i just wash the potato, poke a couple of holes with knife or fork and throw in the microwave for 4 minutes/one potato. No complaints at my house.

I agree. Just don't get putting the fabric in with the tater. I can see a 'hot spot' below the tater and catching fire.

Never had a problem with the rice bags though. Only heat 3 minutes, no longer.

Glad it was only yor microwave.

Wow. Sorry to hear what happened.

So sorry this happened to you . I saw a woman in our guilt guild making a bunch of these so I will pass on the info, maybe it can save someone else from fire

PS I don't know how this little smiley guy got in this post but it wasn't suppose to be and I don't know how to get it off.Sorry.

I just wanted to mention. When I bought my first potato bag the direction that came with it were:

Simply wash and dry your potatoes. DO NOT PRICK!!!Wrap the potato in a white paper towel and place in the bag. Microwave as instructed by your manufacturer. "Best if used in a rotating microwave."
Other uses:
Tortillas:Put tortillas in the bag, microwave. Take bag to your table they will stay warm during your meal.
Corn on the Cob:Leave in husk, trim excess hair from cob, wrap in white paper towel and put in bag. Microwave for about 4 minutes. One to three ears of corn can be micr-waved at a time, adjust time for your microwave.

Food for thought:
(The do not prick!!! was capitalized and written in red.)
This is how I cook mine all the time in the bag following those directions. I have never had a potato blow up or fire/burn up doing this. I have since asked my son how he did the ones that smelled burny and he said he had pricked them before putting them in the bag.(that "might" be the problem along with the spilled cheese that was in our micro) though I am not saying it is, but something to think about.

I use to just do the prick and throw in the microwave(no bag) but had pretty much quit making them in there because they always turned out (to Us) Dry and just not cared for. In the bag they are moist and yummy so my guys say.
******
Now with all the said I have to say I would not be using the bag and doing them this way if they had started on Fire either. But from here on out "if" using the bag we will be right there to watch it.
I am sorry too that this has happened to you.

So sorry that happened, but Thanks for the warning!

More Potato Bag Fires
 

Alisa,
I have just registered on this site so that I could reply to your comments about the potato bag fire. My poor daughter made many of them and gave for gifts and also sold many at craft shows over the past few months. We have recently been told by a friend and a family member that their bag caught fire. We feel awful. She did the research and, like you, she sought out all the 100% cotton components. What the heck?!?!? I think it is just not wise to take a chance. We will not be making more, unless some kind of sure fire proof can be established as to why they caught fire. Thanks...Sandy

I have thought about making some of these but after reading issues on here, I will just pass. Thanks for letting us know.

Thank-you for the warning