Renovation & Design
Renovation & Design
Lemon water a quick way to freshen up old microwave
Question: I have a microwave that I purchased 15 years ago. I have never cleaned it and it smells pretty bad. Can you give me advice on how to properly clean the unit? I’m planning to boil four tablespoons of lemon juice with one cup of water in a four-cup bowl, allowing the steam to condense on the inside walls of the oven. I will then wipe the unit with a sponge.
Thank you,
— Mark
Answer: USE CAUTION! While it is true the combination of water and lemon juice creates a cleaner that will leave your microwave smelling fresh — it is also true that when water becomes overheated in a microwave there is a risk it will explode. If you decide to boil liquid in a microwave, always use a vessel or cup that is microwave safe. Read the instructions that came with the microwave. After heating the water, leave it for a minute before touching it. Put a small wooden mixing stick in the cup before heating.
Question: I boiled a green banana in a saucepan today, because I saw a segment on television where a nutritionist recommended eating boiled green bananas. It is a resistant carb, which is very good for you. Anyway, the point of my story is that after I took the softened banana out and poured the water down the drain, I noticed that the scorching on the bottom of the pan (from a previous mishap) was half gone.
I washed the saucepan, and when drying it I noticed the part that had been covered with banana water looked much shinier than the rest! What a surprise.
I do not want you to recommend this to others yet, as this was just one instance. Unless you have heard of this happening before. Anyway, I am intrigued enough I will try this again, to see if it gets rid of the rest of the scorch marks on the pan. Perhaps you would like to experiment with this yourself, unless, as I said, you already know more about this phenomenon than I do.
— Gayle
Answer: I tried this experiment by combining water and banana peel instead of including the banana (I ate the banana).
The pot resulted just as you said, shiny and clean. I boiled the peel for five minutes and then emptied the pot and rinsed it with water and dish soap to remove any banana residue.
Great tip, thanks for sharing your findings!
Note: Every user assumes all risks of injury or damage resulting from the implementation of any suggestions in this column. Test all products on an inconspicuous area first.
Reena Nerbas is a popular motivational presenter for large and small groups; check out her website: reena.ca. Ask a question or share a tip at reena.ca.