Do you have COVID-19 questions? Our scientists have answers.
Microwaves kill germs in food by heating up mainly water in an object to high temperatures, which passes heat throughout the food - not directly from the radiation. It is important to cook food to the appropriate temperatures and follow good food handling practices.
Attempting to heat other objects in a microwave, like papers or fabrics, to disinfect them can be dangerous, as they are so dry they may catch fire.
Drafted 6 April 2020