Top 14 Surprising Uses of a Microwave You Might Not Know

You may think storing lemons and oranges in the fridge keeps them fresh and prevents them from wilting. However, what you might not realize is that the fridge actually affects the juice yield, as these fruits can become hard after prolonged storage. To fix this, simply place the lemon or orange in the microwave for about 30 seconds, let it cool for a minute, then squeeze, and you’ll get significantly more juice.

If you find peeling garlic troublesome, as it not only leaves a strong odor on your fingers but also takes time to carefully peel each clove, you’re in luck! With a microwave at your disposal, you can easily remove the garlic skin without the hassle. Simply place the garlic cloves in the microwave for about 10 seconds to let the heat and steam loosen the skin, and then easily peel off the skin with minimal effort.

Cutting onions is a dreaded task for many, with the strong odor often causing tears and making it hard to see. This can even lead to accidental cuts. But there's a simple way to avoid this hassle. Instead of struggling with onions, try using your microwave! First, cut both ends of the onion, peel off the outer skin, and microwave it for about 30 seconds. After this, you’ll be able to chop the onion without the usual irritation.

If you're eager to try out some recipes for your family and friends but the dish requires beans that have been soaked overnight, while you only have dry beans that are as hard as stones, don't worry! There's a way to handle this in just 10 minutes with your microwave. First, place the beans in a bowl, add some baking soda, and pour enough water to cover them, then microwave on high for 10 minutes. Afterward, let them cool for about 40 minutes, and your beans will be ready to use.

If you're planning to use the delicious taste of chocolate for baking, you can easily melt it in the microwave without the risk of burning, saving time compared to the traditional double boiler method. All you need are chocolate bars and a heatproof glass bowl. Simply place the chocolate in the bowl and microwave on medium heat for 2 to 2.5 minutes, and it will be ready for use. After removing the chocolate from the microwave, be sure to stir well for a smoother consistency.

Usually, when boiling vegetables, you would first need to bring water to a boil, then add the vegetables to cook and remove them right after. However, there’s an easier way to prepare them, ensuring they stay green and flavorful while retaining their nutrients, all thanks to the microwave. Simply layer the vegetable leaves on a plate, cover with plastic wrap, and microwave on high. Keep in mind that different types of vegetables will require different cooking times.

If you usually have to wait for hours before you can start baking just because the dough hasn't risen yet, here's a quick tip to make your dough rise in just 15 minutes using the miraculous microwave! Simply place the dough in a large bowl, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and place it in the microwave. Next to the bowl, put a cup of water and set the microwave on low heat for 3 minutes, then let it rest for 3 minutes, followed by another 3-minute round of microwaving. Afterward, let it sit for about 5 minutes before removing it. You'll be amazed at how the dough has doubled in size!

You can use a microwave to warm up pain-relief oils such as peppermint oil or hot oil for headaches and back pain. However, be sure to avoid using metal bottles in the microwave!

Your microwave can assist with excellent beauty care, such as warming hair oil packs and hydrating masks, making it easier for nutrients to be absorbed into your skin. Simply place these items in the microwave and set it to medium heat for 10 to 20 seconds before using them.

You can easily cook potatoes in the microwave. First, poke a few small holes in the potato, place it in a bowl, and microwave it on high for 2 minutes. Then, remove the bowl, leave the potato inside, and cook for another 2 minutes. Once done, the potato is ready to be mashed for soups or used in salads, stews, or any other dish you like.

Stale bread can become dry and hard, but you can easily fix this by wrapping the loaf or slices of bread in a clean damp cloth, then microwaving for 10 seconds. Repeat the process a few times until the bread becomes soft again.

If you've had honey sitting unused for a long period, it may have hardened into a solid block. However, there's no need to worry. Simply open the jar and place it in the microwave at medium heat for 30 seconds to 1 minute, and your honey will return to its smooth liquid state.

Sponges are essential tools for cleaning kitchen items, but they can easily pick up strange odors and become unusable. However, with the help of your microwave, you can revive them! To disinfect and eliminate the odor, simply soak the sponge in water with a little white vinegar or lemon juice, then place it in the microwave and heat it on high for about 1 minute.

Cutting boards are a staple in every kitchen, used not only for slicing raw ingredients like meat and vegetables but also for cutting cooked food. To ensure safety, it's crucial to disinfect your cutting board before using it again. Fortunately, this can be done easily and quickly with your microwave. Simply rub the cutting board with a few lemon slices, then place it in the microwave and heat for about one minute. This method will disinfect the board, making it safe for further use.