Our microwave is the MVP of our kitchen. It’s also a money-saver, using less than two thirds of the energy it takes to cook foods with a conventional oven. While we’ve heard of some unusual ways to use your microwave, like zapping your sponge in the microwave for two minutes to kill 99% of its bacteria, we were pleasantly surprised by the list of 16 unusual uses for microwave ovens that DIYLife came up with.

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Here’s a couple of our favorites from their list:

2. Sterilize garden soil – “Non-gardeners may say “huh?”, but keen gardeners know sterile soil is best for starting seed. Spread small amounts of soil on a flat tray and heat ’till it’s steaming.”

3. Revive dry mascara – “Gunky mascara giving you blobby lashes? Heat the tube on high for 30 seconds, then test consistency and heat longer if necessary.”

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6. Get more juice from citrus fruits – “Before squeezing or putting through a juicing machine, zap your citrus fruits for 10 or 20 seconds. Aim to warm them, not heat them. This will help you get every last drop of juice out.”

10. Save crystallized honey – “A great trick to know about since quality honey is expensive! Simply heat the honey until the crystals melt.”

#16 might be our favorite, the five minute cupcake. Yum!

Check out the full list here: Unusual Uses: Microwave Ovens – 16 Sweet Ideas.

Do you know of any unusual or non-conventional uses for your microwave? Please share with the Tip Hero community by posting a comment below. And thanks for being a Tip Hero!

Photo credit: SmartGoat