Microwaves: More than Just a Kitchen Appliance

Microwaves have become an indispensable part of our kitchens. They are used to cook and heat food quickly and conveniently, making it a favorite appliance for busy people. However, did you know that there are many other useful things you can do with this handy kitchen appliance?

In this article, we will share with you some of the incredible things you can do with your microwave other than cooking and heating up food.

1. Get Your Microwave to Clean Itself

Nobody likes cleaning, but this tip will make it easier for you. Your microwave can clean itself with a little help from you. Here are three ways to do it.

Option 1: Lemon

Cut a lemon in half, squeeze the juice into a half cup of water, then throw it in the microwave. Turn on high for 3 minutes, then wait 5 minutes more until you open the door. Not only will your microwave smell fresh like lemon, but it’ll also be easier to clean.

Option 2: Baking Soda

Instead of lemon water, microwave two tablespoons of baking soda in a cup of water. Follow the same procedure as above, and your microwave will smell fresh and be half clean by the time it’s done.

Option 3: Sponge

Soak a sponge with water and soap, microwave for a couple of minutes, then wait a few minutes longer. Not only will many of the germs in the sponge be killed, but it will have pre-steamed the microwave for you.

2. Pasteurize Potting Soil

If you’re a gardener, you’ve probably experienced the frustration of fungi killing off your plants. The damping-off disease that kills your plants doesn’t have to be tackled with pesticides. To clear out the disease-ridden fungi from your soil, throw it in a paper bag, then toss it in the microwave. Experiment to find the right cooking time for your microwave, then use this method to kill off fungi before they kill off your plants.

3. How to Get a Quick Pair of Clean Socks

Have you ever found yourself without a pair of clean socks? Yes, it may sound unsanitary to put dirty clothes inside your microwave. But if it’s one thing microwaves are good at, it’s killing germs. To deodorize, disinfect, and clean a dirty pair of socks, simply dunk them in a bowl of soapy water and microwave on high for ten minutes. When they’re done, hang them up to dry, and you’ve got a clean pair of socks!

4. Dry Herbs In Minutes

Don’t let your wilting herbs go to waste. Dry them and preserve them for later use. There’s no need to involve the oven or any other complicated drying procedures. Simply throw a cup of your fresh herbs on a paper towel and microwave for a few minutes. Crumble them, let them dry for a few more minutes, then store them in a spice jar.

5. Don’t Cry Over Split Onions

Onions are a great ingredient for countless dishes, but they’re no fun to cut. To make them easier to cut and avoid crying when you slice them, break out your microwave. Cut the ends off, then microwave on high for around 30 seconds. After this, you can chop away all you want, and you won’t shed a tear.

Onions aren’t the only vegetable that your microwave can help you cut, however. Microwave garlic cloves for 15 seconds to make it easier to remove the skin. The same goes for other vegetables, such as peaches and tomatoes – just add a bit more time for the larger vegetables.

6. Poached Eggs Made Easy

If you want to poach eggs, normally you’ve got to spend some time behind the cooktop. But if you’re a microwave-friendly person and don’t want to hassle with your stovetop, just microwave your way to some poached eggs. Use your electric kettle to boil water, pour it into a microwavable bowl, then add eggs and a dash of white vinegar. The vinegar will help keep the yolks from splitting apart.

Microwave at full power for half a minute, turn the eggs gently, then microwave for another 20 seconds. Pull the eggs out quickly so they don’t keep cooking, then you’re all set!

7. Soak Beans, Lentils, or Legumes

Dried beans are cheap and tasty. The only problem is that they take hours to soak. If you want your beans fast, simply toss them in some water with a pinch of bicarbonate of soda and microwave on high for 10 minutes. Soon enough, you’ll be ready to use them in a recipe of your choice. For lentils, simply cut the microwaving time from 10 minutes to 2 minutes, then use as directed.

8. Revive Stale Chips and Bread

Stale chips and bread don’t have to be thrown away. To bring back the crunch to your chips, simply throw them on a paper towel and put them in the microwave. Turn on high for 10-15 seconds, and they’ll be crispy once more.

To revive stale bread, wrap the slices in a damp kitchen towel or paper towel, then microwave on high for 10 seconds at a time. Keep going until the bread is good as new.

9. No-Bake Chocolate Cake

If you have a sudden craving for moist, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate, don’t wait to bake. A few ingredients and a microwave will get you fixed up in no time. Here’s what you’ll need.

Ingredients:

1/4 cup of flour
2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon of baking powder
2 tablespoons sugar
A dash of salt
1/4 cup of milk
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Your favorite spread

Mix the dry ingredients together, followed by the milk and vegetable oil, then microwave on high for 60-90 seconds. That’s it!

10. Make Your Own Play-doh

Parents and kids can rejoice with this recipe. A few simple ingredients and a microwave is all it takes to whisk up some play-doh that will keep your kids entertained for hours.

Ingredients:

1 cup of water
Food coloring
1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1/3 cup of salt
1 cup of flour

1. Mix a cup of water, food coloring, and a tablespoon of vegetable oil together in a microwavable bowl.

2. Whisk together with two teaspoons cream of tartar, a third a cup of salt, and a cup of flour.

3. Cover the bowl with a paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds.

4. Mix again.

5. Microwave again for 30 seconds.

6. Repeat this 2 more times.

7. If your mixture is still a little water, repeat once more.

Let it cool, and have fun!

Conclusion

Microwaves are undoubtedly convenient for cooking and heating food, but there are many other useful things you can do with them. From cleaning to gardening, the possibilities of what you can use your microwave for are endless. Try some of these tips today and make the most of your handy kitchen appliance.