The Old Gray Mare

Quick Ways To Spiffy Up the Microwave



Posted: Wednesday, September 28, 2011

by The Old Gray Mare
www.DressYourHorse.com

I use the microwave for dozens of quick warm-ups and pop corn. Out of necessity, because I don’t like the lingering smell of popcorn, I researched some ways to freshen up the inside and even get rid of the offensive smells.

Here are several of my own tricks:

To keep my microwave window clean as a whistle, I include the glass in weekly cleanup. I degrease the glass in a fast whisk by wiping it with equal parts vinegar and water. Old fashioned but green, oh yea.

I use two methods of removing odors from the inside of the microwave. Depends on my mood or whether I am making tea. One way I remove odor is to put two scented peach tea bags in a mug with water, microwave the cup for 1 minute – I get rid of the odor and have a strong mug of tea. Another way I get rid of offensive odor is to nuke water and vanilla extract. I fill a bowl of water and add a generous tablespoon of vanilla extract. Then I microwave for 30 seconds. I repeat as often as I need to until all whiffs of odor are gone. Works like a charm!

Another trick I like to use when I heat up a cup of tea or coffee is to set in a half of a fresh lime or lemon (after juice has been squeezed out - in a cup with paper towel over it) to keep everything smelling great.

You can also use a fresh lemon, poke some holes into it with a fork or sharp pointed knife. Again microwave for 30 seconds to one minute. The intent is to release the citrus scents and oil. This makes it very simple to wipe up any grime or dirt. The added benefit is, of course, the fresh scent left by the lemon oil.

It’s easy to scrub away dirt, grease or dried gunk like spilled food. Mix up 1 part water to 3 parts baking soda – it does not take much – mix only what you need. This makes a paste that will work well and remove odors too.

I learned this one from one of my old friends. You’ve met Bonnie in one of my articles? She fills a glass bowl – or any bowl safe for the microwave – with water and a toothpick, then microwaves for 2 minutes. This loosens any gunk, grime or debris. While the inside of the microwave is still steaming, wipe it up.

Everyone already knows that it’s best to add a single toothpick to water when you microwave to really get it hot? This prevents dangerous overheating of the liquid. Do it – great advice.

I’m a fan of simple, inexpensive and green remedies of varying tips. Doing this with the microwave keeps it smelling fresh, immaculate and I absolutely never have to do a thorough cleaning since it’s always spiffy.

The Old Gray Mare writes for www.DressYourHorse.com and her Blogs.
Heidi Rucki brings expertise as a horsewoman, dog lover and stained glass/mosaic artist. She is an accomplished freelance writer in the horse industry. Writing online as The Old Gray Mare, many of her current articles can be found on www.DressYourHorse.com. In the past, Rucki wrote for numerous horse organizations including The Connecticut Horse Council. She took early retirement from Phoenix Home Life where she wrote mutual fund prospectuses and was responsible for their submissions to the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Old Gray Mare writes to share knowledge and her love of horses for everyone but especially for novice and new horse owners. Besides her two main websites, she has recently published three new blog sites. Of those, her favorite is www.BeautyOfHorses.com.
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» left by Christofer French
 237 days 11 hours ago.
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Horsewoman, domestic, securities. You are a fascinating writer with a panoply of subjects, and I admire you.
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Thank you, SW friend and fave storyteller. Love having you comment. You're so flattering. What a great guy you are!
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