Is Wax Paper Safe In The Microwave? What To Know Before Trying

There are many smart ways to repurpose wax paper around the house. From lining your refrigerator shelves to fixing stuck zippers, it's no surprise that it has earned a spot as a household staple. There's another use for wax paper that you might not have considered — using it in the microwave to prevent messes and help food retain moisture. While the easiest way to keep your microwave clean is already in your kitchen, it's important to consider if using this waxy material is actually safe, or if it will melt or catch fire.

Wax paper is safe to be used in the microwave, unlike an oven, under some conditions. First, you must always check the label of your specific roll of wax paper. Some brands have different guidance recommendations, like a maximum heating time or avoiding high-fat foods, that you need to be aware of before placing it in the appliance. Next, it's imperative that you use wax paper only for short spurts at low or medium power — never on full power for a long cook time. When covering food, allow steam to escape by only covering loosely — never wrapping anything tightly. Additionally, stop microwaving if you notice any smoke, discoloration, or smells, since this means the paper is overheating and may catch fire or melt. Finally, if the wax coating begins to soften or distort, throw it away and use a different sheet.

Luckily, wax paper isn't one of the household items you need to think twice about before putting in the microwave. There are some scenarios where using wax paper in the microwave is entirely acceptable and non-dangerous. For example, many people will use wax paper to line their microwave turntable plate to prevent splatters when reheating messy foods like soup. The wax paper acts as a shield to catch any stray gunk that might be thrown about, and you can simply toss the paper out when you're done. Just remember only to use it on medium to low heat, and avoid letting the paper touch the microwave walls or heating element.

You can also use wax paper to cover your microwaved foods loosely. This can help avoid messes, but can also help keep moisture retention without creating excessive steam for foods like bread and pastries. You must remember not to wrap your food tightly with the wax paper, even if it's being cooked for just a few seconds. Wrapping it too tightly can lead to a buildup of steam or moisture that will make the food soggy and the paper melt or scorch. If you have a particularly fatty or sugary food like bacon or a cinnamon roll, it's best to skip the wax paper altogether, since these foods reach much higher temperatures that can cause the wax to be leached into the food.