Can You Microwave a Wet Paper Towel?

Yes, you can microwave a wet paper towel without any problems. In fact, doing so is often encouraged in the microwave cooking of certain foods, where it helps to prevent splatter and maintain moisture.

Microwaving Wet Paper Towels

Wet paper towels can be safely placed in the microwave. However, it's important to consider the potential for getting liquids on your food. For instance, if your food splatters during heating, the wet towel may become soaked and possibly dip down onto your food. To mitigate this, you might want to use multiple folded towels or place them above the food to ensure they don't come into direct contact with your meal.

When the microwave is done, the towel may be quite hot, especially if it has absorbed any liquids. For safety, it's recommended to quickly dip the towel in cold water before handling to prevent burns.

Microwaving Dry Paper Towels

Dry paper towels can also be microwaved, as long as you monitor the situation. If you're using them to cover food to keep it from splattering, they might remain dry. However, if you just place them on top of food, they might be blown off due to the air generated by the microwave. Higher quality paper towels (those that are slightly heavier) are less likely to be blown away.

For reheating items like rolls or bread, I dampen a paper towel and wrap it underneath the food. After about 20 seconds in the microwave, the bread or rolls are warm and ready for butter to melt on them without drying out. This method is also effective for tortillas and similar foods.

Safety Tips for Using Paper Towels in the Microwave

To avoid mess, always place your paper towels on a microwave-safe plate. This helps in maintaining the cleanliness of your microwave and prevents any potential accidents.

When cooking greasy foods like bacon, using paper towels is essential. Place several layers under and on top of the bacon to absorb excess grease. Starting with a four-minute microwave time is a good practice, checking after that for doneness. After cooking, the bacon should still contain a nicely crispy texture without being too greasy.

Conclusion

Microwaving paper towels, whether wet or dry, can be a handy technique for various tasks in the kitchen. Just remember to handle them with care and follow these simple tips to ensure safe and effective use in your microwave.