Amazing Little-Known Uses For Your Microwave

When it comes to the kitchen, there are certain appliances that no one should be without. Refrigerators and ovens are the obvious ones, but there's another that can really make all the difference to any home. We're talking about a microwave. Don't agree that it's an essential?

Well, you might change your mind once you realize just how many uses this appliance has. Along with heating up food for quick eating, it can also supposedly disinfect some of your cleaning materials, revive your dried mascara and even measure the speed of light. That's just the tip of the iceberg, too.

Stamps are easy to remove from envelopes after 20 seconds in the microwave

Mailing letters might seem unnecessary when we live in a world of advanced technology and social media. However, there's something charming about still sending physical mail to people, especially for those who grew up without all of today's modern conveniences. Of course, if you are going to send someone mail, you'll want to make sure you've got some stamps.

Speaking of which, one of these little-known microwave uses actually revolves around stamps. It seems that if you're ever in a situation where you need to remove a stamp from an envelope, you can do so with this appliance. Just add some drops of water to the stamp, then expose it to medium heat for roughly 20 seconds.

You can make your sponges much cleaner by disinfecting them in the microwave

A clean kitchen is a healthy kitchen. Whenever you use anything in this room, it's important to clean it thoroughly to prevent the spread of bacteria. Unfortunately, it's possible to do this and still make problems for yourself if your cleaning materials are dirty. This often happens with sponges, which might seem clean but are actually far from it.

To banish those unwanted germs from your cleaning sponge, soak it in water, then stick it in the microwave. A minute in there on high should banish that bacteria that's been causing your kitchen trouble. It's important to make sure that the sponge is thoroughly soaked through before microwaving it; otherwise, it may set on fire in the heat.

You can revive stale bread with just ten seconds in the microwave

Bread is probably one of the most useful foods to have in your kitchen. After all, you can use it to make toast, sandwiches, or even eat it with some soup. However, if you aren't quick enough to use it, it can go stale, which generally isn't what you want. Thankfully, the microwave can come to the rescue here.

To fix the issue, you'll want to dampen some kitchen paper with water. Then, you'll want to stick this - along with the bread - in the microwave. All it takes is ten seconds for the moisture from the paper towel to revitalize the bread, ensuring that some of that much-needed freshness is restored. It's as easy as that.

You don't need to buy potato chips when you can make some in the microwave

When you get hungry during the day, you probably look for snacks to satisfy your appetite. One of the most popular snacks around is potato chips, although they're probably not the best for you. Luckily, you don't have to rely on store-bought chips if you own a microwave because you can easily make your own.

To utilize the one of these unknown microwave uses, you'll want to slice some potatoes as thinly as possible. Add some olive oil and a dash of salt if you feel so inclined, then lay them out on a microwavable dish. Make sure they don't overlap before exposing them to full heat for up to five minutes in the microwave.

The microwave  should make your honey smooth again after it crystallizes

Honey is another of those wonderful ingredients that's good to have a steady supply of in the pantry. Whether you spread it on toast or add it to a meal for more sweetness, the taste alone makes it an essential. Plus, you get to reap various health benefits, including the possibility that it will lower your cholesterol and blood pressure.

Unfortunately, one of the downsides of honey is that it can crystallize over time. That's where our little-known microwave uses come in, though. It appears you can restore your honey to a smooth substance once again by putting it in the microwave for a few seconds. This should melt the crystals, so it's easy to spread on toast once again.

It's easy to create fun crayon shapes for children using the microwave

There are some things that you might wonder why you'd put them in the microwave. Crayons, for instance. This stuff isn't food, and putting them in this appliance is only going to make them melt. However, that's not a bad thing. If you have kids, you can use a microwave to create fun crayon shapes that should keep them entertained.

All you need to do is break up some crayons and place the pieces into a microwave-safe mold. Microwave on high for up to two minutes, although you might need more time depending on your appliance. After the crayons have thoroughly melted, place the mold in the freezer so the shapes can cool. Then, just pop them out.

Dying yarn with Kool-Aid is easy to do with a microwave

Knitting might be stereotyped as an activity for older folks. However, plenty of younger people have taken it up in recent years, and why not? It's a fun activity that you can use to create some amazing things, from warm clothes to soft toys. Plus, you can also create your own color of yarn by dying it in the microwave.

