Twenty AWESOME Microwaves Uses

One of my favorite upgrades is our GE Microwave, especially after living without for eight long months!  Although I’m not a big fan of reheated food or microwave prepped food, I like having the option, should I need it.  Here are some of my favorite microwave uses:

1. Sponges: I get grossed out in the kitchen very easily and one of the biggest triggers is a smelly sponge.  Seriously DISGUSTING.  Dampen the sponge with vinegar or lemon juice and microwave it for 1 minute, sterilized!
2. Plastic Cutting Boards:  Same thing…FULL of grime and germs!  Wash it, rub it with lemon juice and then microwave it for 1 minute, sterilized!
3. Candle Wax:  I think microwaving candle wax beats the freezer trick!  If the wick just runs through the wax, you’re okay to try this, but notif it has a little metal tab on the bottom.  Put the glass and candle in the microwave. Heat for 30 seconds. When the wax softens, pull out the candle. Start with 30 seconds–it might take more or less time, depending on the thickness of the glass and the size of the candle.
4. Heating Pads:  As long as there isn’t metal, a heating pad made of uncooked rice or beans is perfectly warmed in the microwave for 15-30 seconds.
5. Beauty Treatments:  I love treating myself to hot oil conditioners for my hair…may have to do one this week!  These can be warmed in the microwave for 10-20 seconds and then follow the package directions.  Face masks feel more spa like, too when the creamy mix is microwaved for 10-20 seconds at a medium power.  I think any moisture warmed can feel GREAT, especially when it’s a chilly day!
6. Mascara: If you’ve realized for the umpteenth time that your mascara is dried up or just a big glob of gunk, but you totally need to use it so you can venture out to the store to buy more…just microwave your mascara at a medium power for 5-15 seconds and your mascara will have a new lease on life!
7. Fabric Dye:  Heat item in bowl of water and dye mixture for four minutes.  Rinse well.
8. Crayons: Melt old crayons and make them useful again.  Pour them into greased cupcake tins and freeze. Pop them out for new, easy to use, round bits of color….have fun trying new color combinations.
9. Plates:  Mist each with a bit of water, stack them and then microwave for 30 seconds.  Serve a meal on a warm plate.  What a treat!
10. Peach or Tomato Skin:  These fruits have very thin skin, it’s easy to loose a large bulk of the sweet fruit when peeling them.  Boil water in the microwave and immediately place the fruit inside the water for a few seconds  The skin will come off easily.
11. Citrus: Get more juice from lemons and limes by simply microwaving them for 30 seconds before squeezing them!
12. Garlic: Roast Garlic…for real!  Remove the top part of the head and place in a small deep dish filled with 2 tablespoons of water.  Drizzle with some olive oil and cover with plastic wrap.  Cook for 7ish minutes and then let sit for a bit to cool.  That’s it…enjoy!
13. Decrystallize Honey:  I warned you, I’m grossed out easily.  Crystallized honey is another one of those triggers for me.  My hubby helps me out with this one because otherwise, I’m a little quick on the trash bandwagon!  This really does work…uncover and heat for 30-45 seconds on medium power.  Good as new!
14. Soften Brown Sugar:  I think we all know that moisture and brown sugar just don’t mesh, but I’m always thankful for this simple tip.  Add a few drops of water to hardened brown sugar {no reason to take it out of it’s original plastic package} and microwave for 30-60 seconds on medium heat.  Back to baking!
15. Dry Extra Fresh Herbs:  Wash the herbs and remove the stem then place on a microwave safe plate and heat for 30 seconds at full power, check and continue heating until desired texture is achieved.
16. Nuts, Crumbs and Coconut:  If your recipe is calling for them to be toasted, spread them out on a  plate and microwave them on high heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring every minute.  They’ll keep toasting for a minute after you’ve removed them from the heat.  Fast and simple clean up!  Love!
17. Veggies:  Although my first choice is the pressure cooker, vegetables with the meal is best regardless of how they’re prepared.  In the microwave, you don’t have to add water to your vegetables which often times will void you in vitamins.  Just add a layer to a microwave safe dish and cover, heat for 30 seconds – 4 minutes, depending on the firmness of the vegetable being prepared.
18. Grilling:  Some of the less tender vegetables are quicker to prepare on the grill when they’ve been microwaved briefly before grilling.  Potatoes {pierce them first} – 2 minutes.  Peppers – 30 seconds.
19. Smores:  My first diet in college was a S’mores diet.  It was one I wrote myself…in case you were wondering.  And, no, my degree was not in nutrition.  Can’t say I helped out my figure, but it was fun while it lasted and I was so proud to have tried out dieting!  My microwave was definitely my best friend for those two days!  15-30 seconds is all it takes.  These are still one of my favorite treats although I try to balance it a bit more, especially now that I have six eyes watching and learning from me constantly!
20. 5 minute microwave cupcakes!  You’re in for a treat…or….maybe you should avoid this upcoming tip based on #17.

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