| How to Prevent Ants in the Kitchen Posted: 26 May 2022 09:00 AM PDT Ant problems can be a pain. Whether you've experienced them first-hand or not, the biggest thing to remember is that ants are attracted to sugar and grease. This makes kitchens a prime location for an ant infestation. The most effective way to ward off an invasion in your kitchen is to keep it clean at all times and cover up any entry points, even if you've never seen an ant around. Not only does this keep you safe from bacteria and diseases, but it will also keep ants from becoming interested in your kitchen. [Edit]Cleaning and Repairing Your Kitchen - Keep your kitchen free of garbage, spills, and food crumbs. Before doing any rigorous cleaning, take care to sweep up crumbs of food, take out the trash daily, and wipe up any spills with a microfiber cloth. You should also be sure to clean your dirty dishes as soon as possible, as they are a prime food source for ants.[1][2]
- If you have pets, keep their bowls empty and clean when they're not eating.
- Clean your kitchen surfaces with vinegar and water. Start by creating a 1:1 solution of white distilled vinegar and water in a bowl. Now, dip a clean rag into it, squeeze it out, and wipe down the surfaces of your kitchen. Not only do ants hate the smell of vinegar, but it's also a great substitute for standard detergents that contain the environmentally-damaging phosphorus.[3]
- Focus on areas that get the dirtiest or are most prone to ants.
- Store ripe fruits in the refrigerator. Ants are attracted to sugar and fruits are a prime source. Although ripe fruits can look pretty in your kitchen, it's best to keep them in the fridge to ensure that they don't attract ants.[4]
- Oranges and lemons can be kept out as they are ant deterrents.
- Put non-fruit foods in airtight containers.[5] Although sugars are the biggest ant attractors, any exposed food can attract them. Purchase Ziploc bags or airtight containers and put all of your other exposed foods in them.[6]
- For the best results, put your food containers in the refrigerator.
- Remove ant trails with vinegar and water. Watch your kitchen ants carefully and determine the trails that they commonly follow—these are likely the scented trails that lead the colony in and out of the home. Now, add 1 part vinegar and 3 parts water into a spray bottle and apply it to every trail you notice.[7]
- Keep in mind that mopping and sweeping isn't enough to kill the scent of ant trails.
- Fix any leaking pipes and leaky faucets. Water sources can attract ants, which is why it's important to keep your plumbing in check. Make it a habit to check your pipes every now and then, especially in areas you might not notice such as under the sink. Cover small leaks with rubber and remove larger leaks by replacing the affected portion of piping. To fix a leaky faucet, replace the seat washer, which is held in place on the stem—the long part underneath the faucet handle—with an upside down brass screw.[8]
- If the handle of the faucet is leaky and not the body, replace the O-shaped rings instead of the seat washer.
- Always be sure that the pipes are completely dried after repairing them.
- Seal gaps and cracks with a caulking gun. Apply caulk to any gaps around doors, baseboards, windows, and other openings that ants might find their way into your kitchen through. Even if they look small, don't take the chance! Start by washing the cracks with hot water, disinfectant, and rubbing alcohol. Afterward, load your caulking gun, cut the front nozzle at a 45-degree angle, pull the trigger, and draw the gun nozzle over the crack.[9]
- Keep the gun nozzle facing downward at a 45-degree angle to the crack.
- Always press the trigger steadily and firmly and move slowly across the crack.
- If your doors aren't fitting tight enough, add stripping to the bottom.
[Edit]Deterring Ants from Your Kitchen - Spread salt near your kitchen's doors, windows, and walls to dehydrate ants. Salt dries ants out and although it won't kill them, it does make them avoid it. Take note of areas where your ants travel, enter, and exit and line them with salt.
- Apply a line of dish soap around ant gathering areas to stop ant entry. Windows, doors, and baseboards are common areas. Squeeze out a thin line or soap along these regions to deter ants from using these entrances.[10]
- As an alternative, mix the soap with water in a 1:1 solution and spray the areas down.
