this post was submitted on 30 Sep 2023
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There's an easy(ish) way to clean one. Put about 1-1.5 cups of water into a microwave safe bowl or glass (I use Pyrex measuring cup) and microwave it for about 10+ minutes. Let the water boil really good and the hot steam will soften all the crap on the inside of the microwave. Get the cup out carefully, wipe the inside with a wet cloth, maybe spray some cleaner if oily and you're done.
You really want to let that water sit still for a bit before you take it out. It could have superheated (meaning a portion under the surface tension has converted to gas) and explode when disturbed.
Oh that's smart. I'm gonna try this on my microwave
Be very careful doing this. The water can become superheated and explode when the surface tension is broken. Honestly, it's probably better to find an alternative way to clean your microwave.
Couldn't you put a little salt or something in it to make sure it has a nucleation point to start boiling
I'm not sure. That sounds like it might work, but I don't have any source to know if it will.
Ok now I want to do it more
There's nothing special about a microwave that will superheat water. You can superheat water on a stovetop, but nobody ever says not to boil water on a stove.
Exactly the same as water being superheated in a microwave, no nucleation sites.
I've boiled water in the microwave thousands of times, it's never been superheated. It's does not easily happen in a microwave.
Every time I've seen someone test out this microwave myth, they use distilled water and a new container.
So then the recommendation should be 'never boil filtered water in the microwave, and never boil filtered water in a new pot on a stove', not 'never boil water in a microwave'.
Edit: or maybe 'Never boil filtered water in a glass or ceramic container' that makes it clear that the method of heating is irrelevant, it's the condition of the water and container that is important.
Metal forks are the problem. Sparking occurs between the sharp tips. Supposedly spoons are safe, but I don't have any first-hand experience with this.