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-   -   My Microwaveable Corn Bag Caught Fire!! (https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/my-microwaveable-corn-bag-caught-fire-t188896.html)

luvTooQuilt 05-14-2012 04:45 AM

my late MIL was making potato bags for years and years- way before the 'specialty' batting came to play.. Not once did any of hers burn up.. and I steam mine for 8-10 min.. I like big potatoes.. lol..

Did you use full power?? (Should never use full power- 80% max )
some microwaves are higher watts than others, so check to see what yours is and lower the power setting accordingly..
Was the bag wet?? (Mine is extremely damp, inside and out)


Im sorry you had an issue... Glad no one was hurt..

Lori S 05-14-2012 04:54 AM

I'm not sure if you had any corn in the bag during the "trial run". If there was no corn in the bag and it was microwaved for any lenght of time ... there is a very good chance it would catch fire , just as if you put a match to it. The microwaves would have not had any "bulk" to disperse the wave and would have gotten the fabric/batting to the point of combustion.. just as if you ran the microwave with nothing in it ( which is never recommended).

Lee in Richmond 05-14-2012 04:59 AM


Originally Posted by ptquilts (Post 5215316)
I have been nuking my corn naked (the corn, not me) and it seems to taste fine. I like that it is not dripping with water like if you boiled it.

We clean each ear and individually wrap each in a piece of waxed paper to which a bit of salt and water have been added. Twist the ends closed and microwave on a plate, 2 minutes per ear. All the nutrition is still there.

lfstamper 05-14-2012 05:02 AM


Originally Posted by ptquilts (Post 5215316)
I have been nuking my corn naked (the corn, not me) and it seems to taste fine. I like that it is not dripping with water like if you boiled it.

Too funny!

MdmSew'n'Sew 05-14-2012 05:21 AM

Was there corn in the bag, or was it empty? these are not meant to be put in the microwave without something in it - like putting a pot on the burner, turned on high without anything in it, the pot will get too hot and can cause a fire.

That being said, I never husk my corn, just break off the stem at the bottom and pull off most of the silk sticking out the top, soak the ears for at least half an hour in the sink, then throw them on the grill, when the husks are dry and beginning to turn a light brown on the grill side, I turn them about 1/4 of the way, and keep turning as needed. They husk easily when done, the silk all comes off without a problem and they're wonderful. You can also cook them in the microwave after soaking them, on high for about 5 minutes. Oh, by not husking them when I get them at the store or farm stand, they seem to keep fresher longer. I want to grab everyone standing there furiously pullling off every bit of husk and silk in the store and tell them they'd have much better corn by doing it my way, but some people just like to boil the bejeebers out of stale corn. Probably the same folks who will eat canned spinach. Yuck!

jaciqltznok 05-14-2012 05:21 AM

sadly this happens a lot...so many variables as to why too....first did you prewash your fabrics to remove the chemicals? Second, how high was the micro, and for how long, was there any moisture in the micro? The list goes on...

as with all things in the micro, use caution!

breezy 05-14-2012 05:46 AM

sew glad you clarified the "nuking naked" statement, however it did give me my best laugh of the morning! lol

BellaBoo 05-14-2012 07:17 AM

I sometimes wrap a potato in a regular store bought potholder and cook in the microwave. I use the potato setting and it isn't full power. Never had a problem with fire and I doubt the potholder is all natural fiber. I know not to put any fabric in the microwave empty or dry.

Ps 150 05-14-2012 07:41 AM


Originally Posted by EvelynJ (Post 5215333)
You're poor DH, bless his heart. At least you found this out very early in your project. It really would have been much worse to have done several sections and for this to have happened. So glad no one got hurt as well. Good luck at your LQS, they really should be more careful in what they are handing out in those kits.

Unfortunately, I had already finished the entire bag. Thankfully, though, it only took an hour to make.

Ps 150 05-14-2012 07:46 AM


Originally Posted by jaciqltznok (Post 5215545)
sadly this happens a lot...so many variables as to why too....first did you prewash your fabrics to remove the chemicals? Second, how high was the micro, and for how long, was there any moisture in the micro? The list goes on...

as with all things in the micro, use caution!

Thanks. I did prewash and it was only in the microwave for 45 seconds when it combusted. I'm pretty sure it was on normal heat (100%), as was recommended by the LQS. I would think that if they're going to be selling these things, that they would have someone there who has had some experience in making them, cooking with them, and how to adjust your microwave.


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