- Spray lemon juice around your kitchen's entry points to kill and deter ants. Lemon juice helps kill and deter ants with its acidic oil called d-limonene. Start by filling a spray bottle with ½ lemon juice and ½ purified water. Afterward, add 15 drops of an essential oil—such as tea tree, peppermint, lemon, or orange—per of the solution and spray it around all ant entry points.[11]
- Use just 3 to 4 drops of clove oil as it's very strong.
- Keep in mind that lemon juice could peel paint or damage your countertops.[12]
- Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around your kitchen kill ants. Purchase a bag of food-grade diatomaceous earth—it's a really fine powder that kills invertebrates, but it's not dangerous to humans or pets at all. Sprinkle a little of the powder wherever you've seen ants. If they walk across it, it will get into their exoskeleton, eventually killing them.[13]
- When you don't see ants anymore, sweep or vacuum up any remaining powder.
- Place the DE anywhere ants enter and exit your kitchen.
- Spray a line of insecticide along ant entry points to kill them. Purchase an insecticide that contains permethrin, bifenthrin, or deltamethrin and spray bands along entry points in your kitchen. Take care to apply just enough to wet the surface.[14]
- Remember that this only keeps ants out (it doesn't kill ants inside your kitchen) and can hinder the effectiveness of ant baits.
- Remove food and dishes from your kitchen prior to applying insecticide.
- Carefully follow the label instructions before you use an insecticides in your home—most of them will tell you not to spray them on food prep surfaces like countertops, for instance.[15]
[Edit]Stopping Ants from Getting Inside - Sprinkle used coffee grounds around the outside of your kitchen. Ants don't like the smell of coffee. Head to the outside of your home and find the wall directly behind your kitchen. Now, sprinkle your coffee grounds in a line parallel to the wall so that they avoid entering your home from this area.[16]
- If you know the exact spot your ants are entering your kitchen from, sprinkle a generous amount of coffee grounds on this location.
- Trim shrubs, trees, and bushes that brush against your home. This will prevent leafcutter ants from using them to enter your home. Always keep a of space between the soil around your home's foundation and the bottom row of siding on the outer wall of your kitchen. Trim younger shrubs by removing long, unbranched stems from right above a bud. For older shrubs that have tangles of stems, remove as many old stems as possible while keeping new, growing stems.[17]
- If you find any neglected shrubs, using a pruning saw and loppers to cut every stem to or less from the ground during the winter when they're dormant.
- Never stack firewood next to your home or it will attract ants to your plants and home.
- Apply a wide band of insecticide outside of your kitchen. Head outside your home and find the outer wall just outside your kitchen, Now, spray insecticide along this region to prevent ants from entering.[18]
- Select outdoor insecticides labeled for "barrier treatment" for the best results.
[Edit]Warnings - Always read the label on any cleaners or traps that you use around your food to make sure that they are safe. Natural cleaners are a good choice.
- Always keep traps and cleaners away from children and pets, even if they are natural products.
- Keep the number of your local Poison Control Centre on hand in case of any accidents.
- Avoid using any cleaners—even natural ones—while you are preparing food. If you must use one, spray it close to the mess in order to avoid it drifting over to your food. Alternatively, you can use a cleaning wipe to prevent drifting spray.
[Edit]Things You'll Need - Vinegar
- Insecticide
- Cloths or paper towels.
- Airtight containers
- Black pepper
- Caulking gun
- Wrench
- Shovel
- Pruners
- Pruning saw
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References |
| How to Cook Boneless Pork Chops Posted: 26 May 2022 01:00 AM PDT Look in any fridge or freezer, inspect any random weeknight dinner table and chances are good you will find boneless pork chops on the menu or waiting their turn to show up on household dinner plates. When preparing pork chops, start with quality pork from your butcher, farmer's market or grocery store. Handling meat safely should always be a priority; wash your hands and any surfaces that came into contact with raw pork. Cook boneless pork chops by frying, baking, sautéing or grilling them, and using your favorite recipes to complete the meal. [Edit]Frying Boneless Pork Chops - Flatten your boneless pork chops. This will help them to cook all the way through while you are frying them, without burning the outsides.