For this, you'll want an unexpected ingredient: Kool-Aid. Apparently, if you microwave some yarn in a Kool-Aid mixture, it will turn into the color of the beverage. It's all thanks to the heat supposedly bonding the color to the thread. Just mix the Kool-Aid with water, add the yarn to it, and then microwave for several minutes.

Microwaving an onion can quickly stop it from making you cry

Onions are an excellent ingredient to use in many meals. Unfortunately, they're probably one of the average person's least favorite ingredients to prepare. That's because cutting onions often results in tears, and not because people are heartbroken about slicing them up. Fortunately, there are plenty of hacks to avoid the waterworks, one of which involves the microwave.

Apparently, if you want to ensure that there is a dry eye in the house, all you need to do is peel the onion and place it in the microwave. After 30 to 45 seconds in here, the compound that's responsible for making you cry should start to break down. Thus, there's less of a risk of any tears.

Homemade chicken soup is simple to cook if you have a microwave

No one particularly enjoys feeling sick. Thankfully, while there's no quick fix cure for this, there are ways you can help yourself to feel better when flu season hits. One of these is to eat some chicken soup, a meal that you can reportedly make in the microwave. That makes things easier if you have to prepare it yourself.

For a tasty concoction, you'll want to add canned chunks of chicken with diced vegetables and canned beans to a broth. Pour this all into a microwave-safe bowl and cover that with plastic wrap. Somewhere between 15 to 30 minutes in the microwave should thoroughly cook the soup through. Just be sure to stir it several times.

Microwaves are useful for softening butter that you need for baking

There's no shortage of fun that can be had with baking. After all, the list of delicious recipes out there that you can experiment with and add your own twist to seems endless. If you're going to spend a lot of time baking, though, there are a few ingredients you'll probably need to stock up on. That includes butter.

Unfortunately, as great as this stuff is, it can be hard to use when it's been sitting in the refrigerator. Thankfully, one of the useful microwave hacks is that you can stick this stuff in the appliance for 30-second bursts to soften it up. Just weigh how much you need and set the microwave to defrost.

Ten seconds in the microwave could make your lemons taste stronger

For those who love the sweet, tart taste of citrus fruits, lemons are probably a beloved food. There are so many great things you can do with this food, too, from squeezing it on a fish dish to adding a slice to your glass of lemonade. Have you ever thought that your lemons could taste stronger, though?

If so, you'll be glad to know that one of these helpful microwave uses adds more kick to your favorite citrus fruit. Just ten seconds in the appliance on full heat will achieve this. Just make sure the fruit doesn't spend too long in the microwave, though; otherwise, there's a chance that it might explode.

It's easy to sterilize your potting soil when you have a microwave at hand

There's never a bad time to get into gardening. Even if you only raise a few indoor plants, this greenery could actually do a wealth of good for both your home and your mental health. Plus, depending on what you grow, you could use some of those plants to help you out with your cooking.

Interestingly, it seems that the kitchen can return the favor by helping you sterilize your potting soil. You can achieve this by adding your soil and some water to a resealable bag. You want to leave this bag open when you add it to the microwave and heat it on full power until the soil is 180 - 200 degrees Fahrenheit.

The microwave is as good a place as any to cook scrambled eggs

Eggs are another amazing ingredient that can help you produce so many meals. The great thing about this dairy product is that they often work as a meal just on their own. For instance, you can make yourself a filling breakfast of scrambled eggs, which you can apparently cook in a number of ways. That includes in the microwave.

For this, you'll need to crack some eggs into a mug and then whisk them with a fork. You can add some other ingredients to this mixture for flavor and consistency, including milk, seasoning, and grated cheese. Then, place your soon-to-be scrambled eggs in the microwave for two lots of 45 seconds, being sure to mix thoroughly in between.

Brownies only take a few minutes in the microwave to cook

While we love all manner of desserts, we have a particular soft spot for brownies. There's just something about the way they can be so deliciously gooey and melt in your mouth that's impossible to resist. What's more, they don't have to be the hardest thing in the world to make. Enter one of our little-known microwave uses.

In a bowl, combine melted butter, cocoa, sugar, eggs, and flour. Be sure to mix these ingredients together thoroughly before you add them to a greased microwavable dish. Within four to five minutes, your concoction should apparently solidify and become a delicious batch of brownies. Who would have thought that baking could be this easy?

