Ten Healthy Ways to Use a Microwave Oven
In the world of home appliances, the microwave oven often has an awkward status, used either to heat up "leftovers" or to warm milk. In fact, the microwave's uses go beyond just heating food or making popcorn. With a little creativity, a microwave can have many new applications.
Comprehensive Sterilizer
When someone at home catches a cold or gets gastroenteritis, housewives often pay more attention to disinfecting the tableware. The common method is to boil it in hot water. Actually, just heating it in the microwave for a few minutes can kill most of the bacteria and viruses attached to the dishes and chopsticks.
Some items that are prone to bacteria or are frequently shared, such as hand towels, dishcloths, and even personal clothing and socks, can also be disinfected this way, avoiding the residue of disinfectants.
Food Preserver
For some precious medicinal materials, they are prone to absorbing moisture and developing mold, which affects their efficacy. If you heat them in the microwave for a couple of minutes before storage—turning them over once or two midway—and let them cool before sealing them in a container, you can store them safely for a long time. Of course, it's best to consult a pharmacist before heating, as some medicinal materials may lose their efficacy when heated.
Besides medicinal materials, some moisture-prone dried goods, like peanuts and mung beans, can also be treated this way. Spread out damp nuts like melon seeds, peanuts, pine nuts, and hazelnuts evenly on a glass plate in the microwave. Heat them on medium power, turning them over a few times halfway through. After about 3 minutes, take them out, and the nuts will be crispy again.
Fruit Juicer
Poke several small holes in the skin of a fruit, then place it in the microwave and heat for ten-odd seconds. After taking it out and letting it sit for 2 minutes, rub it with your hands, then cut the fruit, and you can easily squeeze out the juice.
Scented Napkin Maker
Lightly dampen a paper towel with water, spray it with your favorite juice, like lemon juice, then roll it up and place it in the microwave. Heat on high for 30 seconds, then use tongs to remove the paper towel. After it cools, it's ready to use. The scented paper towels made this way contain no chemical additives and are completely natural products.
Vegetable Dehydrator
You can try using the microwave to make dried vegetables. Wash fresh vegetables like beans and eggplants, pat them dry, slice the stems, and place them in the microwave. Heat on low power (1-3 minutes) to remove some moisture, then take them out to dry in the sun. The dehydrated vegetables will have a shrunken, withered appearance. Sealed in a plastic bag, they can be stored for a long time, saving time and effort. Dehydrating directly in the microwave also helps to minimize the loss of trace elements in the vegetables. When you're ready to eat, just soak them in clean water.
Dough Proofer
Typically, raw dough needs over an hour to proof at room temperature, but in a microwave, it only takes 15 minutes. Place the dough in a large bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and put it in the center of the microwave. Place a cup of 8 ounces of water behind it. Set the power to the lowest setting (10% power is sufficient). Heat for 3 minutes, then let the dough sit in the microwave for 3 minutes. Heat again for 3 minutes, then let it sit for 6 minutes. The dough will have doubled in volume.
Sponge Disinfectant and Deodorizer
Does your kitchen sponge smell like last night's rotten salmon? Don't rush to throw it away. Try soaking it in white vinegar or lemon water and placing it in the microwave for 1 minute (remember to use oven mitts when taking it out). This will deodorize it. The same method can be used to disinfect a sponge that has been used to wipe up raw chicken blood.
Heating Beauty Products
For hot oil hair treatments and facial moisturizing masks, slightly heating them for 10 to 20 seconds can make them more effective. Remember to test the temperature with your fingers before applying the mask; it's more convenient than the double-boiler method.
Reducing Grilling Time
To save grilling time, you can first pre-cook vegetables in the microwave. Potatoes take 2 minutes, and bell peppers take 1 minute. This also works for marshmallow treats. Microwaving the marshmallows for 30 seconds before putting them on the grill will let you enjoy your delicious treats faster.
Cooking Vegetables
All vegetables can be cooked in the microwave without a drop of water. Just spread them out on a plate and cover with a plastic bag or plastic wrap. Use high power. The cooking time varies. Softer vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, and beans can be checked after 30 seconds. Harder vegetables like carrots need 4 minutes.