- Place each chop between two sheets of wax paper. With a meat mallet or a rolling pin, pound the chop until it flattens and thins out. The ideal thickness is between ½ inch (1.2 cm) and ¼ inch (0.6 cm).
- Beat an egg in a dish or a bowl and add 2 tbs. (30 ml) of milk or water.
- Place each pork chop in the liquid, coating each side.
- Dip the pork chops into a breading mixture after it has been coated with liquid. Your breading mixture depends on what you like. You can use bread crumbs, flour, crushed crackers, toasted bread or rolled oats.
- Heat some oil in a skillet over medium high heat. For extra brown pork chops, add a bit of butter to the oil and allow it to melt.
- Place each boneless pork chop in the skillet and cook on each side for about 5 minutes.
- Remove the pork chops from the skillet and allow them to sit for 3 to 4 minutes before serving.
[Edit]Baking Boneless Pork Chops - Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C).
- Season your pork chops. You can keep it simple, with a bit of salt and pepper only, you can add additional herbs, spices and vegetables to bake with the pork or you can apply a breading.
- Marinate your pork chops ahead of baking them if you are following a recipe that calls for a marinade, or you like extra flavor with your pork. You can marinade pork in barbecue sauce, teriyaki, citrus, oils and vinegars and even salad dressing.
- Lay the pork chops in a single file in a large roasting pan or baking dish.
- Bake the chops in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes. Keep them uncovered.
- Remove the dish from the oven and allow the pork chops to sit for 3 to 4 minutes before serving.
[Edit]Sautèing Boneless Pork Chops - Heat your favorite cooking oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Any vegetable oil or olive oil will work.
- Add a bit of butter to the oil if you want the outsides of the chops to brown well.
- Season pork chops with salt, pepper and any other herbs or blends you want to use. Many pork chop recipes call for rosemary, garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, paprika or sage.
- Cook the pork chops for about 4 minutes on each side, until they are nicely browned.
- Finish the chops off in the oven if you are sautèing particularly thick pork chops. After browning them on each side, let them cook off in a hot oven until they are done.
[Edit]Grilling Boneless Pork Chops - Turn the grill on and set it to high.
- Rub pork chops with salt, pepper and any other seasonings you want to include. Some grill recipes have you coat the chops in barbecue sauce or another marinade.
- Place the pork chops at the hottest point on your grill.
- Turn the chops over once you notice the edges of the pork become opaque. Cook them for the same amount of time on that side.
- Remove the boneless chops from the grill and allow them to sit for 5 to 10 minutes so they can finish cooking inside, and the juices can settle into the meat.
- Ensure pork is cooked to the right temperature. The inside temperature should measure 145 degrees Fahrenheit (62.78 degrees Celsius) on a meat thermometer. If you do not have a meat thermometer, cut the pork chop in half. It should be just slightly pink and the juices should run clear.
[Edit]Things You'll Need - Wax paper
- Meat mallet
- Egg
- Bowl
- Milk or water
- Breading
- Oil
- Butter
- Skillet
- Seasoning or marinade
- Baking dish
- Meat thermometer
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References
[Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Keep Your Nails Healthy Posted: 25 May 2022 05:00 PM PDT Your finger and toenails should be strong and healthy in appearance, free of ridges, dents, and discolorations.[1] If you're worried your nails aren't as healthy as they could be, there are many steps you can take to better your nail health. Make an effort to care for your nails, incorporating regular grooming and cleaning into your routine. Monitor your nails on a regular basis, watching out for signs of disease or fungal infections. You should avoid behavior that can harm your nails, like biting your fingernails or overdoing manicures and pedicures. [Edit]Caring for Your Nails - Clean your nails regularly. Like your hands, your nails should be washed regularly. When washing your hands, make sure to gently scrub the surface of your nails. You should also scrub the undersides with soap and water to remove harmful bacteria trapped under the nails.[2]
- Keep your nails dry. When nails are wet, bacteria can more easily grow underneath your fingernails. Always dry your nails thoroughly after washing them. You should wear gloves when doing household chores, like washing dishes or cleaning with products containing chemicals.[3]
- Moisturize your nails with lotion. Like your skin, your nails may need moisturizer on occasion as well. Water can dry out natural oils in nails, which need replenishing with an over-the-counter moisturizer. When using lotion, make sure to rub some moisturizer onto the surface of each nail.[4]
- Pick a gentle moisturizer free of a lot of chemicals or added scents.
