8 Interesting Uses For The Microwave

The first microwave oven went on sale in 1946. Nevertheless, it took almost seven decades before they became  one of the most basic elements in the modern kitchen.

With this appliance you can quickly heat up your meals and even prepare some simple dishes.

Apart from its use in cooking, however, there are other great uses for the microwave that many people are still unfamiliar with.

We want to take advantage of our space today to give you eight surprising ideas to get more out of this kitchen appliance.

Of course, always be careful when trying them, and always avoid putting metal objects in the microwave.

1. Applications for the microwave oven: remove stamps or seals

If you want to take care of stamps or seals on your cards, you can heat them a little in the microwave to make them loosen more easily.

All you have to do is moisten them with a little water and then place them in the microwave for 20 seconds.

After this time has passed, see if you can take them off without too much effort.

2. Cut an onion without tears

The sulfur compounds found in onions are the reason you “cry” when you start cutting into them.

When you make a cut with a knife, it disrupts the cells and releases volatile sulfur compounds that cause this reaction when they come in contact with your body.

However, you can stop this process by putting the onion in the microwave just before you cut it.

Cut off each end and place it in the microwave for 30 seconds.

3. Disinfect sponges

Sponges and scouring pads are elements that help you clean the surfaces in your home.

They come in contact with all kinds of dirt and bacteria, so it is not surprising to find that they are more contaminated than the toilet bowl.

This is why it is important that you keep them clean and disinfect them, instead of throwing them away while they are still in good condition.

Soak them in white vinegar or lemon juice and place them on the microwave on high for one minute.

The acidity of these ingredients along with the heat will kill all types of pathogens and make your fungi ready for reuse.

4. Get more juice from lemons

Do not worry that your lemon will not have enough juice for the recipe you make.

One of the many great uses for the microwave is to heat lemons in it for 20 seconds, and then squeeze the juice while the lemon is still hot.

This helps to change the physical structure of the fruit so that you get out every last drop.

5. Extend the life of your mascara

An annoying problem many people have is that the mascara dries easily in certain environments, and when you use it, you will end up with ugly lumps that look horrible.

If you find that your mascara is starting to have this problem, extend its life by trying this simple trick.

Place the mascara in a glass of water and put it in the microwave for 30 to 40 seconds.

This method will help restore its liquid texture and you can use it longer.

6. Color fabrics

Are you tired of the same color on a garment? If you buy a new color and use the microwave, you can give it a whole new look.

Place the garment in a container filled with water and add the dye. Cover it and put it in the microwave on high for four minutes.

After this time has passed, wait a few minutes before checking out the new color of your clothes.

7. Sterilize jars for canning

When you sterilize glass to preserve food in them, you eliminate pathogens that survive on the glass surface.

The most common way to do this is by boiling them in a pot of water for a few minutes.

But if you want to spend less time and get the same benefits, put them in a water bath and put them in the microwave for two to three minutes.

When the water starts to boil, you know it’s time to take them out.

8. Heat bags

To relieve muscle pain or inflammation, stuff a sock with lenses, tie a knot at the end, and put it in the microwave for four minutes.

After checking to make sure it is not too hot for your skin, apply it on sore areas until it has completely cooled.

Have you tried to get more out of your microwave? Now that you know all of these alternative uses for it, do not hesitate to take advantage of them when doing chores around the house.