There are so many ways you can put your microwave to good use, even if you don’t use your device very much. Whether it’s juicing a lemon or reusing stamps, your microwave can do all kinds of cool things that you may have never realized.
Here are 10 things you never knew your microwave could do:
1. Remove and reuse stamps
To remove a postage stamp, place a couple drops of water on the stamp and then microwave it for 20 seconds. The stamp should come off easily.
2. Soften brown sugar
If your brown sugar has turned into a huge hard lump, place a dampened towel in the brown sugar package, close the package tightly, and put it in the microwave for about 20 to 30 seconds on high.
3. Lemon juicing
To get more juice out of lemons or limes, place a lemon or lime in the microwave on high for 10 to 20 seconds. It should be super juicy.
4. Quick sweated onions
It can take up to 15 minutes to sweat onions in a skillet. You can use your microwave to get the same effect in four minutes. Simply place chopped onions in a bowl, add a spoon of water, cover with a place and cook on high for 3 to 4 minutes. Then transfer to pan and continue with the rest of your recipe.
5. Drying herbs
Place basil or other herbs in the microwave on high for 2 to 3 minutes and you can dry them without having any waste.
6. Rehydrate stale bread
Wrap bread in a wet paper towel and microwave on high for periods of 10 seconds. Repeat until the bread is moist enough to your liking.
7. Soaks beans and lentils quickly
If you forgot to soak your beans or lentils overnight, no worries. Simply place beans in a bowl with a pinch of baking soda and submerge them in water. Microwave them on high for 10 minutes and then let them sit for 40 minutes. They will soak in less than an hour.
8. No more soggy sandwiches
If your sandwich is soggy, wrap it in a paper towel and place it in the microwave for a few seconds.
9. Easily peel fruits
Fruits are much easier to peel when you place them in the microwave for about 30 seconds. After microwaving, allow them to sit for 2 minutes before peeling.
10. Instant hot compression
If you need hot compression in a hurry, heat a hand towel or washcloth on high for about a minute.