- If you develop a rash after starting a new moisturizer, cease use. You may have a mild allergy to that brand.
- Clean your clippers and nail grooming equipment. You should clean clippers and other nail grooming equipment regularly. This can prevent you nails from getting exposed to bacteria. You can clean toenail and fingernail clippers with antibacterial soap and water. Make sure to dry completely before use.[5]
- Soak toenails before clipping. Toenails can sometimes become thick and difficult to trim. If this is the case, soak your toenails in warm water before cutting. Mix a teaspoon of salt in with a pint of water. Soak your toenails for 5 to 10 minutes before trying to trim them.[6]
[Edit]Using Supplements and Creams for Healthy Nails - Use thick moisturizers for cuticle care. Cuticles are the thin layer of skin near the bottom of the nail, where it connects to the finger. Cuticles often get dry, resulting in peeling and flaking. In order to keep cuticles healthy, apply a thick moisturizer to your cuticles. Ointments and creams are best over typical lighter lotions.[7]
- The American Academy of Dermatology recommends petroleum jelly for cuticle care.
- Ointments get messy, so try applying them to your cuticles before bed. It can get cumbersome to have sticky ointment on your fingertips during the day.
- Try lotions containing alpha-hydroxy acids or lanolin for brittle nails. Nails usually get brittle due to repeated exposure to wet environments. If you're doing activities that get your hands wet frequently, like swimming or dishwashing, your nails may become brittle. You can apply lotion to brittle nails to help strengthen them. For the best effect, go for lotions with alpha-hydroxy acids or lanolin. You can check a lotion's ingredient list for these substances, which are known to help rebuild nail strength.[8]
- You should also try wearing gloves if you're doing something like washing dishes. This can help keep your nails dry, preventing them from becoming brittle.
- See a dermatologist for discolored nails. White, yellow, or green nails are often the result of a fungal infection. In fact, 50% of nail discolorations are due to infections caused by common fungi found in air, dirt, and soil. If your nails become discolored, make an appointment with a dermatologist for evaluation. He or she can recommend ointments, supplements, or creams to treat the issue.[9]
- Ask your doctor about iron supplements. Iron deficiencies can sometimes be the cause of brittle nails.[10] If your nails remain brittle after using lotion, talk to your doctor about iron supplements. A simple blood test can help detect an iron deficiency, and your doctor can prescribe the appropriate dose of an iron supplement.
- Try biotin. Biotin is a natural supplement. Some research indicates biotin may help with nail health. If you want to keep your nails strong, ask your doctor about introducing a biotin supplement into your diet.[11]
[Edit]Taking Precautions to Avoid Nail Problems - Avoid biting your nails. Biting your nails is a bad habit than can damage your overall nail health. You can end up damaging the tissue surrounding your nails, making it harder for nails to grow. If you bite your nails, take steps to quit.[12]
- Trim your nails short as this can help you resist the temptation to bite. You can also use foul-tasting nail polish or place tape or stickers over your nails.
- Identify what triggers you to bite your nails. You may bite in response to stress, boredom, or anxiety. Try to know when you're going into a situation where you may be tempted to bite your nails and take steps to avoid biting. You could, for example, play with a stress ball or a small ball of silly putty.
- Give yourself time. Nail biting, like any bad habit, will not change overnight. It may take a few months before you've broken the habit of biting your nails.
