Is it reliable to use a microwave to disinfect?

The emergence of microwave ovens has allowed more and more people to enjoy convenience and speed. In fact, microwave ovens are not only a good helper in our daily lives, but also a magic weapon for household disinfection.

Tableware can be sterilized in a microwave

It is reported that when the microwave oven is working, microwaves and light waves heat inside and outside at the same time at a speed of 300,000 kilometers per second, and the temperature can quickly reach 120°C, which is equivalent to the temperature of high-pressure steam sterilization. Experiments have shown that microwaves of a certain intensity can kill E. coli within 3 minutes and kill bacteria that cause diarrhea and colitis within 6 minutes.

However, there are many things to note when using a microwave oven for sterilization: tableware should be wrapped in a wet towel before disinfection. Because the temperature inside the microwave oven is too high, it is easy to burn the tableware, reducing the sterilization effect. Therefore, before disinfection, it is best to wrap the tableware with a wet towel and then put it in the microwave to heat it. Do not let plastic wrap come into contact with food. When using a microwave to heat and sterilize food, do not allow plastic wrap to come into direct contact with the food.

Because plastic wrap will melt at high temperatures, produce toxins and harm your health. You can put the food in a large bowl and cover it with glass or porcelain. This will seal in the moisture and allow for quick and even heating. Milk and fried foods cannot be heated because part of the amino acids in milk will be converted into substances harmful to the human body after being heated in a microwave oven; and fried foods will cause oil to splash under high temperature, leading to open flames. If a fire occurs accidentally in the furnace, do not open the furnace door. Turn off the power first and then open the door to cool down after the fire is extinguished.

It is worth noting that not all tableware is suitable for disinfection in a microwave oven. Metal cutlery must not be heated in a microwave oven, because the heating of metal cutlery will damage the magnetron in the microwave oven. The magnetron is the core control in your microwave oven and its life will be shortened if it is repeatedly damaged. Porcelain tableware is also not suitable for heating and is prone to cracking.

In addition, heating time is also important. Generally speaking, tableware can be disinfected by heating it over high heat for 1-3 minutes; washed kitchen rags only need to be heated in the microwave for 1-2 minutes; masks and towels should be heated for 3-4 minutes. After these items are disinfected in the microwave, it is best to wash them again with clean water.

Finally, we would like to remind everyone that the microwave oven should be placed in a dry, ventilated place, and a gap of more than 10 cm should be left on the back, top and sides of the oven. If there is an odor in the stove, boil a bowl of vinegar in the stove and the odor will be gone after a few minutes.

Editor's reminder: Toys and other items are not suitable for microwave disinfection

Recently, it has been rumored online that a certain plush toy can be disinfected in a microwave oven. In fact, this is unreliable. Glassware and porcelain are best suited for heating in a microwave oven. Plush toys may contain various chemical fiber ingredients, which may produce harmful substances when heated in a microwave oven. Metal and plastic products should not be sterilized in the microwave. Moreover, microwave ovens are designed for tableware, and other items may not be heated because they are not the right size for the microwave oven.