Corn on the cob tastes the best when it's cooked in the microwave

Some foods, such as corn on the cob, can be cooked in different ways. Not only does this give a chef options, but it can also result in some varied flavors. Which method results in the best flavor? Apparently, some people believe the answer is microwaving because doing things this way allegedly locks in the flavor more.

We imagine that it also helps that cooking corn on the cob in the microwave is pretty simple. After removing the husks and silk, you just need to add a few tablespoons of water to a microwavable dish. Leave your cobs on top of this and cover it with another dish before cooking for up to five minutes.

There's no need to buy lip balm when you can make it in the microwave

Beauty products exist for a reason. Unfortunately, they all cost money, so if you use a lot of them, you can rack up quite the bill. The solution here isn't necessarily to lower the amount of products you use but rather to make some of them at home. Lip balm is one such product you can create yourself.

To start, add two tablespoons of coconut oil and beeswax pellets to a bowl that you can microwave for one minute. We recommend doing this in ten-second bursts so you can mix the ingredients regularly. After the beeswax pellets have completely melted, add 16 drops of essential oil, pour into a container, and allow it to cool. Job done.

It takes just a few minutes to cook a fish dish in the microwave

Fish is an excellent food to add to your diet unless eating it is against your lifestyle. This stuff is full of protein, vitamins, and minerals, all of which can do wonders for your health. If you're not that skilled in the kitchen, though, you might not feel confident about cooking this stuff. However, there's no need to fear.

It seems that cooking fish is one of these incredible microwave hacks, and it only takes a couple of minutes. You'll want to place your fish in a microwavable bag along with some herbs and lemon slices to add seasoning. Then, simply cook the food in the microwave, and it should have the consistency you want for a fish dish.

The microwave makes it easy to turn potato chips crispy again

We know that cooking your own potato chips is one of the best microwave uses that not a lot of people are aware of. However, not everyone has the time to prepare these when they're itching for a snack. So, sometimes store-bought chips can seem like the best option. However, that's assuming the bag isn't already open.

In this instance, the chips can lose the taste and texture that makes them so enjoyable in the first place. You don't need to toss them in the trash, though. Instead, place the chips on a paper towel and stick them in the microwave. A few seconds on high heat should be all you need to revitalize your chips.

A microwave should remove any clumps from your brown sugar

Most people don't have the time to indulge in their hobbies every day. So, with something like baking, you may only be able to cook up some delicious creations at the weekend. The good news is that a lot of baking ingredients don't expire quickly. The bad news is that they can still clump together when left in the pantry.

This is something that can particularly happen with brown sugar. Rather than go to the effort of breaking this stuff apart, though, you simply need to look to your microwave. After dumping the sugar in a suitable bowl, cover it with a damp paper towel and heat it up for 30 seconds. Keep repeating this until the clumps are gone.

S'mores don't have to be just a campsite treat when you have a microwave

Most people tend to think of s'mores as a treat that you only eat when you're camping. While these are certainly a popular snack for those spending a night in the wild, you don't have to leave your home to make them. It turns out that this is one of these relatively unknown microwave hacks. 

To make a microwavable s'more, lay a cracker atop some kitchen paper and cover it with chocolate spread and marshmallow. Once that's done, put your concoction in the microwave and heat it for roughly 15 seconds. You can take it out once the marshmallow starts to puff up. Then, just top it with another cracker, and you're finished.

It's supposedly possible to turn a microwave into a kiln

People typically buy microwaves intending to use them for cooking food. However, it's important to remember that these appliances are a source of heat. So, it's possible to use them for other activities that may rely on such a thing, including making pottery. Yes, one of these little-known microwave hacks is that the appliance can supposedly become a kiln.

To use it this way, you'll want to add any clay items you make to a microwavable plate topped with baking parchment. Then, simply pop them in the appliance and let the heat work its magic for several minutes. The thickness of the clay will impact how long it takes to harden. However, your creation should be ready in minutes.

You don't need a steamer for vegetables when a microwave works just as effectively

Steaming is one way to prepare vegetables, and it can result in some delicious food. However, it turns out that you might not need specialized appliances to prepare your greens this way. Instead, it's possible to do it all in a microwave. Don't believe us? Well, maybe you'll change your mind once you hear how it works.

To achieve steamed vegetables, you'll need to cut them into thin slices and lay them on a microwavable dish. Add some water to this, then cover with plastic wrap. Alternatively, you can lay several damp paper towels over the vegetables. Regardless of your method, a blast of high heat for up to six minutes should steam the food sufficiently.

