Discover the amazing versatility of your microwave with these 20 handy uses you may not have known about.
1. Super-fast way to dry clothes and socks
Use your microwave to quickly dry clothes and socks
Unexpected rain in Saigon can leave your clothes and socks damp. But fear not! Simply pop them in the microwave for 2-5 minutes to quickly dry them out.
2. Easily melt solidified honey
Microwaves can melt solidified honey
Storing honey in the fridge often leads to it solidifying. Instead of waiting for it to naturally defrost, use your microwave for a quick 1-2 minute defrost and your honey will be ready to use in no time.
3. Proofing yeast dough
Proof yeast dough in the microwave
Traditionally, proofing yeast dough can take hours. But with a microwave, it only takes 10-15 minutes! Simply place your dough in a large bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and place a small cup of water next to it before microwaving. Use the lowest setting and heat for 5-6 minutes, then let it sit in the microwave for another 5-6 minutes and your dough will be ready to bake.
4. Effortlessly juice oranges and lemons
Microwaving oranges and lemons makes juicing easier
Some oranges and lemons have tough skins that make them difficult to juice by hand. To get the most juice out of them, simply microwave the fruit for 20-25 seconds before squeezing them into a glass.
5. Make delicious popcorn
Make popcorn in the microwave
Love popcorn but don’t know how to make it? It’s easy with a microwave! Simply combine some butter, salt, and popcorn kernels in a bowl, cover, and microwave at 600W for 5-6 minutes. Enjoy your freshly made popcorn!
6. Create creamy foam for coffee
Make creamy foam for coffee with your microwave
Craving a latte at home? It’s easy with your microwave. Pour milk into a jar, shake gently, and microwave for 30 seconds. Pour into a cup and enjoy your creamy, delicious coffee.
7. Bake potatoes
Bake potatoes in the microwave
Don’t have an oven but want to bake potatoes? No problem! Poke holes in your potatoes with a fork and microwave them for 2-3 minutes for perfectly baked spuds.
8. Revive stale bread
Use the microwave to revive stale bread
The microwave is great for quickly reheating food, but did you know it can also bring stale bread back to life? Wrap your bread in a damp cloth and microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore its freshness and crispness.
9. Prevent tears while chopping onions
Microwaving onions can reduce tears while chopping
Say goodbye to teary eyes while chopping onions! Simply cut the ends off an onion and microwave it for 45 seconds to 1 minute before chopping. This will reduce the release of tear-inducing gases.
10. Sanitize and deodorize kitchen towels
Sanitize and deodorize kitchen towels in the microwave
Kitchen towels and sponges can get smelly, stained, and greasy, even with regular replacements. Soak them in water mixed with vinegar or lemon juice, then microwave on high for 1-1.5 minutes. Rinse with clean water and your towels and sponges will be fresh and clean again.
11. Peel garlic in a flash
Microwave garlic for easier peeling
Peeling large amounts of small garlic cloves, like those from Ly Son, can be time-consuming. Speed up the process by microwaving the garlic for 15-20 seconds to loosen the skins, then simply peel them off.
12. Bake a flan
Bake a flan in the microwave
Surprised that you can bake a flan in the microwave? Why not give it a try! Mix egg yolks with fresh milk in a bowl, whisking until smooth. Remove any foam from the surface, then pour the mixture into a glass container. Microwave for 4-5 minutes on medium heat and enjoy your homemade flan.
13. Roast nuts and seeds
Roast nuts and seeds in the microwave
Roasting nuts and seeds in the microwave is much faster than using an oven and just as simple. Spread your nuts or seeds evenly on a ceramic or glass plate and microwave at medium heat for 2-3 minutes until crispy.
14. Cook a complete meal in 10 minutes
Short on time but want to cook a healthy meal? The microwave can help! Simply season your food, place it in a microwave-safe container, and heat it up. You can cook a variety of dishes like stews, steamed dishes, and boiled dishes in no time.
15. Sanitize cutting boards
Sanitize cutting boards in the microwave
Cutting boards are essential in the kitchen, but they can harbor bacteria, especially if they’re made of wood and get damp. To keep them clean, rub the board with lemon, vinegar, or salt, then microwave for 2-3 minutes to kill any germs.
16. Save time on grilled dishes
Save time on grilled dishes with the microwave
Grilled dishes are tasty but can be a hassle to prepare at home due to space constraints and fire hazards. The microwave comes to the rescue, allowing you to grill food quickly and safely, with delicious results.
17. Steam vegetables in the microwave
Steam vegetables in the microwave
You might think the microwave is only good for reheating or grilling, but it can also steam or boil vegetables. Simply wash your veggies, place them on a ceramic or glass plate, cover with heat-resistant plastic wrap, and microwave for a few minutes, depending on the desired level of doneness.
18. Crisp up rice paper, rice crackers, and stale bread
Crisp up rice paper, rice crackers, and stale bread in the microwave
Craving some crispy rice paper, rice crackers, or stale bread? The microwave has you covered! Arrange them on a plate and microwave at medium heat or 600W for 2 minutes. No need to flip them over, they’ll be perfectly crisp and warm.
19. Warm up cosmetics and face masks
Warm up cosmetics and face masks in the microwave
Instead of heating water to warm up your cosmetics or face masks, simply pop them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds and they’ll be ready to use.
20. Dry flowers and herbs
Dry flowers and herbs in the microwave
Drying flowers and herbs is usually done in an oven, dehydrator, or by air-drying. But did you know you can also use the microwave? Place your flowers and herbs in the microwave for 30-40 seconds to dry them out, then store them in a jar or container.
With these handy tips, you can unlock the full potential of your microwave and make your life a little easier.
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