Evy

I have fabric that I've had for a while and want to use for microwave potholders. The fabric is not marked 100% cotton and heaven only knows where I got it. it looks and feels like quilting cotton. I used a pyrex cup with water in it, draped the fabric over the cup and "cooked" it in the microwave for 60 seconds. No sparks, no melted fabric. This should be safe to use, right?
Thanks

Sewnoma

I don't personally trust anything like that in the microwave, but if I were you I think I'd test it for longer than 60 seconds. People usually microwave things for 3-5 minutes at least, I'd think - I'd do a 5 minute test just to be on the safe(er) side!

I know there's a way to do a burn test to find fabric content but I don't know exactly how to do that.

Evy

Good advice. I found several burn tests on line, tried it and one of the two fabrics literally melted in the ashtray. It was obviously a blend of some kind. The cotton didn't even want to burn and when it did, it just left a really fine ash. Thanks.

dunster

Cotton will also catch on fire if you leave it in the microwave long enough, and sometimes when it's not all that long. There have been many reports of potato bags catching fire, enough that I wouldn't even consider putting anything made of cloth into the microwave.

Tink's Mom

Just remember to use 100% cotton thread as well as cotton batting made specifically for these potato bags. Regular cotton batting is not useable.

gale

Just curious what a microwave potholder is. Does it stay in the microwave while the food is being cooked?

Candace

I would never keep anything but food in the microwave.

tessagin

Have never used cloth of any kind in the microwave. Not understanding a microwave potholder either. Unless you're talking about a potholder to use to handle microwave containers. You can still use a regular potholder or towel or mitt. There are those hot therapy rice bags. Can't remember what they're called and are usually made out of cotton. So guess you can come to think of it. Maybe wool!

Evy

There are a couple tutes and several posts here about microwave bowl potholders. They are bowl shaped potholders that you set your bowl of food inside and cook, then remove without burning your fingers. I've made lots of them, never had a problem with any of them. Everyone to whom I've given them thinks they are wonderful. I'm very careful to use only cotton batting, thread and fabric. Re: my earlier post in not being sure if my fabric was cotton, I decided to not use the fabric in doubt. Better safe than sorry.

NJ Quilter

I would take a snip of fabric and use a match/lighter to see the burn. Not sure the micro would give you accurate info.