which can release harmful chemicals when heated up.

5. Nothing

Crazy, but true! With nothing to absorb the literal microwaves, you can start a fire in your microwave or damage it in other ways.