English (CA)
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Disinfecting Kitchen Sponges
Kitchen sponges often become breeding grounds for bacteria but fret not! Your reliable microwave can be your savior. Just dampen the sponge and place it in the microwave for a minute on high heat. Not only will the generated heat obliterate those pesky germs, but the steam produced will also rehydrate splatters in the oven cavity, making them easier to clean up. Bid farewell to bacteria and welcome a fresh, ready-to-use sponge, while simultaneously simplifying your oven cleaning routine.
Reviving Stale Bread
We’ve all been there – a loaf of bread that has lost its freshness. But instead of tossing it out, give it a new lease on life with your microwave. Sprinkle a little water on the bread and heat it for about 10 seconds. The moisture from the water will work its magic, making your bread soft and delicious once again.
Peeling Garlic and Onions
Peeling garlic and onions can be a frustrating task, especially when you’re in a hurry. Luckily, your microwave can save you time and effort. Place the garlic cloves or onions in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, and watch as the skins loosen, making them a breeze to peel.
Sterilizing Potting Soil
Gardening enthusiasts, listen up! Your microwave can help you ensure the health of your plants by sterilizing potting soil. Fill a microwave-safe container with the soil and heat it on high for a few minutes. This process will eliminate any harmful pathogens, making the soil safe and ready for planting.
Dry Herbs
Drying herbs the traditional way can take days, but with your microwave, you can have perfectly dried herbs in a matter of minutes. Simply lay the herbs on a paper towel and microwave them for 1-2 minutes on high power. The microwave will remove the moisture, leaving you with fragrant and preserved herbs for your culinary creations.
Toasting Nuts and Seeds
Toasting nuts and seeds enhance their flavour and adds a delightful crunch to your dishes. And guess what? Your microwave can handle this task efficiently. Spread the nuts or seeds on a microwave-safe plate and heat them in 30-second intervals, giving them a stir in between, until they reach the desired level of toasting perfection.
Cleaning Cutting Boards
Cutting boards can accumulate stains and unpleasant odours over time, but your microwave can come to the rescue once again. Grab half a lemon, rub it all over the cutting board, and then place it in the microwave for one minute. The lemon juice, combined with the steam generated, will help sanitize and freshen up your cutting board.
Softening Brown Sugar
Discovering that your brown sugar has hardened can be frustrating, especially when you’re in the middle of baking. But don’t worry! Your microwave can come to the rescue. Place the hardened sugar in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat it in 20-second intervals until it softens to the desired consistency.
Peeling Tomatoes
Peeling tomatoes can be a tedious task, but your microwave can simplify it for you. Start by scoring the bottom of the tomatoes with an “X.” Then, pop them into the microwave for 30 seconds. Once they’re done, the skin will easily peel off, allowing you to enjoy that juicy tomato goodness hassle-free.
DIY Heating Pad
Sometimes, we need a little extra warmth and comfort for sore muscles or cramps. Your microwave can help create a DIY heating pad in no time. Grab a clean sock and fill it with rice or flaxseed. Microwave the sock for 1-2 minutes, and voila! You have a homemade heating pad that provides soothing relief.
As you can see, your microwave is more than just a food-warming machine. From disinfecting sponges to reviving bread, sterilizing soil to drying herbs, and even helping with everyday tasks like peeling garlic and onions, your microwave is a versatile tool with surprising uses. So, the next time you’re in need of a quick solution, consider harnessing the power of your microwave and unlock its hidden potential. Danby is renowned for offering an extensive selection of microwaves, encompassing both countertop and over-the-range models, catering to diverse kitchen needs.