- Do not pull off hang nails. If you have a hangnail on your toenail or fingernail, do not pull it off. This can rip tissues near your cuticles, causing pain or infection. Instead, clip off hangnails using nail clippers.[13]
- Choose nail polish removers wisely. When using products like nail hardeners or nail polish removers, opt for less harsh brands. Go for acetone-free types of nail polish removers. Avoid switching nail polish too often, as overuse of nail polish remover can weaken your nails.[14]
- Be careful about manicures and pedicures. Manicures and pedicures can be a fun way to spruce up your finger and toenails. If you bite your nails, a manicure can actually help motivate you to stop. However, if you regularly get manicures and pedicures, take precautions.[15]
- Make sure any salons you use are licensed and the manicurist and pedicurists you work with are licensed by the state board.
- Avoid having your cuticles removed, as this can lead to an infection.
- Make sure to have your nail technician sterilize any tools he or she will be using on your nails.
- Ask if foot baths are cleaned regularly.
- Select appropriate footwear. Shoes can make a big difference when it comes to nail health. Make sure you select shoes that leave about half an inch of wiggle room for your toes. Alternate which shoes you wear each day, and always wear socks.[16]
- When using public showers or pools, wear flip flops as this can prevent your toes from being exposed to bacteria.
[Edit]Monitoring Your Nails - Recognize and treat fungal infections. If you have a fungal infection in your finger or toenails, work on taking steps to treat that infection. Recognize the signs of a fungal infection and treat is as needed. Nail fungus usually appears as white or yellow spots just under the tips of your finger or toenail.[17]
- Mild nail fungus may not require treatment, especially if the conditions is not bothering you. However, if your nails have hardened due to fungus, and are causing your pain, medication may help.
- See a dermatologist if nail fungus is bothering you. Depending on the severity of your infection, and your medical history, your dermatologist may prescribed oral anti-fungal medications, medicated nail polish, or medicated cream. In rare cases, nail removal may be necessary.
- Watch for signs of melanoma. Melanoma is a form of skin cancer. In rare cases, melanoma can be detected under a fingernail. As with any cancer, the earlier you detect melanoma the better your chances of survival. Watch for dark colored streaks under your finger or toenails that increase in size over time. Have these kinds of discolorations evaluated by a dermatologist.[18]
- Watch for changes in your nails. The color and texture of your nails can indicate underlying health problems. Keep an eye on your nail color. If you notice unusual colors or changes in colors, you may want to see a doctor or dermatologist for evaluation.[19]
- Rough nails with ridges, nails with side-to-side lines, and nails with white streaks or spots may be a sign of kidney disease.
- An early sign of arthritis may be cysts near your cuticles.
- Psoriasis, a skin conditions characterized by scaly red patches on the body, can show up around your nails. Watch for nicks or pits on your nails, black lines, redness, or white patches.
- Keep in mind nail changes are rarely the first sign of an underlying medical condition. If you have other physical symptoms combined with changes in your nails, make an appointment with your doctor for evaluation.
- When trimming fingernail or toenails, trim straight across instead of at an angle. This can help prevent hangnails and infections.
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References |
| How to Crimp Your Hair Overnight Posted: 25 May 2022 09:00 AM PDT Whether you want tight curls or soft, beachy waves, adding a crimp to your hair is a great way to give it a new style and texture. However, heating elements such curling, crimping, and waving irons can cause long-term damage to your follicles that strip shine and turn crimps into frizz. To get great crimps and avoid damaging your follicles with heat, try an overnight style that crimps your hair by the time you wake. Style your hair using braids, curling rods, or a headband at night to have well-styled curls by morning. [Edit]Braiding Your Hair - Shower before bed. Before you go to sleep, take a shower. Shampoo and condition your hair according to your typical routine.
- Shower at least half an hour before you intend to go to sleep in order to give your hair time to air dry.
- Dry your hair. Towel dry your hair immediately after you shower. Then wait for your hair to air dry partially. Keep in mind that thicker or longer hair will need more time to dry than shorter, finer hair.[1]
- Your hair should be damp to the touch, but not dripping wet. See how it feels after a half an hour or so.