French toast is easier than ever to cook, thanks to the microwave

French toast can be quite a popular breakfast food. However, did you know that one of the best microwave hacks involves making this dish in the appliance? It's true! To make this dish using just your microwave, you'll need to start by melting some butter for several seconds. Then, toss in milk, nutmeg, vanilla, cinnamon, maple syrup, and an egg.

All of these ingredients need to be thoroughly mixed together before you can move on to the next step. Here, you'll want to tear your bread up and add it in, again making sure that everything is well combined. Leave it for a minute, then cook your mixture in the microwave for between 60 and 90 seconds.

Some heat from the microwave can remove clumps from your mascara

Makeup serves plenty of purposes, from giving a look that extra edge to making the wearer feel a little more confident. However, not everyone puts this stuff on every day, which can sometimes affect the products. While they won't expire after a few days without use, they can become clumpy or dried out. This is a particular problem with mascara.

Thankfully, there's a quick fix to this problem, and it involves what's fast becoming our favorite kitchen appliance. One of the best microwave hacks involves putting your mascara on medium heat for up to 30 seconds. Doing this should remove clumps and make the product easy to use once again, saving you time, hassle, and money.

The microwave is often ideal for reheating meals you've already cooked

Most people buy a microwave so they have something they can use for quick and easy meals. Many grocery stores sell microwave meals that take just minutes to cook and involve no effort on your part whatsoever. However, they're not the most nutritious dishes around, so living off these isn't ideal. What if you're regularly short on cooking time, though?

Well, along with cooking microwave meals, this appliance can also reheat food that you've cooked in advance. It can sometimes be beneficial to prepare food in advance and then store it in your refrigerator or freezer until you need it. Then, just give it a few minutes in the microwave, making sure to stir the food so it all cooks.

Toasting nuts is another easy job when you have a microwave to hand

If you feel in a snacking mood, it's worth chowing down on something that might do you some good. Nuts, for instance. While these things can be a problem in large doses, they're apparently capable of improving artery health and lowering the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and more. So, eating them more often is a good thing.

If you want your nuts toasted, you can also look to your microwave to help you out. Simply pour half a teaspoon of vegetable oil on a microwavable dish and put your nuts of choice on top. Then, stick this in the microwave for a minute, stir, and repeat until they appear toasted through. This could potentially take eight minutes.

Your coconut oil can go from solid to liquid in a few seconds in the microwave

If you don't already use it, coconut oil might be something worth introducing to your diet. The health benefits of this stuff apparently include reducing hunger, protecting your hair, and boosting skin health. However, if you want to use it in its liquid form, you might want to look to your microwave for a quick fix.

Coconut oil has a low melting point of 76 degrees Fahrenheit, so it's not hard to turn from solid to liquid. You don't even need a microwave to achieve this. However, if you don't want to wait for the room temperature to do its magic, the appliance can speed things up. It apparently only takes a few seconds too.

A microwave can dry your flower petals, so they make good potpourri

Flowers are a wonderful thing to have in the home. However, they're only temporary, with some simply managing a few days before they start to droop and wither. Rather than throw them out, this is the perfect time to consider giving them a new lease of life as potpourri. That's easy to do if you have a microwave nearby.

Place the petals of your flowers in a microwavable container lined with paper towels and heat it for around one minute. If the petals feel like they still have some moisture, continue heating them for 30-second intervals until that changes. Then, simply leave them to cool before setting them in a bowl somewhere to decorate your home.

Peeling tomatoes and peaches is a simple job with a microwave

Life would probably be so much easier if we never had to prepare the ingredients that we need for cooking. Unfortunately, some foods aren't at their best unless they've been sliced, peeled, or diced. Thankfully, while you might have to go to some effort to prepare these ingredients, there are ways that you can make the job easier.

This is certainly the case with peeling, with a microwave making it much easier to remove the skin from things like tomatoes and peaches. All you supposedly need to do is place the fruit on a microwavable dish and expose it to medium heat for around 30 seconds. Leave the ingredients to cool for a few minutes then peel away.

It's possible to cook pasta in the microwave in a few simple steps

Pasta is one of those ingredients that works with so many dishes. While you can make a meal out of this and some sauce, you can just as easily have it as a side for a bunch of foods. How should you prepare your pasta, though? Some might be surprised to learn that the answer is in the microwave.

