Your microwave is more versatile than you might think. Beyond reheating leftovers and popping popcorn, it can be a powerful tool for cooking, cleaning, and even saving time in the kitchen. Here are 15 microwave hacks to help you get the most out of this handy appliance.

1. Revive Stale Bread

• Place a slice of stale bread on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 10-15 seconds. The steam from the towel will soften the bread, making it fresh again.

2. Peel Garlic Quickly

• Place a garlic bulb in the microwave for about 15 seconds. The heat will loosen the skin, making it easy to peel off without any hassle.

3. Juice Citrus Fruits with Ease

• To get the most juice out of lemons, limes, or oranges, microwave them for 15-20 seconds before squeezing. The heat helps release more juice by breaking down the fibers inside the fruit.

4. Disinfect Sponges

• Sponges can harbor bacteria, but you can disinfect them easily in the microwave. Soak the sponge in water and microwave it on high for 1-2 minutes. Be careful when removing it, as it will be hot.

5. Make Perfect Poached Eggs

• Fill a microwave-safe bowl with water and a splash of vinegar. Crack an egg into the water and microwave on high for about 1 minute. The result is a perfectly poached egg without the hassle.

6. Soften Brown Sugar

• If your brown sugar has hardened, place a damp paper towel in the bag or container and microwave it on low for 20-30 seconds. The moisture will soften the sugar, making it easier to use.

7. Steam Vegetables Quickly

• Place chopped vegetables in a microwave-safe bowl with a small amount of water. Cover with plastic wrap or a microwave-safe lid and microwave on high for 3-4 minutes. The result is perfectly steamed veggies that retain their nutrients.

8. Make Crispy Bacon

• Lay bacon strips between layers of paper towels on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high for 4-6 minutes, depending on thickness, for crispy, mess-free bacon.

9. Dry Fresh Herbs

• Spread fresh herbs between two paper towels and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes. The microwave dries them out quickly, allowing you to crush and store them for later use.

10. Cook Fish with Minimal Cleanup

• Place a fish fillet in a microwave-safe dish with a bit of water, lemon juice, and herbs. Cover and microwave for 4-5 minutes. The fish will cook evenly, and there’s no need to clean up a frying pan afterward.

11. Revive Wilted Greens

• Place wilted spinach or other leafy greens in a microwave-safe bowl with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 30-40 seconds to restore their crispness.

12. Melt Chocolate Safely

• Place chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring in between. This method prevents the chocolate from burning and makes it easy to use for baking or decorating.

13. Cook Potatoes Quickly

• Poke holes in a potato and microwave on high for 4-5 minutes, flipping halfway through. The result is a tender potato in a fraction of the time it would take to bake in the oven.

14. Decrystallize Honey

• If your honey has crystallized, remove the lid from the jar and microwave it in 20-second intervals until the crystals dissolve. This brings honey back to its original liquid state.

15. Remove Candle Wax from Jars

• Leftover wax in candle jars can be tough to remove. Microwave the jar for 30 seconds to soften the wax, then wipe it out with a paper towel for easy cleanup.

These microwave hacks demonstrate just how versatile your microwave can be. By using these tips and tricks, you can save time, enhance your cooking, and make your kitchen tasks more efficient. Whether you’re reviving stale bread or poaching an egg, these hacks will help you unlock the full potential of your microwave.