- Divide your hair. Start by following your normal part and parting your hair in two from your forehead back to your neck. Then, divide both sides horizontally into sections.
- For thicker hair, divide each side up into three sections. For thinner hair, divide each side into two sections. Short hair may need to be in multiple sections in order to form a braid.
- The smaller your braids and tighter your crimp will be. If your braids are larger, your crimp will be less kinky and more waved. A setting lotion or curling cream can help define your look.
- Braid your hair. Braid each section and tie off each braid with a small hair tie or elastic. Textured hair may not need an elastic to hold its braid in place. Start each braid as close to the scalp as possible, and continue down as close to the tips as possible.[2]
- To get loose waves, keep your braid loose. Don't pull hard as you braid and allow your braid some slack as you go.
- For a tighter crimp, pull your braid sections tight toward your scalp as you go.
- Sleep on the braids. This style only works when your hair dries completely while in the braids. Sleep on your braids and allow them to dry completely before you take them out.
- If your hair is not dry by the time you wake up, consider using a blow dryer on a cool setting to finish the job.
- Remove the braids. Once the braids are dry, remove the elastic and unbraid your hair. Shake the braids out and comb through with your fingers.[3]
- Avoid using a brush or comb if possible, as it may cause your hair to frizz. Especially if you don't want a voluminous look, comb your hair with just your fingers.
- If you need to use a hair tool to work out knots, try a wide-toothed comb.
- Style your hair. If you like the way your crimps look, you are all done. Otherwise, consider adding texturing paste or a curl enhancing spray to your look to get more definition. You may want to apply an anti-frizz serum to tame any flyaway hairs that got loose from the braids overnight.
- Use a small amount of hairspray to help hold your style and make it last all day, and try a dry shampoo to keep your scalp looking fresh and stop oil from weighing down your crimp.
[Edit]Using Curling Rods - Wet your hair. Wash your hair before you go to bed, shampooing and conditioning as normal. If you do not want to completely wash your hair, spritz it until it is damp with a spray bottle full of water.
- Towel dry your hair once you come out of the shower so that it is not dripping wet.
- Divide and twist your hair. Divide your hair into several sections, starting at your natural part and working out. Loosely twist each section from the root down to the tips.
- Divide your hair into more sections depending upon its thickness. Thinner hair will likely two or three pairs of curling rods. Thicker hair may use four or five.
- Twist onto the rods.Curling rods are long, thins, bendable rubber rods akin to curlers but meant to get a tighter crimp. Wrap your hair around the length of the rods the same way you would wrap it around a curling iron. The tighter your wrap them, the tighter your crimp will be.
- Start with at least four pairs of rods for medium-textured, shoulder-length hair. Longer or thicker hair may need six or more. Typically longer hair may need a larger rod to hold its weight. Choose the rod size that seems right for your length.
- Secure the rod pairs by bending inward to hold them in place against your head. Try to secure them as high on your head as possible.
- Curling rods are available affordably at most drug stores and beauty supply stores.
- Sleep on your style. Go to bed with the curling rods in. Allow your hair to dry around the rods while you sleep.[4]
- If the curlers make you uncomfortable while you sleep, adjust them toward the top of your head and away from your pillow.
- Sleeping in a silk cap or scarf on can reduce frizz and keep your hair in place while your sleep.
- Unroll your hair. When you wake up, gently remove the rollers and slip your hair off of the rollers. Shake your curls out with your fingers. Then, style your hair as you would like. [5]
- Keep the crimps tighter by minimizing finger brushing. If you want softer, fuller curls, finger brush your hair more.
- Use a bit of mousse or hairspray to help hold your curls. Finish with a bit of anti-frizz serum or a shine spray.
[Edit]Curling with a Headband - Dampen your hair. This style works best when your hair is damp but not wet. Take a shower and let your hair dry most of the way, or spritz it damp with a spray bottle of water.
