So pleased to have found this (more than 4 1/2 years from your posting it). You make a lot of sense. I've got a bowl copy a friend made many years ago and for batting she used a piece of old woollen blanket that she found in an op shop (thrift shop in your language). I've never had a problem with it.
So glad you made this video. I've been using a the commercial bought Potato Express bag for several years, and it DID NOT CATCH FIRE at any time. The bag shell (outer cover) is 100% polyester, lining 85%,15% cotton; Polyfill; 100% polyester. The warning is not to microwave more than 4 minutes at a time and if you need too it is only 1 minute intervals. It speaks to 4 average size Idaho Potato's. Also to turn your bag if you do not have a turntable. I have went crazy on some of the sites that DEMAND you use COTTON ONLY, and Wrap n Zap. Thank you again, gal..
I have one of those bags too, and have completely disregarded the instructions (unintentionally) by microwaving 2 large potatoes together for at least 6 minutes at a time. I've been using the bag for many years, washed it several times, and it is still intact and burn-free. I'm glad you brought it up because now I know the whole natural fiber thing is just a bunch of hoopla.
Interesting information! I’m so glad I stumbled upon this video. I have cotton bulk, but I never put them in the microwave. We use potholders to remove our bowl from the microwave and place our bowl in our cozies and use them that way.😊
I always hear things like soups in my bowl cozies and have never had an issue. I ‘m just now starting to make them and when I purchased the cotton batting I was told at Joanns they only had o e kind of batting that was safe to use for making cozies so I was glad I asked for help . What I got was labeled “Wrap-N-Zap” 100% natural cotton batting.
Excellent explanations! Thank you for sharing and posting! I also include a precautionary paper with the gift of these bowls on cooking, cook time and cleaning. I've had many requests to make more. Excellent for microwaving and also holding an ice cold bowl of icecream! I've had requests now to make for dimensions of plates.
Yes, my father handed me a plate and that is also on my agenda it's such a great idea and item. I'm glad that you've taken your instinct to add instructions into action and thank you so much for sharing your thoughts here. 🥰
I have made many with 100% cotton with no issue. My daughter overheated a homemade bean-bag heating pad in the microwave that had been sewn with polyester thread and the seam fell apart. Nothing combusted but bean spilled out! 😁
I am so glad you made this video and I truly appreciate the intellectual approach to bowl cozies. I have so much batting - some of which I thought was 100% cotton but it turns out it’s not - and plenty of polyester blend batting, but my poor husband, I sent him to the store to buy me more in just cotton. I was confused as well about the recommendation for cotton, since I am well aware of how flammable it is, but I went ahead and believed the tutorials. Confounded by it I started to search and search and then I found you. I don’t microwave in any case in my home since I am not a believer that it doesn’t damage the molecular structure of nutrients (another discussion) but I wanted to make them for myself and family anyhow since I think it’s like a portable placemat and can only be a good thing to have on hand in the kitchen. I haven’t watched your second video yet but I’m hoping you address just how gosh darn hard it is to get two layers is batting, plus fabric, under my presser foot (even my walking foot isn’t high enough) and then to have to top stitch?, it’s so darn thick and bulky that I’m going to try just one layer of batting for myself. After all, one layer is all I have in my placemats and it’s just fine. Anyhow, thanks again so much.
I do show tricks for sewing and let me know if you continue to struggle. And, studies show food loses more from over heating and microwaving, done correctly preserves the nutrients. Pressure cooking is optimal.
It's been a battle for me as well, sewing through all that thickness. It's been impossible for me when trying to go through the thickness where the seams meet. I bought some needles from the store that is suppose to sew through denim. Wasn't much help. Walking foot helped some but not enough. I wanted to make the se cozies for my entire family. I purchased all of the 100 percent cotton fabric, thread, and batting that I thought I'd need. But I gave up while trying to make the third cozy. You did a great job making the video though. Very easy to understand. I'm going to look and see what else you have on your channel. Thank you!
Oohhh my !! I have been waiting for someone like you to explain this! I don't advise anyone to put a cozy in microwave but I'm always worried that they will. Thank you.
Thank you so much for making this. I've been looking for the science on this. I accidentally used polyester thread to make some bowl cozies and saw all sorts of warnings against it, but no science behind the warnings. This was very valuable as was your advice. That being said, we use ours (with cotton thread) inside the microwave all the time with no problems yet. My husband even spilled food on it and used it anyway. Still no problems. I think people need to be aware that there is a potential for these to catch on fire, but that it's not a usual occurrence.
I have made several bowl cozies and have never had one catch on fire, but like anything else, keep a close watch on your microwave while heating or cooking. I, however made several messes while making oatmeal when it over flows. I have learned to keep a close watch!
I When I cook quick oats I change the power level to 40% & cook a little longer. It does the trick, however, it is wise to keep an eye on the microwave. I also use a cover to save on overflow spillage.
Thank you for making this very insightful video! I am just about to embark on making my first - as a gift - and it will DEFINATELY have a note attached asking them to not use this in the microwave. Take Care!
@@dianne20010 cotton is more likely to catch fire. You can use what you want just let people know to cook for short time periods. If there's ever a flame to turn off the microwave and don't open the door. I use bamboo batting.
I have made lots of these. I did use all cotton. Do tell friends and family to heat the food and then use the cozy. Fire! I was in a class once and one of the ladies was making cozies. She tried it out in the micro! It did catch Fire! The fabric had gold stamped on it. (metal) so yes it did catch Fire.
Thank you so much Clare for this great information, I make these as gifts but include a paper to microwave at 1-2 minute increments. I test them before giving them to.😊
Adding a little note on what "could" happen till put your mind at ease, as testing won't ensure a future event won't occur as the conditions have to be just right for the fire to be ignited. Thank you for sharing! :)
I've made hundreds of these and have never had one catch on fire. I did, however, make a spud sack that caught on fire once, many years ago when I didn't know any better. I was using up some of my scrap fabric, and used some with stretch to it. That was what caught on fire. The next spud sacks I made were of 100% cotton and had no problem. But I don't leave the bags or the cozies in the microwave for long periods of time - another oopsie I did with that first spud sack.
One of the first potato bags I made about 10 years ago did catch fire the 2nd time I used it. I make bowl cozies on occasion in my business with the intructions not to put it in the microwave. I have had many, many people ask me to make bags or cozies for them that they received from others to replace ones that have caught fire as they still love to use them. I refuse to make the bags, but will make the cozies with the do not use in microwave instructions. I don't want to be sued. The research I did at the time told me that some microwaves develop "hot spots", so there was really no rhyme or reason. Collegues of mine have said that they always include the same instructions as they have had a small number of the 1000+ they've made catch fire.
Yes, and adding the warning should protect you even further. Better safe than sorry! :) Thank you for posting I appreciate your time and others will benefit from your comment.
I have made several cozy's for our household and for relatives. Never had any problems with fire. I did however use warming batting with cotton fabric. Making more this year for gifts at Xmas. Hope to have the same results. Loved all your information as well. Thank you/
I had a bowl cozy catch on fire only once. That happened because the gravy boiled over and caught the fabric on fire. I stopped the micro. The damage was only a thin line, so I zig zagged it on the machine (with cotton thread as I was told ) and was able to reuse it with no problem. I like the idea of cooking/heating in increments. It sounds as if that would be safer.
I also considered that regardless of whether cotton is safe in a microwave (which I also doubted) it is normally not the raw color. But instead is colored with dyes and are THEY safe in a microwave? Thank you for addressing this as I am about to start making these and wanted to make them as safely as possible and address any concerns customers have. BTW I guarantee metallic threads and dyes are NOT safe in a microwave regardless of the type of thread or cloth any more than a can or metal spoons or forks are.
Great info. I was given a potato bag as a gift years ago and I don’t use it in the microwave. I use it to keep the potato warm after it has been cooked. Also good to keep a couple of biscuits warm. Just don’t trust the microwave and fabric/batting and thread. Too many unknowns
Well, many people have told me about potato bags and tortilla warmers catching fire, and only 3 bowl cozies so far with one being metallic fabric. Knowing to not open the door and to simply turn it off hopefully relieves some concerns. 😁
My mother gave me a potato bag and we use it about 3 times a week..never have any issues with it. And it says right on the bag to rinse the potato and cook it at 2-3 minute intervuls.
I've not read all the comments, but here's the deal. Some people use batting that has a heat resistant additive into the batting. It's kinda got a shiny looking layer on one side. That is part metallic and metals will spark, then start a fire if left going long enough.
I made some cozies for my family out of polyester and felt 100% polyester. they had them and been using inside MW for 3 yrs now and no “fire or burnt fabric” casualties. Can I use polyester based fabric then and is safer?
Interesting... well, water in the microwave will increase the temperature of the oven and the rice, which as sugar so, it will probably help to get it hot faster and since rice is water absorbent, you don't want to get that warmer wet or the rice will get stuck together. The Science of each project should probably be considered - as the Potatoe bags are the most common to catch fire, I plan to make one and do the research for that. Thank you for commenting Susan!
The fabric doesn't absorb any microwave energy, only the moisture in the filling. So if you continually heat a bag containing dried rice, for example, you are drying it out. If there's no moisture left, then it's like turning the microwave on when it's empty
I accidentally nuked a 100% cotton crocheted potholder with nothing else in there, and it did catch fire. I just opened the microwave and put it out with water from a squirt bottle. No harm done to anything but the potholder!
I am an RN which requires a science degree. I have always been baffled by all the warnings about what materials are used to make this. I use an iron on a cotton setting which gets to 375-400 degrees and I've yet to have my polyester thread or 85/15 batting melt or catch fire. Additionally, these are intended to be more like a potholder which you'd never put in your oven or microwave. Lastly, putting the cozy in the microwave along with a liquid/very wet food in the bowl is likely going to bubble over and/or splatter on the cozy, which creates the fire hazard.
Interesting... I guess some people have tried the insulated batting for window blinds.. there's no metal in Polyester or Bamboo Batting. It must have frightened you to be told that! Well, now you know the real science. I hope it helps clear that up for you. 🙂
Everyone should watch this video. I too was suspicious about the 100% cotton being safe for the microwave. I'm not a fan of putting anything in other than microwave safe dishware. We don't put fabric, plastics, plastic wrap, paper towels, etc. not only for combustable safety but also leaching. I think in making these, I'll be sending a warning label along stating "do not microwave". While people are going to, well......., people, the best I can do is give them the information as you have done here. Thank you for that!
I also make cosys how ever I do not use batting instead I use 4 to 5 layers of the cotton fabric they turn out very good and never had a problem we have been using one for a couple of years for my husband's oat meal it,s a little tired looking but still o.k to use....
Make and use the cozies, and have not had any issues using them in the microwave. I really think it’s user error that causes the problems. If it gets wet or food spills on it, yes, it will burn.
I've been making and selling bowl cozies with no problem until today. I got some cotton fabric that didn't feel right so I decided to test a few pieces in the microwave and sure enough it started smoking and there's a brown spot where it was smoking. The fabric feels like it has some kind of stiff coating. I can't find any info about it on the internet either.
It was probably a cotton husk inside of the batting that caught fire because it has fat and sugar and then if there's steam created from cooking the food well, then you have all three of the ingredients that creates heat inside of a microwave. this is why I don't recommend actually cooking the food with it in the microwave and if you do only run the microwave for a minute and a half turn it off then rotate the food and then turn it back on for only a minute and a half but there's always going to be that risk when you have elements that a microwave uses to create heat.
I don't put my bowl cozies in the microwave. I have made several potato bags and 4 caught fire even though I used cotton fabric, thread and the Wrap and Zap batting by Pelon. The instructions I used said wash the potato and not dry it and wrap in a paper towel, then put it in the bag. Now that I hear you say the water on the potato may have been the problem.
Yes, almost all of the fires were potatoe bags and likely were caused by the water on and in the potatoe and the skin touching the cotton. Thank you for commenting!😁
Feliz Año Nuevo!! Clare XOXO.... I alwayyysss have doubt when placing fabric inside a Microwave.... for instance warming up a "WET TOWEL"(facial towel) or a pair of socks to warm up in cold weather. I'm glad you did some research on this and shared with us. Also Lilacandroses51 thank-U for sharing this info. ~HUGS~
It has to reach a very high heat, and can because of it's chemistry - it builds a gas bubble inside of it and that is partly why I recommend stopping the oven and cooking in increments. If you put a solid frozen piece of meat it can explode as well which is why the defrosting setting stops the oven and has you restart while you're defrosting. :) Isn't science fun?! I love it.
I have made these, and have no problems. I have heard of one person who did have a fire, but don’t know why. The timing is important, and only up to 6 or 8 minutes, 2 minutes at a time. Or so I’m told.
Most of the people I spoke with all said the same thing - they heard from someone who said that they heard that someone had a fire and that is why I did this research so we can 'know' what we're dealing with and can relax a bit about it. I think 2 minutes would be the longest I'd run it without settling the molecules back down again by stopping the cooking process before then going again for longer overall cooking time. Thank you for sharing your thoughts! :)
I've made a few now with 100% cotton, thread and 2 layers of wrap and zap..... I normally used a slick material but recently considered more of a flannel 100% cotton. Any thoughts?
I have been making these for 4 years. 100% cotton everything. No problems until.... I sent a set to my sister in law. She used the smaller ones Over and over. First time she used the large size one. Burnt. Yikes. I thought maybe a piece of broken needle was stuck inside. So I was going to send her a replacement, same fabrics, put it in the microwave to test, just in case and OMG IT STARTED BURNING IN LESS THEN 2 minutes.. WHAT THE HECK. NOW IM AFRAID OF SELLING THEM. I use Wrap n zap always, because I trust it. Faulty fabric? This set was made with 100% premium cotton from Joann’s (made in Korea). Now I’m gonna test every cozy I have before selling. This could take a while. Oh , and no user error.. When selling if someone says “I had one of these and it caught fire“ I would always reply” It wasn’t one of mine”. 😬. Oh and FYI. No fire. Just burnt. And no, it was not metallic fabric.
It was probably the husks inside of the cotton batting. Use 100% polyester batting, thread, and fabric and also tell people not to cook with the cozy inside of the oven but to remove the bowl using it - so you're not liable. You can print out safety instructions from my school to include with your cozies create.clarerowley.com
1-8-2024 9:17 pm Have been making cozies for a couple weeks now…no microwave issues until I used the one one only oversized one. Put it in microwave for 2 minutes, stirred, and then for 2 more minutes. Dang thing caught on fire! I freaked!!! I just happened to use outdoor thread on that one - because of the color. Now I’m so afraid to give them away, not to mention selling them! Do you think I’ve ruined my microwave?
That's great! You're looking out for the person using it, and the joy of it isn't lost but made even better because they know they're doing the right thing
Hello my name is Tammy and I made vbowl cozy and I tried one in the microwave and it caught fire I made them out of 100% cotton thread batting and material is what I was taught from RUclips so what did I do wrong
Unfortunately there has been unintentional misinformation spread by educators teaching to use cotton, which is the most flammable fiber. I created this video on the science of bowl cozies to help everyone understand. Sugar, in the form of cellulose is in all natural fibers girates in the microwaves creating heat. The cotton husks have fat, another ingredient that creates heat.... add water and it's likely steam created during cooking creates the perfect fire hazard. 100% polyfast-thread, fabric and batting is safest. However it can get hot because of the bowl. I recommend not doing the cooking within a fabric cozie because if food spills on it, that can cause a fire on all fabric.
@@clare-rowley Thank you for writing me back I have made a lot of the bowl cozy, and now I make sure to let my family and friends to not microwave in them!!!!!!
I tried to test mine by microwaving without anything in them but they caught on fire. could it because I didn't have anything (bowl or anything)in with it? I have done them before and even with dollar tree fabric. could it be because I had nothing but the bowl cozy or potato sack
The cotton batting the cotton fabric cotton thread are all flammable from the sugar in that plant. Cotton can also catch on fire just sitting there minding it's own business self-combusts the potato bags are notorious for catching on fire but it all comes down to what the microwave does is makes the molecules in fat water and sugar bounce around and they create Heat the heat then catches fire on the extremely flammable cotton fibers.
Hi Clare, I have been making and using 100% cotton microwave cozies in microwave no problem but my friend had a fire, could it be because she keeps a few in the microwave when heating something up?
If they are repeatedly microwaved, they can become very dry. The polyester heat pads tell you to dampen them every few uses to prevent this. If they are slightly damp, any heat spots won't concentrate in one place
It is because of how a microwave creates heat. It uses water, sugar and fat - all are not in Polyester which is why they use it PET for microwave safe plastic plates and dishes out of its chemical make up.
Since we are on the topic of science, what is the scientific logic for placing a bowl inside insulated material (bowl cozy) and then trying to heat it?!!!
@@clare-rowley That makes sense! I, too, do not recommend putting fabric inside a microwave. A microwave was simply not designed for that and neither is fabric.
It all comes down to cooking with the bowl inside it. Food getting on it and water. Cook for shorter periods of time or not at all. I don't cook with my cozies but I use one after the cooking is complete.
@@clare-rowley thank you so much for taking the time to reply. I appreciate it. Yes, I only warm food in the cozy for 3 minutes maximum. I sold my first pair earlier this week. I spilled in my cozy that I use and then hand washed it and it still works great. I will just be specific with the instructions and changed my adverts to 2 Minute 2 Pack Microwave Cozies. Be blessed xx
I am an RN which requires a science degree. I have always been baffled by all the warnings about what materials are used to make this. I use an iron on a cotton setting which gets to 375-400 degrees and I've yet to have my polyester thread or 85/15 batting melt or catch fire. Additionally, these are intended to be more like a potholder which you'd never put in your oven or microwave. Lastly, putting the cozy in the microwave along with a liquid/very wet food in the bowl is likely going to bubble over and/or splatter on the cozy, which creates the fire hazard.
I am an RN which requires a science degree. I have always been baffled by all the warnings about what materials are used to make this. I use an iron on a cotton setting which gets to 375-400 degrees and I've yet to have my polyester thread or 85/15 batting melt or catch fire. Additionally, these are intended to be more like a potholder which you'd never put in your oven or microwave. Lastly, putting the cozy in the microwave along with a liquid/very wet food in the bowl is likely going to bubble over and/or splatter on the cozy, which creates the fire hazard.
So pleased to have found this (more than 4 1/2 years from your posting it). You make a lot of sense. I've got a bowl copy a friend made many years ago and for batting she used a piece of old woollen blanket that she found in an op shop (thrift shop in your language). I've never had a problem with it.
I'm so happy you've found me! It's great that your cozy has stood the test of time - wool is a good choice. Blessings 💫
So glad you made this video. I've been using a the commercial bought Potato Express bag for several years, and it DID NOT CATCH FIRE at any time. The bag shell (outer cover) is 100% polyester, lining 85%,15% cotton; Polyfill; 100% polyester. The warning is not to microwave more than 4 minutes at a time and if you need too it is only 1 minute intervals. It speaks to 4 average size Idaho Potato's. Also to turn your bag if you do not have a turntable. I have went crazy on some of the sites that DEMAND you use COTTON ONLY, and Wrap n Zap. Thank you again, gal..
Sounds like you have a well-constructed Potato bag! I'm glad this helped you and brought you peace of mind :) And Thanks for Watching! :)
They did their research 👍the cotton concept is not based on science. Thanks for sharing 🙂
I have one of those bags too, and have completely disregarded the instructions (unintentionally) by microwaving 2 large potatoes together for at least 6 minutes at a time. I've been using the bag for many years, washed it several times, and it is still intact and burn-free.
I'm glad you brought it up because now I know the whole natural fiber thing is just a bunch of hoopla.
Interesting information! I’m so glad I stumbled upon this video. I have cotton bulk, but I never put them in the microwave. We use potholders to remove our bowl from the microwave and place our bowl in our cozies and use them that way.😊
That's how I use mine as well 😁
I have made 8 bowl cozies and 5 plate cozies this year for Christmas gifts for my friends this year.
Love bowl cozys. Have made and gifted dozens. I always use cotton fabric and wool batting.
I always hear things like soups in my bowl cozies and have never had an issue. I ‘m just now starting to make them and when I purchased the cotton batting I was told at Joanns they only had o e kind of batting that was safe to use for making cozies so I was glad I asked for help . What I got was labeled “Wrap-N-Zap” 100% natural cotton batting.
Excellent explanations! Thank you for sharing and posting! I also include a precautionary paper with the gift of these bowls on cooking, cook time and cleaning. I've had many requests to make more. Excellent for microwaving and also holding an ice cold bowl of icecream! I've had requests now to make for dimensions of plates.
Yes, my father handed me a plate and that is also on my agenda it's such a great idea and item. I'm glad that you've taken your instinct to add instructions into action and thank you so much for sharing your thoughts here. 🥰
May I please ask what you put on the paper you give with them?
I have made many with 100% cotton with no issue. My daughter overheated a homemade bean-bag heating pad in the microwave that had been sewn with polyester thread and the seam fell apart. Nothing combusted but bean spilled out! 😁
Best video/tutorial I've ever watched. And I've watched many. I'm learning so much from you.
Thank you so much.
Dianne
Awww.... how sweet are you?! 😁💗
I am so glad you made this video and I truly appreciate the intellectual approach to bowl cozies. I have so much batting - some of which I thought was 100% cotton but it turns out it’s not - and plenty of polyester blend batting, but my poor husband, I sent him to the store to buy me more in just cotton. I was confused as well about the recommendation for cotton, since I am well aware of how flammable it is, but I went ahead and believed the tutorials. Confounded by it I started to search and search and then I found you. I don’t microwave in any case in my home since I am not a believer that it doesn’t damage the molecular structure of nutrients (another discussion) but I wanted to make them for myself and family anyhow since I think it’s like a portable placemat and can only be a good thing to have on hand in the kitchen. I haven’t watched your second video yet but I’m hoping you address just how gosh darn hard it is to get two layers is batting, plus fabric, under my presser foot (even my walking foot isn’t high enough) and then to have to top stitch?, it’s so darn thick and bulky that I’m going to try just one layer of batting for myself. After all, one layer is all I have in my placemats and it’s just fine. Anyhow, thanks again so much.
I do show tricks for sewing and let me know if you continue to struggle. And, studies show food loses more from over heating and microwaving, done correctly preserves the nutrients. Pressure cooking is optimal.
It's been a battle for me as well, sewing through all that thickness. It's been impossible for me when trying to go through the thickness where the seams meet. I bought some needles from the store that is suppose to sew through denim. Wasn't much help. Walking foot helped some but not enough. I wanted to make the
se cozies for my entire family. I purchased all of the 100 percent cotton fabric, thread, and batting that I thought I'd need. But I gave up while trying to make the third cozy.
You did a great job making the video though. Very easy to understand. I'm going to look and see what else you have on your channel. Thank you!
Food is unaffected nutritionally in the microwave. That's nonsense.
Oohhh my !! I have been waiting for someone like you to explain this! I don't advise anyone to put a cozy in microwave but I'm always worried that they will. Thank you.
Glad you found it informative! Thank you for watching and commenting!
Thank you so much for making this. I've been looking for the science on this. I accidentally used polyester thread to make some bowl cozies and saw all sorts of warnings against it, but no science behind the warnings. This was very valuable as was your advice. That being said, we use ours (with cotton thread) inside the microwave all the time with no problems yet. My husband even spilled food on it and used it anyway. Still no problems. I think people need to be aware that there is a potential for these to catch on fire, but that it's not a usual occurrence.
I'm confused. You said you used polyester thread, then you said you used cotton thread. Was that just a mistake? I'm trying to understand.
Incredible source of information! Thank you for that!
Thank you!
I have made several bowl cozies and have never had one catch on fire, but like anything else, keep a close watch on your microwave while heating or cooking. I, however made several messes while making oatmeal when it over flows. I have learned to keep a close watch!
Thank you for sharing this! I love them :) And, I know the oatmeal volcano well ;)
I
When I cook quick oats I change the power level to 40% & cook a little longer. It does the trick, however, it is wise to keep an eye on the microwave. I also use a cover to save on overflow spillage.
Thank you very much. You have answered the big question!!!
Thank you for making this very insightful video! I am just about to embark on making my first - as a gift - and it will DEFINATELY have a note attached asking them to not use this in the microwave. Take Care!
Love your sewing machine I love the design of it
I'm glad to have found this :D someone requested me to make some but I still had questions
Awesome thanks for commenting 😀
@@clare-rowley so you saying don’t use cotton batting I make them and I use warm and natural that what I use hope use this one don’t fire 🔥
@@dianne20010 cotton is more likely to catch fire. You can use what you want just let people know to cook for short time periods. If there's ever a flame to turn off the microwave and don't open the door. I use bamboo batting.
I have made lots of these. I did use all cotton. Do tell friends and family to heat the food and then use the cozy. Fire! I was in a class once and one of the ladies was making cozies. She tried it out in the micro! It did catch Fire! The fabric had gold stamped on it. (metal) so yes it did catch Fire.
Yes, the metallic fabrics can spark. Part 2 of this 2 part series will be speaking about that.
Just made one don’t think I will use it in micro now. Thx for info
Thank you so much Clare for this great information, I make these as gifts but include a paper to microwave at 1-2 minute increments. I test them before giving them to.😊
Adding a little note on what "could" happen till put your mind at ease, as testing won't ensure a future event won't occur as the conditions have to be just right for the fire to be ignited. Thank you for sharing! :)
Thank you!!
@@bjski4557 you're welcome ❤️ And thanks for commenting ✨
I've made hundreds of these and have never had one catch on fire. I did, however, make a spud sack that caught on fire once, many years ago when I didn't know any better. I was using up some of my scrap fabric, and used some with stretch to it. That was what caught on fire. The next spud sacks I made were of 100% cotton and had no problem. But I don't leave the bags or the cozies in the microwave for long periods of time - another oopsie I did with that first spud sack.
Thank you for commenting and sharing your experiences with us 💜
One of the first potato bags I made about 10 years ago did catch fire the 2nd time I used it. I make bowl cozies on occasion in my business with the intructions not to put it in the microwave. I have had many, many people ask me to make bags or cozies for them that they received from others to replace ones that have caught fire as they still love to use them. I refuse to make the bags, but will make the cozies with the do not use in microwave instructions. I don't want to be sued. The research I did at the time told me that some microwaves develop "hot spots", so there was really no rhyme or reason. Collegues of mine have said that they always include the same instructions as they have had a small number of the 1000+ they've made catch fire.
Yes, and adding the warning should protect you even further. Better safe than sorry! :) Thank you for posting I appreciate your time and others will benefit from your comment.
I have made several cozy's for our household and for relatives. Never had any problems with fire. I did however use warming batting with cotton fabric. Making more this year for gifts at Xmas. Hope to have the same results. Loved all your information as well. Thank you/
Thanks for sharing!
I had a bowl cozy catch on fire only once. That happened because the gravy boiled over and caught the fabric on fire. I stopped the micro. The damage was only a thin line, so I zig zagged it on the machine (with cotton thread as I was told ) and was able to reuse it with no problem. I like the idea of cooking/heating in increments. It sounds as if that would be safer.
I like you'r perseverance to repair rather than toss! Something I would do 😄💜 thank you for sharing!
I have used mine several times for up to 3 minutes and only to warm food, never to cook food, and have never had a problem.
Thank you so much for commenting, it's posts like yours that help those who were led to fear using them feel better. 🙂
So Claire, your saying is OK to use polyester batting and thread doesn't have to be cotton
Yes! That's correct. 😁
I also considered that regardless of whether cotton is safe in a microwave (which I also doubted) it is normally not the raw color. But instead is colored with dyes and are THEY safe in a microwave? Thank you for addressing this as I am about to start making these and wanted to make them as safely as possible and address any concerns customers have. BTW I guarantee metallic threads and dyes are NOT safe in a microwave regardless of the type of thread or cloth any more than a can or metal spoons or forks are.
You're smart! :)
Great info. I was given a potato bag as a gift years ago and I don’t use it in the microwave. I use it to keep the potato warm after it has been cooked. Also good to keep a couple of biscuits warm. Just don’t trust the microwave and fabric/batting and thread. Too many unknowns
Well, many people have told me about potato bags and tortilla warmers catching fire, and only 3 bowl cozies so far with one being metallic fabric. Knowing to not open the door and to simply turn it off hopefully relieves some concerns. 😁
My mother gave me a potato bag and we use it about 3 times a week..never have any issues with it. And it says right on the bag to rinse the potato and cook it at 2-3 minute intervuls.
I've not read all the comments, but here's the deal. Some people use batting that has a heat resistant additive into the batting. It's kinda got a shiny looking layer on one side. That is part metallic and metals will spark, then start a fire if left going long enough.
Probably but not any of the cases I dealt with. 🙂 thank you for your input!
@@clare-rowley I made one mistake on my comment. Actually, there is a shine on both sides of that kind of batting. :)
I use mine all the time 😂
I made some
cozies for my family out of polyester and felt 100% polyester. they had them and been using inside MW for 3 yrs now and no “fire or burnt fabric” casualties. Can I use polyester based fabric then and is safer?
Yes, science proves Polyester is best inside a microwave as it doesn't have any heat creating ingredients:
SUGAR - FAT - WATER YOU DID GREAT!
Thank you for this good info 😀
You're welcome 😊
My mom had a repair man tell her if you use the rice warmers for muscles put a cup of water in with it. Because they can be hard on your microwave!
Interesting... well, water in the microwave will increase the temperature of the oven and the rice, which as sugar so, it will probably help to get it hot faster and since rice is water absorbent, you don't want to get that warmer wet or the rice will get stuck together. The Science of each project should probably be considered - as the Potatoe bags are the most common to catch fire, I plan to make one and do the research for that. Thank you for commenting Susan!
The fabric doesn't absorb any microwave energy, only the moisture in the filling. So if you continually heat a bag containing dried rice, for example, you are drying it out.
If there's no moisture left, then it's like turning the microwave on when it's empty
I accidentally nuked a 100% cotton crocheted potholder with nothing else in there, and it did catch fire. I just opened the microwave and put it out with water from a squirt bottle. No harm done to anything but the potholder!
Yikes! 😎
I am an RN which requires a science degree. I have always been baffled by all the warnings about what materials are used to make this. I use an iron on a cotton setting which gets to 375-400 degrees and I've yet to have my polyester thread or 85/15 batting melt or catch fire. Additionally, these are intended to be more like a potholder which you'd never put in your oven or microwave. Lastly, putting the cozy in the microwave along with a liquid/very wet food in the bowl is likely going to bubble over and/or splatter on the cozy, which creates the fire hazard.
I was told the problem with some batting is scrim, metal particles, that will arc and spark in a microwave. That is why one should use 100% cotton.
Interesting... I guess some people have tried the insulated batting for window blinds.. there's no metal in Polyester or Bamboo Batting. It must have frightened you to be told that! Well, now you know the real science. I hope it helps clear that up for you. 🙂
Everyone should watch this video. I too was suspicious about the 100% cotton being safe for the microwave. I'm not a fan of putting anything in other than microwave safe dishware. We don't put fabric, plastics, plastic wrap, paper towels, etc. not only for combustable safety but also leaching. I think in making these, I'll be sending a warning label along stating "do not microwave". While people are going to, well......., people, the best I can do is give them the information as you have done here. Thank you for that!
It's a very misunderstood topic, for sure! I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching and commenting💛
I also make cosys how ever I do not use batting instead I use 4 to 5 layers of the cotton fabric they turn out very good and never had a problem we have been using one for a couple of years for my husband's oat meal it,s a little tired looking but still o.k to use....
Interesting method! Thank you for sharing. 🙂
Make and use the cozies, and have not had any issues using them in the microwave. I really think it’s user error that causes the problems. If it gets wet or food spills on it, yes, it will burn.
Thank you!😁💖
I've been making and selling bowl cozies with no problem until today. I got some cotton fabric that didn't feel right so I decided to test a few pieces in the microwave and sure enough it started smoking and there's a brown spot where it was smoking. The fabric feels like it has some kind of stiff coating. I can't find any info about it on the internet either.
It was probably a cotton husk inside of the batting that caught fire because it has fat and sugar and then if there's steam created from cooking the food well, then you have all three of the ingredients that creates heat inside of a microwave. this is why I don't recommend actually cooking the food with it in the microwave and if you do only run the microwave for a minute and a half turn it off then rotate the food and then turn it back on for only a minute and a half but there's always going to be that risk when you have elements that a microwave uses to create heat.
I don't put my bowl cozies in the microwave. I have made several potato bags and 4 caught fire even though I used cotton fabric, thread and the Wrap and Zap batting by Pelon. The instructions I used said wash the potato and not dry it and wrap in a paper towel, then put it in the bag. Now that I hear you say the water on the potato may have been the problem.
Or I should have said, the water in the bag may have been the problem. There wasn't a lot, but it certainly was damp.
Yes, almost all of the fires were potatoe bags and likely were caused by the water on and in the potatoe and the skin touching the cotton. Thank you for commenting!😁
I’ve made cozy’s but haven’t put them in the MW. I just slide the bowl into the cozy when I’m removing it.
That is what I do 😁
That's my process as well. 😁
Feliz Año Nuevo!! Clare XOXO.... I alwayyysss have doubt when placing fabric inside a Microwave.... for instance warming up a "WET TOWEL"(facial towel) or a pair of socks to warm up in cold weather. I'm glad you did some research on this and shared with us. Also Lilacandroses51 thank-U for sharing this info. ~HUGS~
My pleasure! 😁
Even boiling water you need to stir it to break the surface tension otherwise it will erupt.
It has to reach a very high heat, and can because of it's chemistry - it builds a gas bubble inside of it and that is partly why I recommend stopping the oven and cooking in increments. If you put a solid frozen piece of meat it can explode as well which is why the defrosting setting stops the oven and has you restart while you're defrosting. :) Isn't science fun?! I love it.
I have made these, and have no problems. I have heard of one person who did have a fire, but don’t know why. The timing is important, and only up to 6 or 8 minutes, 2 minutes at a time. Or so I’m told.
Most of the people I spoke with all said the same thing - they heard from someone who said that they heard that someone had a fire and that is why I did this research so we can 'know' what we're dealing with and can relax a bit about it. I think 2 minutes would be the longest I'd run it without settling the molecules back down again by stopping the cooking process before then going again for longer overall cooking time. Thank you for sharing your thoughts! :)
I've made a few now with 100% cotton, thread and 2 layers of wrap and zap..... I normally used a slick material but recently considered more of a flannel 100% cotton. Any thoughts?
Just don't cook with flannel as the highs and lows are problematic if a fire should start.
I have been making these for 4 years. 100% cotton everything. No problems until.... I sent a set to my sister in law. She used the smaller ones Over and over. First time she used the large size one. Burnt. Yikes. I thought maybe a piece of broken needle was stuck inside. So I was going to send her a replacement, same fabrics, put it in the microwave to test, just in case and OMG IT STARTED BURNING IN LESS THEN 2 minutes.. WHAT THE HECK. NOW IM AFRAID OF SELLING THEM. I use Wrap n zap always, because I trust it. Faulty fabric? This set was made with 100% premium cotton from Joann’s (made in Korea). Now I’m gonna test every cozy I have before selling. This could take a while. Oh , and no user error.. When selling if someone says “I had one of these and it caught fire“ I would always reply” It wasn’t one of mine”. 😬. Oh and FYI. No fire. Just burnt. And no, it was not metallic fabric.
It was probably the husks inside of the cotton batting. Use 100% polyester batting, thread, and fabric and also tell people not to cook with the cozy inside of the oven but to remove the bowl using it - so you're not liable. You can print out safety instructions from my school to include with your cozies create.clarerowley.com
1-8-2024 9:17 pm
Have been making cozies for a couple weeks now…no microwave issues until I used the one one only oversized one. Put it in microwave for 2 minutes, stirred, and then for 2 more minutes. Dang thing caught on fire! I freaked!!! I just happened to use outdoor thread on that one - because of the color. Now I’m so afraid to give them away, not to mention selling them! Do you think I’ve ruined my microwave?
I have iron on patches that say do not put in microwave please. Just to be safe.
That's great! You're looking out for the person using it, and the joy of it isn't lost but made even better because they know they're doing the right thing
Hello my name is Tammy and I made vbowl cozy and I tried one in the microwave and it caught fire I made them out of 100% cotton thread batting and material is what I was taught from RUclips so what did I do wrong
Unfortunately there has been unintentional misinformation spread by educators teaching to use cotton, which is the most flammable fiber. I created this video on the science of bowl cozies to help everyone understand.
Sugar, in the form of cellulose is in all natural fibers girates in the microwaves creating heat. The cotton husks have fat, another ingredient that creates heat.... add water and it's likely steam created during cooking creates the perfect fire hazard.
100% polyfast-thread, fabric and batting is safest. However it can get hot because of the bowl.
I recommend not doing the cooking within a fabric cozie because if food spills on it, that can cause a fire on all fabric.
@@clare-rowley Thank you for writing me back I have made a lot of the bowl cozy, and now I make sure to let my family and friends to not microwave in them!!!!!!
Thank you for this video. I don’t put my bowl cozy in the microwave. I heat my bowl of food up and just place it in my bowl cozy when it’s done.
what if the cotton batting has scrim in it does that make it inflammable?
No. The scrim is an added element that doesn't replace the cotton and if the batting states cotton it's likely made from cotton as well.
I tried to test mine by microwaving without anything in them but they caught on fire. could it because I didn't have anything (bowl or anything)in with it? I have done them before and even with dollar tree fabric. could it be because I had nothing but the bowl cozy or potato sack
The cotton batting the cotton fabric cotton thread are all flammable from the sugar in that plant. Cotton can also catch on fire just sitting there minding it's own business self-combusts the potato bags are notorious for catching on fire but it all comes down to what the microwave does is makes the molecules in fat water and sugar bounce around and they create Heat the heat then catches fire on the extremely flammable cotton fibers.
Also, only heat for 1.5 minutes at a time to allow the molecules to calm down.
Thanks for this information I was wondering about this was very helpful
You're welcome and thank you for watching and letting me know it helped! 😊
Hi Clare, I have been making and using 100% cotton microwave cozies in microwave no problem but my friend had a fire, could it be because she keeps a few in the microwave when heating something up?
I would say yes! 1 at a time or some may be in a hot spot.
If they are repeatedly microwaved, they can become very dry.
The polyester heat pads tell you to dampen them every few uses to prevent this.
If they are slightly damp, any heat spots won't concentrate in one place
Tested. Mine in the microwave it indeed caught on fire
Nothing better than conducting you own experiment to determine the hypothesis 😉
cute!
I want to know why polyester, which is an oil based synthetic, is considered after in the microwave.
It is because of how a microwave creates heat. It uses water, sugar and fat - all are not in Polyester which is why they use it PET for microwave safe plastic plates and dishes out of its chemical make up.
I have made bowl cozies and have never had one catch on fire.I have cooked in one up to 20 minutes.
Most people haven't but some have. 🙂
Metallic threads however, could mess with your oven.
Yes they spark 😬
8:14
Since we are on the topic of science, what is the scientific logic for placing a bowl inside insulated material (bowl cozy) and then trying to heat it?!!!
The food cooks from the inside. The fabric protects hands from hot bowls. But I still don't recommend heating within a cozy. 🙂
@@clare-rowley That makes sense! I, too, do not recommend putting fabric inside a microwave. A microwave was simply not designed for that and neither is fabric.
I recently started making them with cotton fabric and fleece as an inner. Haven't had a problem yet. Does the combo sound okay?
It all comes down to cooking with the bowl inside it. Food getting on it and water. Cook for shorter periods of time or not at all. I don't cook with my cozies but I use one after the cooking is complete.
@@clare-rowley thank you so much for taking the time to reply. I appreciate it. Yes, I only warm food in the cozy for 3 minutes maximum. I sold my first pair earlier this week. I spilled in my cozy that I use and then hand washed it and it still works great. I will just be specific with the instructions and changed my adverts to 2 Minute 2 Pack Microwave Cozies. Be blessed xx
I am an RN which requires a science degree. I have always been baffled by all the warnings about what materials are used to make this. I use an iron on a cotton setting which gets to 375-400 degrees and I've yet to have my polyester thread or 85/15 batting melt or catch fire. Additionally, these are intended to be more like a potholder which you'd never put in your oven or microwave. Lastly, putting the cozy in the microwave along with a liquid/very wet food in the bowl is likely going to bubble over and/or splatter on the cozy, which creates the fire hazard.
Yes.
I am an RN which requires a science degree. I have always been baffled by all the warnings about what materials are used to make this. I use an iron on a cotton setting which gets to 375-400 degrees and I've yet to have my polyester thread or 85/15 batting melt or catch fire. Additionally, these are intended to be more like a potholder which you'd never put in your oven or microwave. Lastly, putting the cozy in the microwave along with a liquid/very wet food in the bowl is likely going to bubble over and/or splatter on the cozy, which creates the fire hazard.
Yes. A lot of well meaning people guessing the reason for the fires caused a fire-storm of confusion (punn intended) ☺️