Let’s face it — most of us don’t spare much thought for our household appliances. As long as they get the job done (and do it well) there’s no need, especially when we here at Toronto Refrigeration have you covered.  For the last 15 years, we’ve been servicing appliances all over the city, which is more than enough time to uncover some of these machine’s hidden talents. Today we’d like to let you in on a few tricks of the trade by sharing with you the more unusual ways to use your microwave, freezer, and dishwasher.

Microwave

Your microwave oven isn’t just for reheating leftovers, making popcorn, or cooking a potato in 10 minutes; it’s a helpful gadget that can keep things clean and can prolong their life.

• Sterilize & Disinfect — Do you have a sponge or cutting board that has seen better days, but aren’t ready to say goodbye yet? The microwave can kill any bacteria living in their fibres. For sponges and other cloths, make sure they go in wet before you nuke it for a minute or two. For cutting boards, wash them thoroughly before you place them in the microwave for the same time. Take note, if you use plastic boards from IKEA or the dollar store, we don’t recommend using this method, as you may melt the material.

 

• Extend Shelf Life — There’s nothing like convincing yourself to bake only to realize your brown sugar has solidified into a rock or your honey has crystallized. Rather than throwing it out, wrap the sugar in a wet paper towel or cloth and microwave in 20 second segments. Microwave the honey uncovered for 30 seconds, stirring in between each nuke. You can also get the last bit of juice out of citrus fruits by nuking them for 10 seconds. The heat will make them easier to squeeze.

Freezer

Like most people, you probably think your freezer’s one and only job is to keep the spoils of your Costco trip frozen, but after today you’ll want to make sure there’s a little bit of room leftover for some surprising items.

• Jeans — Have you ever ruined a pair of denim by throwing it in the washer and dryer? Certain jeans will stretch out and fade when washed with the rest of your wardrobe. To keep your jeans looking like they did the day you bought them, throw them in a sealable bag before tossing them in the freezer. After they’ve been left to sit for about week, the subzero temps will have killed any bacteria in the fibres, effectively cleaning your denim without damaging it.

 

• Electronics — Finding out your hard drive is dead can ruin your day. Not only do you have to replace the electronic, but you’ve also lost everything it once held. Before you call your local computer repair shop, placing the hard drive in the freezer for 12 hours. It might just prolong its life long enough for you to retrieve your files.

Dishwasher

Unlike the previous two appliances, you may find the below suggestions pretty typical. That’s because for the most part, the dishwasher’s only use is for cleaning; however, you aren’t limited to dishes and cutlery!

• Gardening tools, toys, and sports equipment — These aren’t the only things that can go through a cycle in your dishwasher. As long as an item fits in its cabinet, your dishwasher can clean almost anything. Use discretion when you plan on using it for anything but your typical dishwasher, though. Overloading the cabinet can put undue pressure on its system. Meanwhile any item that has small, removable parts may break off and clog drains.

It may be surprising to learn the many hats your appliance can wear. Take the time to try out these suggestions and see how your jeans or brown sugar fair. Of course, only a healthy freezer or microwave can take on additional roles, so be sure to give us a call if you notice your appliances aren’t up to the task. After a quick visit from one of our repair specialists, your appliances will be back on track to taking on more than you thought they could.