It might seem strange that one of the best microwave hacks is for cooking pasta, but it really works. Just cover some dry pasta in water and place it in the microwave. We recommend cooking it for several minutes longer than the packaging suggests on the stove. Once it's done, simply drain the water and serve it up.

Checking if containers are microwave-safe is essential to avoid disaster

All of these unknown microwave uses are here to make your life that little bit simpler. However, that's only the case if things don't go wrong. You have to be careful with some of these hacks, as a mistake can result in things catching fire or exploding, which could put you and your home in danger.

You can ensure these microwave hacks don't end in disaster by testing your equipment. To do this, fill a container you know is microwave-safe with water and put said container in or on what you're trying to test. Then, put both in the microwave for a few minutes. If the new container comes out warm, it's not safe.

Parmesan wafers are a delicious snack that are simple to microwave

Want something different to snack on the next time you get hungry? How about some parmesan wafers? They're very quick to make and utilize an ingredient that many people love - cheese. Plus, they go great as an addition to various meals if you're looking for a way to give a dish that extra dash of pizazz.

The only ingredient you need to make parmesan wafers is parmesan cheese. However, you might want some seasoning to add a bit of extra flavor to the food. Just grate your cheese onto a microwavable dish, cover with parchment paper, and microwave for roughly 30 seconds. They should be done once they start to brown.

A DIY heating pad involves a sock, some rice, and a microwave

When you work out a lot or get sick, sore and tired muscles are something you may have to deal with. They can make moving feel like the hardest thing in the world. However, you don't need to lie there and suffer. A heating pad can help to relieve some of the pain, and you don't need to buy one.

Making one of these heating pads is another of the best microwave hacks around, and all you need is a sock and some rice. Fill the former with the latter and then sew the opening closed so that none of the rice escapes. Then, you just put the pad in the microwave for a few minutes whenever you need it.

Drying out herbs only takes a few minutes in the microwave

It's never a bad idea to have some dried herbs in your pantry. This stuff can add a burst of flavor to pretty much any dish, turning it from a good meal to a great one. Anyone you cook for may well be impressed by what you create if you start to use more of these in your creations.

To ensure you always have a supply of dried herbs available, buy some herbs and lay them on a paper towel. Then, microwave them on full power for roughly 30 seconds. Flip the herbs over, then repeat, and keep doing this for several minutes until they're thoroughly dried out. You can then chop them up and store them somewhere.

Baking apples is an easy job when you have a microwave

Another food that can benefit from these useful microwave hacks is apples. Many people enjoy the fruit as it is. However, if you wish to include them in a dessert or simply want a different taste experience, baking them is an option. You could do this in the oven, on the stove, or in the microwave.

If you're going to opt for the latter, you'll only need around three minutes to cook your apples on high heat. The trick is to lay the fruit on wax paper and cover it with some butter and seasoning, such as cinnamon. Whether you put it in the microwave whole or sliced is apparently up to you.

Shucking corn becomes a lot easier to do with a bit of microwave heat

We now know that one of the best little-known microwave uses is to cook corn on the cob with this appliance. However, to do this effectively, you have to shuck the corn before you expose it to the heat. Were you aware that a microwave can also help with this? That's supposedly what the hacks say.

To achieve this, you need to remove the stalk from your corn first. As far as we know, there isn't a microwave hack to help with this. With the stalk removed but the husk intact, you can then microwave your corn for up to four minutes. The steam should make it easy to shake the corn out afterward.

It's possible to disinfect your chopping boards in the microwave

Kitchen cleanliness is something that we will always advocate for. After all, this room is where you prepare the food you eat. So, you want to avoid ever putting anything in your body that's been exposed to harmful bacteria. One way to ensure that you keep yourself safe is by disinfecting your chopping boards in the microwave.

This might seem like one of the more unusual microwave uses, but the heat can apparently make all the difference. To ensure this hack works, you need to take half of a lemon and rub it over every inch of your chopping boards. Then, give each one a minute in the microwave on medium heat, and they should be disinfected.

Soaking lentils becomes less time-consuming when you use a microwave

One ingredient you might want to consider eating more of on a regular basis is lentils. If you don't already indulge in these, you're missing out on a lot of fiber, folate, and potassium. These are good for things like heart health, blood pressure, and cholesterol. However, the downside is that it's sometimes recommended that you soak lentils overnight.