- Soak up any excess water from the shower or the spray bottle by using a clean, dry towel.
- Secure your headband. Use a sports headband or any other fabric headband that wraps all the way around your head. Pull the headband up around your hairline.[6]
- If the headband won't stay in place, use a couple of bobby pins on either side of your head to secure it.
- Separate your hair. Divide the hair behind the headband in two sections from your forehead to the back of your head. Try to keep the divide as close to the middle of your head as possible.[7]
- Use a rattail comb to help you split your hair up evenly.
- Wrap your hair around the headband.[8] Working in small sections, wrap your hair around the bottom of the headband. Start the wrap near your ear, and work back toward the middle of the headband.
- Wrap one side completely before moving onto the next.
- Secure any loose parts with bobby pins.
- Sleep on your hair. Allow your hair to dry completely while wrapped around the headband. Use a blow dryer on a cool, low setting to finish drying your hair if it isn't complete by morning.
- Use a heat protective spray if you decide to blow dry your hair.
- Unwrap your hair. Unwind your hair from around the headband. Shake out your curls and style lightly with hairspray to hold the shape.
- Use your fingers or a wide tooth comb to brush out your hair and loosen the curl.
- When you take out the braids flip your hair upside down and shake your hair out; this will leave you with a more natural effect
- If you want a more structured result, use curl enhancing products in your hair before you braid or wrap it.
[Edit]Warnings - Don't brush wet hair because this can cause breakage in the hair follicles.
[Edit]Things You'll Need - A brush
- Hair ties
- Fabric headbands
- Bobby pins
- Curling rods
- Wide tooth comb
- Hair clips
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References |
| How to Choose Microwave Safe Containers Posted: 25 May 2022 01:00 AM PDT In recent years, there has been growing concern about potentially hazardous substances leeching into food from microwave containers.[1] Most of the concern focuses on plastic containers, specifically those containing bisphenol-A (BPA) or phthalates.[2] But you may use the microwave for the convenience of reheating and thawing foods. By informing yourself on different products available to heat food in the microwave, you can choose the best containers for your needs and protect your health. [Edit]Finding Safe Dishes - Be aware of potential health hazards. Some microwavable containers, especially those made of plastic, can be potentially harmful to your health. Others, like glass or plastic dishes, are better for your health. Informing yourself about the potential dangers of certain types of microwave-safe containers may help you make a safer choice.[3] Some of the potential health hazards are:
- "Endocrine disruption," which mimics human hormones.[4] This may have effects such as modifying chemical signals that regulate metabolism and reproduction.
- Miscarriage and birth defects
- Lower sperm counts
- Early puberty
- Cancer
- Obesity and diabetes
- Neurobehavioral abnormalities.
- Learn what substances to avoid. "Plastic" is a generic term for different materials, or plasticizers, that can form microwave containers. In particular, it's plastic containers with BPA, phthalates, polyvinyl chloride, and polycarbonate that may harm your health. Although the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) closely regulates plastic containers and materials that come in contact with foods, you may still want to learn and avoid potentially hazardous chemicals. The following containers may be harmful if microwaved with food:[5]
- Plastic dishes
- Some Styrofoam containers
- Plastic storage or shopping bags
- Plastic wrap
- Takeout food containers, water bottles, and plastic tubs or jars that hold foods like margarine, yogurt, mayonnaise, or mustard.[6]
- Soft plastic containers
- Look for safety designations. In many cases, containers are manufactured to be microwave-safe and may have labels on their packing and the products indicating this. In addition, you may want to make sure that the containers also bear other markers that can indicate they're safe for microwave use and your health. Check packaging and the product for the following symbols or statements:[7]
- A label "microwave-safe"
- A symbol of a dish with wave-like lines above it.
- A symbol of lines of waves.
- A symbol of a triangle, or Mobius loop, with a number in it. The number designates the type of plasticizer used in the product, which you may want to avoid.
- Search your pantry. You may already have microwave- safe containers in your kitchen. Before purchasing new containers, look in your pantry to see what you have and can use.
