15 things you didn't know your microwave could do - life just got easier
|
Did you know your microwave can make delicious meals and flavors—without turning on the oven or stove? All you need is a microwave.
Your microwave can even help peel fruits and vegetables and assist with household cleaning!
Here are some clever tricks to get the most out of your microwave—and use it for much more than just reheating last night’s leftovers:
Remove a Stamp from an Envelope
Place a few drops of water on the stamp and microwave the envelope for 20 seconds on medium heat. When you take it out, the stamp will peel off easily.
Roast Nuts
Need roasted nuts for a snack? The microwave can do it for you. Pour half a teaspoon of vegetable or canola oil onto a plate, then spread a cup of nuts over the oil.
Microwave for one minute at a time, stirring between each minute. Continue for 3 to 8 minutes or until the nuts are perfectly roasted.
Disinfect a Sponge
Soak the sponge in water and wring it out. Microwave it for 2 minutes on medium heat to kill 99% of bacteria.
Revive Stale Chips
Someone left the bag of chips open? Before you strangle them, place the chips on a paper towel and microwave them briefly on high power. This will restore their crispiness.
Sanitize a Cutting Board
Scrub each side of the cutting board with a lemon slice. Microwave for one minute on medium heat to disinfect it.
Prevent Food Explosions in the Microwave
Foods with thick skins tend to explode in the microwave. The trick is to pierce the skin of items like potatoes, squash, or tomatoes before microwaving so steam can escape.
Steam-Clean the Microwave
Tired of scrubbing your microwave? Squeeze two lemon halves into a bowl of water, then drop the lemons into the bowl. Microwave for 5 minutes on medium heat. Afterward, simply wipe down the microwave—the grime will come off effortlessly.
Scrambled Eggs
Whisk your eggs and pour them into a large mug with a bit of milk, cheese, salt, pepper, or any ingredients you like in your omelet. Microwave for 45 seconds on medium heat, stir, then microwave again for another 45 seconds. Enjoy a quick and delicious breakfast!
Chop Onions Without Tears
Cut off the ends of the onion and microwave it on high for 30 seconds. When you slice it afterward, no more tears.
Dry Fresh Herbs
Place herbs on a paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds. Flip them and repeat for 2 to 4 minutes, or until the herbs are fully dry.
Peel Garlic Easily
No more frustration peeling garlic. Microwave a garlic bulb for 15 seconds on medium heat, and the skin will slide right off.
Revive Stale Bread
Don’t throw out dry bread! Wrap it in a damp paper towel and microwave for 10 seconds on high. It’ll be soft and fresh again.
Speed Up Soaking Beans/Lentils/Chickpeas
Soaking beans overnight is a hassle. Instead, put them in a bowl with a pinch of baking soda and cover with water. Microwave on high for 10 minutes, then let them sit for 30–40 minutes.
Peel Tomatoes or Peaches
Peeling tomatoes or peaches is a pain—unless you use the microwave. Heat on medium for 30 seconds, then let them rest for 2 minutes. The skin will slip off easily.
Get More Juice from Lemons or Limes
To squeeze every last drop from a lemon or lime, microwave it for 10 to 20 seconds before juicing. It softens the fruit and makes juicing much easier.
