From re-using stamps to easy peeling, 9 amazing microwave hacks

It’s always on hand when you’re in a rush and need a quick meal on the go.

But there are a lot of ways your microwave could come to the rescue at the most surprising of times – and they’re guaranteed to make life in the kitchen easier.

From helping out when you’re peeling fruit and vegetables, to recycling those sticky stamps, there are plenty of ways to speed up those stubborn tasks.

So stop the struggle and check out some of these amazing life hacks:

Give brown sugar life again

Everyone knows how annoying it is to reach for your trusty brown sugar, only to find it hardened into a lump in the bag.

Simply place it in a microwavable container, along with a moist paper towel, and let it heat for around 20 to 30 seconds.

The moisture will help soften the sugar and give it new life.

Peel garlic and many fruits quickly

To help peel those stubborn garlic cloves, just place them in the microwave on full power for around 15 seconds.

It will draw out the moisture and make it easier to peel.

Similarly, it can help rescue fruits such as tomatoes or peaches.

Heat them for slightly longer, around 30 seconds, and leave to stand for two minutes. The peel should come off much easier.

Make chopping onions easier

You may have tried everything, from keeping a spoon in your mouth to wearing glasses, to stop the tears when peeling an onion.

And let’s face it, nothing appears to be fool-proof.

A good way to reduce the irritation is to cut off each end of the onion, and place it in the microwave for 30 seconds.

It draws out excess moisture which triggers the stinging and tears.

Rescue old honey

Just like your brown sugar, honey can become a hassle to eat when it begins to crystallise and harden in the jar.

By heating it on 50 per cent power for around two minutes, it loosens it once again and returns it to (almost) new.

Re-use stamps

Removing a stamp from a letter in the hopes of re-using or collecting it can be messy work.

But adding a few drops of water to the top, and microwaving for around 20 seconds, can loosen it’s stick and make it easy to peel off in one piece.

Get more juice from lemons

Microwaves work by drawing moisture out of food, so it’s important not to do this one for too long.

Placing the citrus in there for around 10 to 20 seconds however is a great trick to bring out all that juice and ensure you get every last drop when squeezing it.

Dry-up those cooking herbs

You may have tried drying herbs in the oven, and while it works well, it can take some time.

Just cut and wash the herbs, before scattering them on a paper towel.

Heat them in 30 second bursts, ensuring you turn them each time, to draw out the moisture and dry them out in around two to four minutes.

Poached eggs without the mess

They taste great, but they can get very messy when boiling them in a pan – not to mention the art of ensuring they stay together and don’t break apart.

But there’s a much easier way to cook a perfect poached egg.

Pour some boiling water into a microwavable bowl, before cracking the egg straight in there.

Cover the bowl with cling film or another plate, and heat on full power for 30 seconds.

Remove the film and turn the egg slightly, before cooking for a further 20 seconds or until firm.

Adding a dash of white vinegar before cooking this can help it firm up perfectly.

Make milk foam

Getting a frothy coffee or drink is great, but why spend money on a pricey frother when you can do it at home?

Simply pour some milk into a jar, tighten the lid, and shake it vigorously for around 20-30 seconds.

Take off the lid and place it straight in the microwave afterwards and heat for 40-60 seconds, depending how much milk you’re frothing.

The heat firms up that froth you’d created by shaking it, making it perfect for a hot drink.

Have you tried any of these hacks? Have you got anymore good uses?