Melamine has been popular among households since the 1830s. Melamine is an organic, nitrogen-rich compound that is a by-product of the coal industry used to make tableware. The chemical makes the dishes scratch-free, heat-resistant, and food-safe. But the common question homeowners ask is, “Is melamine microwave safe?”
Well, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) suggests food shouldn’t be heated in a melamine container. Instead, it should be done only in microwave-safe containers, such as ceramics or anything that has a label of “microwave-safe.” But to answer the question in detail, this blog discusses whether melamine can be used in a microwave. Read till the end!
Can Melamine Dishes Be Microwaved?
No. Melamine dishes should never be microwaved. While it is safe to serve food on melamine plates, heating it in the microwave is not recommended, as it may pose health risks. To understand why, here are some pointers to be noted -
Chemical Composition
Resin is used to combine melamine crystals with formaldehyde. Although melamine is completely used during the manufacturing process, a small portion remains in the final product. Now, when the melamine is heated at a temperature exceeding 160°F, the melamine may leach out into the food (especially citrus foods like tomatoes or orange juice).
Damage to the Tableware
When you heat the melamine tableware repeatedly, it tends to dry out, which, after a certain time, may crack, break, chip, warp, etc. This reduces the tableware’s lifespan and makes it look unappealing.
Health Risks
As per the International Agency for Research on Cancer, eating food with melamine can increase the risk of urinary bladder cancer. It suggested that “there is strong evidence that melamine can cause chronic inflammation in the urinary tract.”
What is Melamine Safe for?
Melamine, when used properly, is absolutely safe. Here’s a table that showcases what’s melamine safe for and what’s not -
| Safe For | Not Safe For |
| Serving at room temperature | Food heated above 160°F |
| Outdoor dining and camping | Heating in a microwave |
| Serving cold food, such as salads, sandwiches, etc. | Serving or heating with acidic foods, such as tomatoes and lemon |
Many homeowners also wonder when to replace melamine. Well, look for the following signs -
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If you see cracks and warping.
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If there are rough textures or discoloration.
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Any sign of heat damage that may cause food contamination.
Alternatives for Melamine Dishware
Melamine, with its given reputation of leaching into the food, has led homeowners to look for alternatives. Some of them are -
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Enamel dishes
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Glass containers
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Ceramic dishware
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Silicone containers
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Microwave-safe plastics
You can also look for options that have the label of “microwave-safe,” as many manufacturers tend to label their products.
What Are the Exceptions of Microwaving Melamine?
While it is advised not to microwave melamine, there are certain exceptions worth considering, depending on whether it is used for commercial or residential purposes.
Residential Heating
In homes, some may consider it okay to heat food in a melamine container, as it may not show immediate effects. For example, heating food for a few seconds once or twice may not leech chemicals in the food or cause physical damage. But that does not mean that it is risk-free. Heating food for a long period will make the container fragile and prone to breaking, and also pose health risks.
The FDA also recommends not using melamine dishes to heat food. Instead, it is advised to transfer the food to a microwave-safe container and then heat it. This ensures the safety of your dish and your health.
Commercial Heating
In commercial settings, the dishes go through wear and tear more than in residential settings. In such a scenario, microwaving melamine accelerates damage and shortens its lifespan. Also, commercial microwaves work at a higher power, which increases the risk of overheating melamine, leading to a potential health risk.
| Some Tips | Some manufacturers may sell their melamine dishware with the label " microwave-safe. Hence, it is advised to approach these claims with caution. |
How to Take Care of Melamine Dishware?
To ensure your dinnerware looks good for years to come, here are some tips to clean and store it so that it stays protected from damage.
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Avoid hard scrubbing using steel wool or harsh cleaning tools on melamine dishware. Instead, consider using a soft sponge paired with mild dish soap.
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Do not use bleach or strong chemicals to remove stubborn stains, as they can make it prone to breakage and damage. You can use a mild detergent to get rid of the stains.
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Though melamine is dishwasher safe, you can handwash the containers for extra precaution. This preserves the glossy finish and prevents any early wear and tear.
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To store melamine, stack the cups and plates gently to avoid cracks or chips. If feasible, you can use paper liners between the dishes to prevent friction.
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Don’t overcrowd the shelf as it increases the risk of accidental fall, which may result in breakage.
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Don’t place the melamine dinnerware under duress. This is because, even though the material is durable, it is not indestructible.
Conclusion
Melamine is undoubtedly a durable and stylish option, but it also has its limitations. The material is not designed to withstand the excessive temperature of microwaves and ovens. This is because it may cause the containers to crack, chip, and fade. Therefore, use with caution.