5 Things Illinois Residents Should Keep Out of the Microwave

I'm almost 30 years old and still Google, "can this go in the microwave?" way more than I'd like to admit.  Seriously, how am I old enough to pay bills and live on my own, but don't know if a plastic container can be microwaved?

I will be completely honest here.  One time, I put my mascara bottle in the microwave for 15 seconds to get the mascara to warm up because it was too dry and the bottle exploded.  The entire microwave as covered in black mascara.

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A few days later, my mom asked me if I knew anything about the black stuff all over the inside of the microwave.  Of course, I came clean and then she made me deep clean it!

Other than mascara, here are 5 things you shouldn't put in a microwave if you don't want to burn down your house or buy a new appliance.

5 Things Illinois Residents Should Keep Out of the Microwave

• Whole boiled eggs - the steam builds up inside of the eggs and literally causes an explosion.  Do doubt about that.
• Frozen meat - this is dangerous.  It doesn't cook properly and you could get very sick from trying to cook frozen meat in a microwave.
• Paper bags or cardboard - Paper can catch fire, and cardboard could contain glue or ink that releases toxins.  Don't risk it!
• Metal utensils - This one seems like common sense, but metal... in a microwave... sparks and a fire hazard.
• Plastic containers - Not all plastic is microwave safe. Some can melt or release chemicals into your food.

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Bottom line: it's totally cool to Google if something is safe to put in the microwave.  Don't be ashamed, no matter how old you are.