They revolutionized the American kitchen in the 1970s. Now, Donna Ruko is heating things up here in the kitchen by using the microwave to help solve life's little headaches.

1.  Liquefy Your Lemons

At times getting juice out of a lemon is like getting blood out of a stone. When life gives you lemons, just cut the lemon in half; put it in a bowl and then pop it in the microwave. When heated for 30 seconds on high the fatty acids begin to melt, giving us a more juicy lemon.

2.  Soften Your Butter

Microwave water until it boils, pour the water out, dry the glass quickly, and while it's still hot, place it over the butter for a minute or two, until it starts to get soft.

3.  Zap Your Sponge

There are 10 million bacteria per square inch of a kitchen sponge. That's 200,000 times dirtier than a toilet seat. We're going to terminate them! By putting your wet sponge in your microwave for just two minutes you'll kill 99 percent of the bacteria.

4.  Peel Garlic in Seconds

Don't waste time peeling garlic cloves. Just pop garlic cloves in the microwave for 20 seconds and then the skins will come right off.

Do you have a fun microwave hack? Join the conversation on our Facebook page, @TheListShowTV.