Row.co.uk Blog

6 awesome things your microwave can do

The humble microwave is a relatively modern invention, having only been in our kitchens for the last 50 years. The first ever microwave oven was developed from research carried out in the second world war, with the first home-based units costing thousands of pounds.


These days, we think nothing of popping a meal into the microwave to reheat it. But did you know that your microwave can do much more?


Sterilising

If you’ve got young children, you’ll be no stranger to sterilising items in the microwave. Using a special microwave bag, or a sterilising box, you can kill germs on certain baby items by microwaving them with a small amount of clean water. Remember to let items completely cool down before using them, and ensure that there is no hot water inside them before handing them to a baby.

Freshening Up Bread

Ever gone to prepare a slice of toast just before work, only to find that the loaf’s gone stale? Enter the microwave: your one-stop solution for freshening up broad prior to toasting. Just pop the slice between two slightly damp slices of kitchen roll, then put the stale slice in the microwave and zap it on high for no more than 15 seconds. Don’t put too much water on the paper, or you’ll moisten the loaf too much.


Cleaning Sponges

Washing up sponges are notorious for harvesting bacteria, and the last thing you need is a dirty sponge spreading germs all over your ‘clean’ plates. By soaking your sponge in lemon juice and giving it a quick blast in the microwave, you can freshen up your sponge, extend its lifespan, and cut down on waste. The same procedure works with plastic chopping boards too. Just don’t try it with anything metal.


Roasting Garlic

Putting the oven on just to roast some cloves of garlic would be wasteful, but did you know that you can use your microwave instead? It’s simple: just chop the top off to expose all of the cloves, pop it in a microwave safe dish, and add one spoonful of water per clove. Microwave it on low power mode for three minutes and check; if it’s not ready, pop it in for another minute at a time until it’s cooked.

Making Cakes

Yes, you can make a cake in the microwave -- and you can make a single serving for a quick treat. There are recipes all over the internet for this treat, and it takes just a couple of minutes to cook one. We like this one from AllRecipes as a starting point; just watch the cooking time to avoid drying out the mixture.'

Chopping Onions

OK, the title is a bit of a stretch -- the microwave doesn’t chop the onion. But it does make the task a lot easier, because it prevents the onion from releasing the gases that make you cry. Just microwave the onion for 30 seconds before you cut into it. No need to wear goggles or mop your streaming eyes afterwards.






*The information in this blog is designed to provide helpful information on the subjects discussed. Please seek a professional for expert advice as we can not be held responsible for any damages or negative consequences upon following this information.

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Cracked Your Smartphone’s Screen? Here’s What You Need to Do Now

Row.co.uk Blog

Dropped your smartphone accidentally and cracked the screen? This is something that has happened to almost all of us at some point or the other. Whether it was accidental or intentional, cracked screens look ugly and can even pose a danger to your fingers, lap, and face. This is because when a screen cracks, the crack spreads further, and tiny shards of glass keep falling.

Before you consider buying a new phone, there are certain things you can do to fix the problem. However as the very first step, ensure that your phone is backed up and all the data is stored in a secure location.

·      Call the Manufacturer

Of course this will be the first thing on your mind; it’s always a good idea to contact the company that made your smartphone. Almost all smartphones come with a warranty period, so if you crack your screen within the period, you can get your screen replaced for free. However, some companies do not cover accidental damage.

For example, Apple offers AppleCare which is valid if you buy the service within 60 days of purchasing a new iPhone. But they charge you for accidental damage. Nevertheless, they will either replace the screen or the entire phone, depending upon the extent of the damage.

·      Contact a Local Repair Shop

If you are uncomfortable sending your smartphone to the manufacturer, then you can search for local mobile phone repair shops in your area. They are much cheaper, but before you hire one, make sure that they provide some form of guarantee that their repair work will not break down too soon. Furthermore, there is a risk of such outlets utilising low quality components which can void the manufacturer’s warranty and insurance on your phone.


·      Check with a Phone Insurance Company

There are services which offer insurance for covering accidental damage to your phone such as Row.co.uk. From as low as £1.49 and up to a 20% discount, Row.co.uk covers accidental damage to your mobile phone which also includes a cracked screen.

·      Do-it-Yourself

If you have hands-on experience in repairing electronic devices, then this route will save you quite a bit of money. However, even the slightest hesitation or doubt can cause further damage to your smartphone. You will need to find a repair kit for replacing the screen on your smartphone. For example, a new Galaxy S6 screen costs around £7.59 on Amazon. You can find many tutorials on websites such as iFixIt on how to replace a cracked screen.

In some instances, your smartphone’s screen must not have developed large cracks. If the crack is smaller and the screen displays and works properly, then you can use a temporary solution. Take packaging tape and wrap it over the screen of your phone; this will prevent the crack from spreading and you can continue using it till you come across a better solution.


*The information in this blog is designed to provide helpful information on the subjects discussed. Please seek a professional for expert advice as we can not be held responsible for any damages or negative consequences upon following this information.

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Comments are closed