Can Microwaves Kill Mold? (Don’t, Just DON’T)
Mold is a type of fungus that grows on many types of food, including bread and cheese. If you leave food out for too long or don’t store it properly, mold can start to grow on it. Moldy food isn’t safe to eat because it may contain harmful toxins and bacteria from the mold itself. In this article, we’ll explain how microwaves work and if they can kill mold. We’ll also explain what other options you have for getting rid of this problem at home!
I want to write a disclaimer for this article. I do not condone eating moldy foods. This article is purely for entertainment. You have been warned.
Can microwaves kill mold?
Microwaves are a popular way of killing mold, but I’ve got some bad news for you. Microwave radiation does not do a thorough job at killing all mold.
While the heat from microwaves can kill some types of mold, it may be ineffective at completely killing all forms of fungus. Microwaves also have penetration issues that prevent the waves from getting through the entire food evenly.
Mold spores can survive in your home for years without any food source or moisture, so if you have a small amount of mold on an item that doesn’t get used often, then there’s no reason why you should try killing it with a microwave unless you really want to go out of your way and literally try to burn everything.
Can microwaves kill mold spores?
Mold spores are microscopic and not usually a direct threat to your health. However, there are certain types of mold spores that can be fatal. Fortunately, it’s very uncommon to find them in your food.
If you don’t have visible mold on your foods, then it’s not an issue at all. If there is visible mold growth on your food and/or cooking surfaces, then clean it off before cooking with microwaves or other methods of heating (e.g., ovens).
Microwaving mold spores doesn’t guarantee killing it. It’s highly likely that some mold spores will be destroyed in the microwave in the process, however, many will not and end up inside your system.
How do you get rid of mold in your food with a microwave?
To kill mold, you’ll need to first scrape off as much of the visible mold as possible.
Then, place your food in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it on high for one minute.
Let it stand for at least 10 minutes before eating or cooking with it again.
A natural ingredient that actually kills mold is vinegar. vinegar has antifungal and antibacterial properties thanks to being acidic by nature.
You can use a spray bottle, fill it up with white vinegar, and generously spray your food with it. Wait at least 10 minutes for the white vinegar to set in. Then you can place it in the microwave. The only bad thing about this method is that your food will be left smelling more like vinegar.
How much heat kills mold?
To kill mold, you need to heat the spores to at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit for five minutes. however, to be on the safe side I would recommend cooking it at 160 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes. Microwaves can get as hot as 212 degrees Fahrenheit which is the boiling point of water.
The spores of more active molds can be killed at lower temperatures but I wouldn’t risk it. Just stay safe and cook it at the highest temperature recommended.
If you were thoroughly convinced that you want to eat food that contains mold in it, then you absolutely have to cook it for as long as you possibly can without burning the food.
Boiling water is enough to kill off mold, but the heat has to penetrate into whatever the mold is growing in. And some molds produce heat-resistant spores that can survive a high-temperature treatment, but most yeasts and molds are sensitive to these temperatures.
How do you clean a microwave after cooking moldy food?
The best way to clean a microwave after cooking moldy food is to mix equal parts vinegar and water in a bowl. Then, pour the mixture into the still-warm microwave and let it sit for 10 minutes. Afterward, wipe down with paper towels or another type of cloth that won’t leave lint behind.
Another option you have is to mix equal parts of baking soda and water in a bowl until they form a paste-like consistency. Then, put some on a damp cloth or sponge and apply it to your microwave chamber walls. Let this sit for about an hour before wiping off any residue with another cloth or sponge. You can repeat this step if necessary until all of the mold has been removed from your appliance’s interior surfaces.
A final method is using bleach is another option that many people turn to when cleaning their microwaves because it’s known as one of nature’s most powerful cleaners. However, I recommend using caution when attempting any cleaning method involving bleach so that you don’t accidentally cause damage to yourself or others around you. These chemicals can run the risk of overexposure or splashing accidents caused by spillage during application processes like washing dishes.
What are the dangers of microwaving moldy food?
Microwaves are not a good way to kill mold spores. In fact, microwaving food with mold on it can make the situation worse in some cases. If you want to kill the mold and keep your foods safe for consumption, stick to the tried-and-true methods of cleaning and cooking them according to their instructions.
Moldy food is often contaminated by mycotoxins, a toxic compound produced by certain molds that can cause health problems. These problems can range from mild gastrointestinal symptoms all the way up to neurological damage and even death.
Eat at your own risk!
Again, I want to reiterate that I’m not supporting the idea of microwaving moldy food to get rid of the mold. It’s ultimately safest just to get rid of the food completely.
What are the health risks of ingesting moldy food and mold spores? From Star Trek the Next Generation with that.
Mold can be harmful to your health. It can cause allergic reactions, infections, cancer, asthma, and migraine headaches. Mold spores produce toxins that can be inhaled into your lungs and can also irritate the eyes and skin.
If you are concerned about moldy food or moldy containers in your kitchen then you should discard them immediately in a sealed bag to prevent further contamination of other foods in your refrigerator or pantry.
What are some of the symptoms of mold exposure?
The most common symptoms of mold exposure include headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cough, and fever.
A person may also experience fatigue or shortness of breath as well as joint pain and a skin reaction that looks like a rash.
The throat might also become irritated and swollen lymph nodes could appear beneath the armpits or in other parts of the body where they’re not normally found (such as in the groin).
Mold spores may cause allergic reactions in some people. These reactions include sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, coughing, postnasal drip, irritated eyes, and skin. People with respiratory problems may experience wheezing, sneezing, and difficulty breathing.
Mold ingestion can also cause symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and cramping.
There are several health risks associated with ingesting moldy food, though luckily the dangers of mold ingestion aren’t as severe as they were originally thought to be.
How can you prevent mold growth in your food?
- Keep your food in the refrigerator or freezer.
- Use airtight containers to store food.
- Store foods away from humidity and moisture, such as in the pantry or cupboards instead of on top of the refrigerator (which can get wet from condensation).
- Keep pets and kids away from the kitchen—both can be carriers for mold spores!
Why does mold grow on food?
Did you know that even the most carefully sealed containers can be infiltrated by mold?
Mold spores are everywhere, so if they find a way into your food, they will grow. The reason for this is that mold needs moisture to grow and it needs oxygen to do so.
The most common way for these spores to get into your food is through condensation on the walls of plastic containers (or in other words, any container made from nonporous material).
What are some other ways to remove mold?
- You can remove mold with a knife. Some molds, like those on fruits and vegetables, can be easily scraped off. Make sure you completely remove them by either scraping or cutting it off.
- Wash old food from finished plates with a mild detergent. For example, you could soak your dirty dishes in hot water with a touch of dish soap before washing them clean at the sink or in the dishwasher.
- Use paper towels to wipe up food spills on surfaces that are easy to reach without opening up the microwave door (and then releasing more spores).
Should you still microwave moldy food?
As with any food safety question, it’s important to always err on the side of caution. If you’re not sure whether it’s safe to microwave your moldy leftovers, throw them out!
Other interesting articles:
