Can You Put Paper Towels In The Oven: Understanding The Use Of Paper Towels
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Paper towels are a staple in the kitchen. They help wipe dirty windows, keep the hands dry, clean up spills, and so on.
So, generally, paper towels absorb liquids. It’s something they’re designed to do. Therefore, most people believe it is normal to use them in the oven to absorb the grease off beacons and other foods.
And while paper towels can truly absorb grease, is it something that should go into the oven? Let’s rephrase the question and provide a clear answer.
Can you put paper towels in the oven?
Yes, you can use the paper towels in the oven, but it’s not worth the risk. So, please, don’t. Most people may claim they have done so successfully below 200 degrees Fahrenheit. But there’s no guarantee it would work every time.
Avoid putting paper towels in the oven. Why? It can be highly poisonous. Most paper towels are made with poisonous chemicals.
So, when you subject paper towels to a high temperature, the poisonous chemicals may find their way into your food.
Paper towels are made from trees and other materials. And as you already know, dry wood burns easily. A hot summer may even kick start a wildfire.
So, do the right thing. Most individuals may feel comfortable using paper towels in low temperatures without having any issues. They claim the paper towel ignition point is 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore, it won’t cause a fire under low temperatures. But that’s not the case.
Anything can happen when you put a paper towel in the oven.
Keep reading to know more about paper towels.
What Paper Towels Are
Paper towels are specially put together absorbent paper used to wipe off liquids or to dry various items.
So, their primary use is to absorb fluid. It is not to act as a substitute for aluminum foil, commonly used in the microwave.
Putting paper towels in the microwave is unsafe. You’re placing your property at risk of fire hazards.
Why Most Individuals Put Paper Towel In The Oven
It’s a surprise that many people still put paper towels in the microwave, despite the huge risk of staring them in the face. The microwave generates heat, and don’t forget, paper towels are still paper. They are from trees like regular paper.
So, why do most people find using paper towels in the microwave ideal? Let’s look at two simple reasons.
#1: Easy clean up:
This explains why most people put paper towels in the oven. They put the paper towel between the plate and the food to protect the former from nasty stains.
But this isn’t a good idea. Paper towels shouldn’t go into the microwave for any reason. Besides, cleaning just one plate won’t cost you anything.
#2: Absorb excess grease:
Here is another shocking reason people put paper towels in the microwave. Paper towels absorb liquid. So, some assume it would do the same to the grease, which beacons generate while in the oven.
And really, paper towels can absorb excess grease. But is it a good idea to put them in the microwave? No, it’s not. It’s not even worth the risk.
Instead of putting paper towels in the microwave, consider using safer alternatives.
6 Things You Can Use Paper Towels For At Home
Besides wiping your hands, you can use paper towels for other things. Let’s go through them.
#1: Coffee filter:
Don’t have a coffee filter? Don’t worry! With paper towels, you’re good to go.
Just get your paper towel folded into the coffee maker’s basket, and use it as your filter. That’s it.
A Handy Tip: The biggest challenge in using paper towels as a replacement filter is the treatment. When you filter with a chemically treated or bleached paper towel, chances are the chemicals may find their way into your coffee cup.
To avoid this, use unbleached, plain paper towels. They are safe, inexpensive and eco-friendly.
Please note that since the coffee is hot, the heat can disintegrate the paper towel when filtering, leaving crumbs in your coffee cup. So, you need to be highly cautious when using paper towels as your alternative coffee filter.
#2: Fix your greasy broth:
Firstly, get a clean pot positioned in the sink. Next is to arrange the paper towel in your filter. Now start pouring your broth on the paper towel stationed directly above the pot placed in the sink.
By doing so, you’ll successfully strain the broth into your waiting pot, leaving the fat on the paper towel.
A Handy Tip: Another way to remove fat floating on the liquid is to soak them up with a white broad or a paper napkin.
#3: Learn the basics of sewing:
Fashion designers who are just starting can use the Viva vintage paper to practice sewing instead of traditional materials. Besides, this paper towel is solid and durable. Thus, it’s an excellent fit to practice sewing.
#4: Get rid of wax stains:
Using paper towels, you can get rid of wax stains from hard surfaces, upholstery, and even carpets. The process is also quick and straightforward. All you require for this is a thick paper towel and iron.
Firstly, place the paper towel over the wax stain. Now, place the iron on the paper towel and iron over the stained area. In no time, the wax would melt, allowing the paper towel to absorb it.
A Handy Tip: Ensure the iron is on low heat,
#5: Fix your meat for seasoning or dry rub:
Whether you’re planning to season fish, chicken or beef, ensuring there’s no excess moisture is essential. Otherwise, you may lose most of the seasoning used before the fish, chicken or beef lands in the heating source.
Instead of waiting for the fish or meat to dry, pat their surfaces with a paper towel. It will have the excess moisture absorbed and leave your fish or meat dry.
#6: Keep surfaces clean:
You can use paper towels to clean up your windows or mirrors. You can also use them to wipe off spilled oil from countertops and other surfaces.
Paper towels are inexpensive, so you can use them as much as you want. The only thing to worry about is the wastes you’ll generate. Chemically-treated or bleached paper towels are terrible for the environment.
So, if you care so much about the environment, use unbleached or plain paper towels instead. They are inexpensive, and above all, eco-friendly.
3 Safe And Reusable Paper Towel Alternatives For You
The issue many people have with using paper towels is waste. They can become a waste problem when emptied into the environment.
Additionally, paper towels are inexpensive, but that small amount you’re spending on them can add up fast.
So, if you want to ditch paper towels, here are some safe alternatives you can consider.
#1: Dishcloths:
As the name implies, dishcloths are designed for individuals who hand-wash their dishes. In addition to cleaning dishes, you can use them to clean your counters, tabletop, and other kitchen surfaces.
The good thing about dishcloths, which makes them a better paper-towel alternative, is that they’re reusable.
#2: Beeswax wraps:
Many things make beeswax wraps a better replacement for paper towels, including single-use plastic and plastic wrap.
Beeswax wraps are sustainable, reusable, and breathable. They’re an ideal option for food preservation.
When wrapped with beeswax wraps, foods can remain fresh much longer. The use of these wraps can help solve issues of plastic pollution that’s becoming a huge problem worldwide.
A Handy Tip: You can wash beeswax wraps. But please do so gently, and avoid using hot water.
#3: Linen napkins:
These paper towel alternatives have been in use for centuries. They are a crucial part of the home’s table linen.
Linen napkins not only absorb moisture super fast. They are also soft and quite pleasing to touch.
These napkins are excellent for keeping glassware dry. They can also withstand vigorous rubbing and washing.
Conclusion
Can you put paper towels in the oven? No, you can’t. Even though most people claim you can use them at 200 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s not a wise thing to do.
Paper will always remain paper. Forget about the additional name, “towel.” Paper towel is made from a tree, and wood, as you know, can easily ignite.
Instead of putting a paper towel in the microwave to help absorb the beacon’s excess grease, you can do so outside the microwave. Place the bacon on the paper towel after microwaving it. It would still absorb the oil this way.
