Plastic wrap labelled microwave safe is fine over a bowl if it does not touch the food and has a vent. Wrap with no label is a gamble.
The USDA says to use only plastic wrap that is labelled safe for the microwave, and to keep it from touching the food. Wrap can melt where it contacts hot, fatty or sugary food, and it can trap steam and burst. A vented cover handles both problems.
| Short answer | Only if labelled microwave safe |
|---|---|
| Placement | Loosely over the dish, not touching the food |
| Vent | Leave a corner open or pierce it for steam |
| Avoid | Fatty or sugary foods, which get very hot |
| Alternative | A microwave safe plate or lid |
How to use plastic wrap in the microwave
- Check the box for a microwave safe label.
- Put the food in a deep microwave safe dish so the wrap stays clear of it.
- Cover it loosely and fold back one corner to vent.
- Heat in short bursts and stir the food between them.
- Pull the wrap back away from you when you open it, because steam escapes.
What happens when you get it wrong
- Melted wrap. Wrap touching hot, fatty food softens and sticks to it.
- Steam burns. A tight seal traps steam, and it bursts out when you lift it.
- Unknown chemicals. Wrap not labelled for heating is not tested for it.
A microwave safe plate placed upside down over a bowl.
A microwave cover or vented lid, which cannot melt onto the food.
Frequently asked questions
Is plastic wrap safe in the microwave?
Only if it is labelled microwave safe and kept from touching the food, per USDA guidance.
Can you use cling film for reheating?
Check the label. Use a vent, and avoid it for very fatty or sugary foods.
Is it safe to eat food that touched the wrap?
Discard food that was in direct contact with wrap that melted or was not labelled safe.
Can you use wax paper instead?
Yes, as a loose cover. See the parchment page for paper alternatives.