Sterilising jars in microwave?

[annacruachan]

I fill my jars about one eighth with water, put six jars at a time into the microwave and heat on high for 3 - 4 mins. My marmalade and chutney, which I make to sell as well as for us, are fine even after a year on the shelf. (Staying on the shelf for a year doesn't happen often!)
I can see that a full jar of water would seem to explode.

[sweetiepea]

Not sure how effective the microwave is for sterilizing but about a year ago I had the microwave warming some food for a couple of minutes and when I opened the door an earwig walked out.

Yuck!!!!!!