- Read containers for labels including "microwave-safe."[8]
- Be aware that there is no consensus on plastic wrap and microwaves. If you use plastic wrap in the microwave, make sure the packaging says "microwave-safe."[9]
- Check for containers that are old, scratched, cracked, or have been used frequently. These may leech out more harmful materials. Consider throwing these away and investing in new containers.[10]
- Make sure glass or ceramic containers have the "microwave-safe" label and do not contain any materials, such as rims, made of gold or other materials not safe for the microwave.[11]
- Be aware that, contrary to popular belief, you can microwave some Styrofoam or other polystyrene containers. Just make sure to check that they are labeled microwave-safe.[12]
- Purchase new containers. Even if you need microwave-safe containers and want to buy new ones, it's easy to find microwave-safe options at most retailers. Read package labeling and the product itself for descriptions and symbols that designate the product microwave-safe.[13]
- Remember that glass and ceramic containers are the safest options for microwaving. Check to make sure that they also carry the "microwave-safe" designation.[14] Just be aware that these products may be more expensive than plastic, though they may also last longer.
- Buy plastic containers and wrap marked microwave-safe.
- Consider checking the Good Housekeeping Institute's test results for the best and safest containers to use in the microwave.[15]
- Run a safety test. There is a method you can use to check a container's safety that you are unsure of or one that has a microwave-safe label. Running this safety test may help you decide if you want to use the container or opt for another one.[16]
- Empty the container you want to test and place it inside the microwave.
- Put a second container containing one cup of tap water inside the microwave.
- Heat the microwave on high for one minute. If the empty container is cool, it's safe to use in the microwave. If it is warm, use it only to reheat food and if it is hot, don't use it in the microwave at all.
[Edit]Using Safe Microwaving Practices - Read microwave instructions. Microwaves make many things in our lives easier. But they don't come without potential hazards and it's important to read the instruction manual for your microwave to avoid harming yourself or others.[17]
- Contact the microwave's manufacturer if you have any questions.
- Check online for product manuals if you lost your instruction packet.
- See if there are specific suggestions on the type of containers or wrap you can use. For example, some microwaves can use specific types of aluminum foil, while others can't.
- See if there are instructions or suggestions for specific foods. For example, most meats cannot be cooked at full power, but instead at half power for longer.
- Follow prepared food instructions. If you want to cook prepared foods in your microwave, read the packaging instructions. In most cases, these containers can only be microwaved once and may also have specific heating requirements.[18]
- Vent containers if required by puncturing them with a fork or peeling back a corner of the plastic wrap.[19]
- Make sure you closely check the heating requirements. For example, some foods can only be cooked at 50% power and not following this could ruin your meal and your microwave.
- Arrange food for reheating. If you're going to use a covered dish to reheat food, it's arrangement in the container can affect the heating process. Arranging your food evenly within the container can help ensure uniform cooking and may help destroy harmful bacteria.[20]
- Cover food safely. In many cases, you may need to cover food you've prepared yourself to heat it in the microwave. Making sure you use safe types of covers and vent the container can ensure that you don't cause unsafe chemicals to leech into your food.[21]
- Choose plastic wrap that is labeled microwave-safe. However, never let it contact your food.
- Consider using waxed or kitchen parchment paper, white paper towels or plates, or a domed microwave container to cover your food.[22]
- Loosen or vent the lid or any wrap to allow steam to escape.
- Stay away from brown paper bags, newspaper, foam containers, and most aluminum foil as covers.
- Check food during cooking. Midway through the microwaving process, check your food to make sure it is cooking properly. Consider rotating or stirring the food to eliminate cold spots.[23]
- Be aware that cold spots in food can contain harmful bacteria.
- Use a food thermometer to check temperatures, especially of meat.
[Edit]Warnings - Use caution when removing items from the microwave oven. Remove the lid or cover with care to avoid being burned. Check the temperature of the container before lifting it with your hands.
- Never use the microwave to can vegetables or to sterilize the glass jars used for canning.[24]
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