Of course, when you have a microwave, you don't need to spend nearly as long waiting for your lentils to be ready to cook. Instead, you can just add them - or beans - to a microwavable bowl and cover them with water. After ten minutes on high heat, let them cool for half an hour, then they should be ready.

You don't need an oven or stove to cook bacon when you own a microwave

What's a good breakfast without bacon? We know we're not alone in saying that this stuff is worth waking up for in the morning. Whether you have it on its own, in a sandwich, or as part of a big cooked breakfast, it's a great way to start the day off. How should you cook it, though?

Some people stick it in the oven while others cook it on the stove. However, we reckon it's about time that you ditched both of those in favor of the microwave. Simply cover a microwavable dish with some paper towels, lay your bacon on top, and add some more kitchen paper. Then, it's just a few minutes in the microwave.

A microwave is a helpful tool if you're a fan of tie-dye

Of all the unknown microwave uses out there, one that might surprise you is this next one. It seems that your appliance can become a tie-dye machine with the right tools. Well, if you can dye wool in here with Kool-Aid, we suppose it's not out of the question that you can do something similar with other materials.

To achieve this, apply the dye, then wrap the item in plastic wrap. After that, you want to put it in paper towels before adding it to the microwave. Once you turn it on, the plastic wrap should create a heat chamber that will help the dye to bond with the fabric in just one to two minutes.

It's possible to make French fries crispy again with a few simple steps

It's hard not to love French fries. They're one of those great foods that almost always work as a side. Sure, they might not be the healthiest thing on the planet, but it all depends on where you buy them from. Another potential downside is that they can go soggy, although this is something we have a quick fix for.

Yes, making your French fries crispy again is another of our incredible microwave hacks. For this to work, you'll want to spread your fries out on some kitchen paper and sprinkle them with vegetable oil. Then, blast them with heat from the microwave for roughly ten minutes, giving them a few extra minutes afterward to cool.

A microwave can warm up your dishes, so your food doesn't get cold too quickly

Do you ever have the issue that your food doesn't stay warm for long enough when you serve it? People don't tend to have this problem when eating at a restaurant, and that's usually because the plate is pretty warm when they serve the food. Luckily for you, this isn't something you can only get when you dine out.

This is one area where a microwave can come in helpful because it's perfect for warming up your dishes while you're cooking. Just stick them in the appliance for a few minutes before you're ready to serve everything up. Hopefully, they should be nice and toasty for your food. That way, everything stays warmer for longer.

Baked potatoes are a satisfying meal that are quick to make in a microwave

When you don't want a big meal but still want to feel full, a baked potato is a good dish to turn to. Potatoes are often an ideal food to rely on if you want to keep your stomach satisfied, thanks to things like resistant starch. Combine them with some cheese or beans, and you've got yourself a meal.

Another great thing about potatoes is that they don't take long to bake if you utilize our microwave hacks. You can apparently do the job in just seven or eight minutes by choosing this appliance over your oven. Simply scrub your potato, make some holes in it with your fork, and then cook it for this amount of time.

A proving drawer isn't necessary when a microwave can do the same job

The more passionate someone becomes about a hobby, the likelier they are to spend a lot of money on it. For instance, someone who cares a great deal about baking will typically buy all sorts of appliances to do various jobs. Do you want to know one thing that a baker doesn't need to buy, though? A proving drawer.

There's no need for something like this when one of our unknown microwave uses is that this appliance can do the job of one pretty efficiently. All you need to do is heat some water in the microwave for several minutes, then put your dough inside to prove. The steam from that water will do what needs to be done.

Poaching eggs might be tough, but a microwave can make things easier

One of the best things about eggs is that you can prepare them in all sorts of ways. Whether you like them boiled, scrambled, poached, or something else, there's a way to make them to your liking. What's more, it generally doesn't take that long to complete the task, nor do you need to be an expert chef.

Saying that, some methods are definitely easier than others, with poaching one of the trickiest techniques. However, a minute in the microwave should do the trick. Add a cracked egg to ⅓ cup of water and some vinegar. Burst the yolk with a toothpick, cover the container with plastic wrap, then cook. Doing this in ten-second intervals may help.

