Hey there, fellow foodies! Cooking and cleaning can be a real hassle, especially if you don't have the right tools and tricks up your sleeve. But fear not, because today I will share 12 genius kitchen hacks to make cooking and cleaning easier. And the best part? Our trusty microfiber dish towels are going to come in handy for almost all of them! Whether you're a seasoned chef or a novice cook, these hacks will save you time, money, and a lot of frustration. So, let's get ready to whip up some culinary magic and keep our kitchens spotless with these handy hacks!
Kitchen Hacks to Make Cooking and Cleaning Easier
1. Freeze Herbs in Ice Cubes
Freezing herbs in ice cubes is a genius kitchen hack that will save you time and money. Instead of throwing out fresh herbs that have gone bad, simply freeze them in ice cubes. Freezing herbs preserves their flavor and aroma and allows you to use them at a later time.
To freeze herbs in ice cubes, wash and chop the herbs and place them in an ice cube tray. Fill the tray with water and freeze. Once the cubes are frozen, pop them out and store them in a zip-lock bag in the freezer. Drop a cube or two into your recipe when ready to use the herbs.
2. Keep Your Cutting Board in Place with Damp Paper Towels
Have you ever tried chopping vegetables or fruits on a slippery board? It can be frustrating and even dangerous. To keep your cutting board in place, dampen a few paper towels and place them under the board. The moisture will create a suction-like effect, holding the board in place and preventing it from slipping.
But why stop at paper towels when you have microfiber dish towels? These towels are more durable and absorbent than regular paper towels and can be reused multiple times. So, the next time you need to chop something, grab our microfiber towel instead of a paper one and see the difference.
3. Clean Your Blender with Soap and Water
Blenders are great for making smoothies, purees, and sauces, but they can be a pain to clean. The blades and the bottom of the jar can be hard to reach, and food particles can get stuck in the crevices. To make cleaning your blender easier, add a few drops of dish soap and warm water to the jar and blend for a few seconds. Then, rinse the jar with water and wipe it dry with a microfiber dish towel.
4. Prevent Boil-Over with a Wooden Spoon
Boil-over is a common problem when cooking pasta, rice, or starchy food. The bubbles can quickly rise and spill over the pot, creating a mess on your stovetop. If this happens, place a wooden spoon on top of the pot to prevent it. The spoon will break the surface tension and allow the bubbles to dissipate, preventing a boil-over.
5. Use a Muffin Liner to Catch Popsicle Drips
Popsicles are a fun and refreshing summer treat but can leave a sticky mess on your hands and clothes. A muffin liner is a simple and effective way to catch popsicle drips and prevent a sticky mess.
To use a muffin liner to catch popsicle drips, poke a hole in the center and insert the popsicle stick through the hole. The liner will catch any drips from the popsicle and keep your hands and clothes clean. Use microfiber dish towels to wipe any drips or spills that may occur.
6. Use Muffin Tins to Organize Ingredients
Muffin tins are not just for making cupcakes or muffins. They can also be used to organize ingredients while cooking. This hack is perfect for meal prepping or when you need to keep ingredients separated. Place each ingredient in a different muffin tin slot. This hack saves you time and reduces the chances of spilling ingredients all over your countertop.
7. Revive Stale Bread in the Microwave
Nothing is worse than having a loaf of stale bread you can't eat. But instead of throwing it away, you can revive it in the microwave. Wrap it in a damp towel and microwave on high for 10 seconds. The moisture from the towel will soften the bread and make it fresh again.
8. Use a Binder Clip to Hold Your Recipe Card
When you're cooking a new recipe, it's easy to get lost in the instructions and forget where you left off. To keep your recipe card in place and prevent it from getting dirty or damaged, use a binder clip to hold it up. Simply clip the card to the edge of a cabinet or countertop, and you can easily refer to it as you cook.
9. Organize Your Fridge with Lazy Susan
Do you ever struggle to find what you need in your crowded refrigerator? A simple solution is using lazy Susan to organize condiments, jars, and other small items. Place a few lazy susan on different shelves, and you can easily spin them to find what you need without digging through everything.
10. Remove Grease Stains with Baking Soda and Vinegar
Grease stains on your stovetop or countertop can be stubborn and difficult to remove. But you can make a natural cleaning solution with baking soda and vinegar to tackle them. Mix equal parts of baking soda and vinegar to form a paste, then apply it to the greasy area and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Scrub the area with a microfiber towel, then rinse with water and dry with a clean towel.
11. Keep Your Trash Can Fresh with Dryer Sheets
Trash cans can get smelly and musty over time, especially if you throw in food scraps or other organic matter. To keep your can smelling fresh, place a dryer sheet at the bottom of the can before adding a new bag. The sheet will absorb any odors and leave a pleasant scent.
12. Make Your Own Fruit Fly Trap with Vinegar and Dish Soap
Fruit flies can be a nuisance in the kitchen, especially during summer. But you can make a simple trap with vinegar and dish soap to catch them. Fill a small bowl with vinegar and a few drops of dish soap, then cover it with a plastic cover (zip-lock-bag) and secure it with a rubber band.The fruit flies will be attracted to the vinegar and get trapped in the soap
Conclusion: Kitchen Hacks to Make Cooking and Cleaning Easier
Cooking and cleaning can be challenging, but with these genius kitchen hacks, you can make these tasks more manageable and efficient. These tips and tricks are not only practical, but they can also save you time, money, and a lot of frustration in the kitchen. From using ice-cube trays to freeze leftover herbs and sauces to using vinegar and baking soda to clean stubborn stains, these genius hacks will simplify your life and help you enjoy your time in the kitchen. Incorporating our microfiber dish towels into these hacks can make cleaning messes easier. So try them - you might be surprised at how much easier your cooking and cleaning tasks become! Happy hacking!
