Jackie Gower - When is a microwave NOT a microwave?

If you thought your microwave was only good for steaming vegies and re-heating last night’s dinner, think again.  The humble microwave has dozens of uses that can save you time, money, waste and mess.  Try some of these!

Sanitize your kitchen sponge. Kitchen sponges harbour all kinds of germs and nasties and get thrown out frequently but you can save on having to replace them quite so often by placing your wet sponge in the microwave and zapping it on high for two minutes.  This can kill up to 99% of yukky bacteria!

Sterilise your chopping board.  A great way to sanitize and disinfect your plastic chopping board is to wash it thoroughly, then rub with a cut lemon and pop in the microwave for one minute on high.  

Dry herbs.  Make the most of fresh herbs in the garden by drying them for year-round use.  Simply lay the leaves on a paper towel on a plate and microwave on high for 30 seconds at a time until dry (some herbs can take around 3 – 4 minutes).  Once dried, chop or store the leaves as they are in an airtight container for up to 12 months.

Give new life to a dried-up mascara stick.   Just pop it in the microwave next to a cup of water and zap for for 30-40 seconds on high.  Easy!

Dye fabric faster.  Simply mix your dye with water according to instructions in a large microwave proof container, then immerse your fabric of choice in the solution. Heat for four minutes, then remove and rinse.  So much faster and less messy than the conventional way!

Recycle crayons.  Remove any wrapping, then place broken crayons in a microwave suitable container and ‘zap’ until melted.  Once melted, pop into a muffin tray lined with cling wrap and freeze to make one giant round rainbow crayon!

A great place to ‘proof’.  Need a warm place for your dough to rise?  Just heat a cup of water in the microwave until steaming hot, then put your dough in with the water and leave.  

Crispy bacon without the mess.  Of course, you can also use your microwave for cooking food!  For a speedy, no-mess way to cook bacon, cover a microwave dish with paper towel, then place bacon on top in a single layer.  Cover with more paper towel, then cook in two-minute bursts until crispy.  All the flavour, without the fuss!