You can make coffee shop-worthy drinks by microwaving frothy milk at home

How would so many of us cope without coffee? Over 500 million cups of coffee are reportedly consumed each day in the US, with roughly half of the nation's population responsible for this. Of course, not everyone likes their coffee the same way, with some preferring theirs black as night while others like them with frothy milk.

If you're one of the latter, you might appreciate the next of these microwave hacks. It seems you can pour some low-fat milk into a jar, screw the lid shut, and shake it hard for up to 60 seconds. If you then remove the lid and microwave the liquid for around 30 seconds, you should have some frothy milk.

Why bake a cake in the oven when you can use a microwave instead?

We might start having to refer to the microwave as a dessert oven. After all, it seems there's no shortage of sweet treats that you can bring to life in this appliance. Another delectable dish that you might want to consider making in here from now on is a cake. What kind of cake? Well, that's up to you.

If you want to make a chocolate cake, mix sugar, flour, cocoa, and baking powder in a bowl while whisking eggs, sunflower oil, hot water, and vanilla essence in a separate container. Then, combine the two and mix thoroughly before adding them to a microwavable cake pan covered in plastic wrap. Then, it's just roughly seven minutes in the microwave.

Giving your microwave a thorough clean only requires a lemon and some water

We've seen that some of the best microwave hacks involve disinfecting stuff in your kitchen to avoid the spread of germs. However, what about disinfecting the appliance itself? As good as all these unknown microwave uses might be, some of them can make quite a mess. So, it's good to know how to give your appliance a deep clean.

You might think you need to scrub the inside of the microwave thoroughly, but that's not the case. Instead, all you really need to do is squeeze some lemon juice into a bowl of water. Then, add the lemon to the water and heat in the microwave for five minutes. Afterward, wipe the inside clean, and you're done.

When beauty products harden, a few seconds in the microwave can make a difference

It's incredible just how many beauty products there are that you can buy. Whether it's cream to rejuvenate your skin, something to add more life to your hair, or just your standard makeup tools, the list goes on and on. A lot of this stuff you can store and keep going back to, but it doesn't always stay the same.

Over time, some products can potentially start to harden. That might be because of the temperature or the development of oil at the top of the product. Whatever's responsible, it can give the misleading impression that you have to throw the stuff away and buy more. You don't, though, when several seconds in the microwave can loosen things up.

Grilling food is much quicker if you pre-cook everything in the microwave

A grill is a useful thing to have, whether it's part of your oven or its own separate thing. However, that doesn't mean it's necessarily the quickest appliance in the kitchen. We've seen from these incredible microwave hacks just how often this gadget can speed things. What if you still want to utilize the benefits of grilling, though?

Well, apparently you can grill things like vegetables quicker if you put them in the microwave. To achieve this, you need to pierce the food with a fork before heating them in the microwave for several minutes. Doing this should save a lot of time in the grill while still retaining that wonderful freshly-grilled taste.

Putting citrus fruit in the microwave can make it easier to juice

People tend to think of fruit juice as being a wonderful addition to a healthy diet. However, that's not actually the case. The stuff you buy from the store can be so calorific and packed with sugar that you end up doing more harm than good. If you make the juice yourself, though, it's not so bad.

Of course, juicing fruits yourself requires more effort than going to the store and buying a carton. Luckily, our microwave hacks can save the day once again. It seems that warming things like oranges and lemons in here for ten or so seconds can make it easier to get the juice out. That ought to save you some hassle.

You can throw together mac and cheese with the help of a microwave

We know that we can always rely on the microwave to help us out when we need dinner but don't have the motivation to cook anything. Even if we don't have a microwave meal in the fridge, we know we can search the pantry and find something in there to put together. Mac and cheese, for instance.

It's possible to do this in a microwave by mixing macaroni, water, and salt in a mug. Blast this in the appliance for a few minutes, stir the mixture, then add some milk, cheese, salt, and pepper. After stirring it again, give it another 30 seconds in the microwave before stirring it for the final time.

It turns out that a microwave can turn cucumbers into pickles

A microwave can cook food, act as a proving drawer, and turn clay into pottery. Is there anything that it can't do? Apparently not, given that you can also use this appliance to turn cucumbers into pickles. That might seem hard to wrap your head around, but as with many of these unbelievable microwave hacks, it's legit.

To make some fresh pickles, you'll want to put mustard seeds, celery seeds, turmeric, vinegar, onion, sugar, and salt in a microwavable bowl. Once these are combined, you can toss some cucumber slices in before putting the mixture into the microwave. They should only need around eight minutes in there, although you'll want to stir everything twice before it's done.

A microwave can be entertaining for kids when you put a bar of soap inside

The kitchen isn't a playground. However, that doesn't mean there aren't ways to safely entertain your kids in there. The most obvious activity might be baking. However, if you'd rather do something that shouldn't be as messy, why not make some clouds instead? All you need is a microwave and a bar of ivory soap to make this a reality.

If you've never seen what happens when you put some soap in the microwave, prepare to be amazed. The bar will expand and break apart as it's exposed to the heat, taking on the illusion of being a fluffy cloud. Just make sure to put the soap on some kitchen paper or a microwavable plate before you start the timer.

Garlic isn't a nuisance to peel after it's been in the microwave

If you don't currently cook with garlic, you might want to reconsider. While this stuff can be problematic in large quantities, adding a clove to a dish can really enhance the flavor. Plus, garlic can reportedly boost your immune system, lower your cholesterol, potentially prevent dementia, and so much more. So, it's definitely worth using in your cooking.

Unfortunately, using garlic can sometimes feel like a hassle because peeling it isn't always a walk in the park. We expect it's not a surprise at this point, though, to hear that a microwave can help you out with this. Just stick a head of garlic in the appliance for 15 seconds on medium heat, and things should loosen up.

Ice cream and microwaves can be a surprising match made in heaven

Is there any treat sweeter than ice cream? We suppose those who are lactose intolerant or vegan might not be massive fans of the stuff, although you can get dairy-free ice cream nowadays. The only problem we sometimes have with this delicious dessert is that it can become a little too frozen, meaning it's hard to get into.

Thankfully, we know where to turn when we need to soften things up. Putting ice cream in the microwave may seem counterintuitive unless you want to drink the dessert. However, if you only heat it for a few seconds, the ice cream shouldn't melt too much. Alternatively, you can heat some water and use this to warm up your spoon.

A heated towel in the microwave should help you feel better when you're sick

Who else hates being sick? People rarely feel like themselves when they're under the weather and just want to be back to normal as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, you generally can't rush these things, although there are ways to make yourself feel better. A heated medical compress can be one of them, which you can make yourself.

To do this, you'll want to get a towel and soak it in water. Wring that out and then fold it up before placing it in a ziplock bag. Stick this in the microwave with the top open and set the timer for two minutes. Once it's done, you can close the bag and wrap it in a second towel.

There's no need to buy Play-Doh when you can make some playdough in the microwave

Microwaves are like the babysitter that you don't have to keep paying for. It's amazing how many ways these appliances can keep your kids entertained, with this next hack being particularly useful. It appears that you can use a microwave to create your own playdough, stuff that we know will keep most kids busy for a while.

Mix a cup of plain flour, ½ cup of salt, and two tablespoons of cream of tartar in a microwavable container. Then, add a cup of water, a tablespoon of oil, and enough food coloring to create your desired color. After these ingredients are thoroughly mixed, cook in a microwave on high for a minute, repeating several times between stirring.

It's possible to measure the speed of light by melting chocolate in the microwave

Of all the incredible microwave hacks that we've looked into, this one is perhaps the most surprising. It appears that you can use this simple home appliance to actually measure the speed of light. You're probably wondering how on earth that's possible. Well, we're glad to tell you that it's both easy and delicious because it involves chocolate.

Apparently, you have to remove the turntable and put a long piece of chocolate in the microwave, then cook it for around 40 seconds. At this point, the sweet treat should become misshapen. Remove the chocolate and measure the distance between two spots where the chocolate started melting. Then, multiply this by two and multiply that by your microwave's frequency.

Explosions in the microwave are possible but can be avoided with certain tactics

Thanks to these amazing microwave hacks, this one kitchen appliance now suddenly seems like a much wiser investment. If you don't yet own one, you should probably change that ASAP. However, while it's good to learn about all these unknown microwave uses, it's important to remember that heating certain things for too long can have consequences. Explosions, for instance.

A good solution is to keep a watchful eye - perhaps while wearing safety goggles - on your microwave when cooking something in here that you haven't before. What's more, it's worth remembering with certain foods like potatoes and tomatoes that piercing holes can make a big difference. After all, these let the steam escape from the food, reducing the explosion risk.