31 Genius Kitchen Hacks to Simplify Your Cooking Routine
Have you ever stood in your kitchen, feeling overwhelmed by the mess and chaos? Kitchen hacks can be your best friend, turning that frustration into fun! This article shares 31 brilliant tips to simplify your cooking routine and tackle everyday challenges. You’ll discover how easy it can be to stay organized, save time, and enjoy cooking like never before!
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1 Store Peanut Butter Upside Down
Storing peanut butter upside down is a game changer! This simple trick helps prevent that oily mess that often comes with natural peanut butter.
By keeping the jar upside down, the oil stays mixed with the peanut butter instead of rising to the top. The next time you want a tasty scoop, you’ll find it smooth and easy to spread.
Just remember to give your jar a little shake before using. This way, it’ll stay well-mixed, and you’ll enjoy your peanut butter without any hassle!
2 Stylish Wall Produce Storage
Transform your kitchen with stylish wall produce storage! Imagine having fresh fruits and vegetables displayed right on your wall. It’s both practical and aesthetically pleasing.
You can easily create this look by using wire baskets or even ceramic plates. Mount the baskets at different heights for a fun gallery-style display. Not only does this save counter space, but it also adds a pop of color to your kitchen.
Consider using decorative elements, like fruit-shaped magnets, or hanging artfully arranged herbs. This will not only keep your produce accessible but also give your kitchen a unique flair!
3 Mess-Free Cooking with Tissue Paper
Mess-Free Cooking can be a game changer in the kitchen! If you’re tired of splatters and spills while cooking, I have a simple hack for you. Grab a piece of tissue paper and cut a round hole in the center.
Place this tissue over your pot or pan while cooking. It acts like a mess guard! The tissue will soak up the spills, keeping your stovetop clean and saving you tons of time when it’s time to clean up. You can enjoy your meals without stressing about the mess!
Next time you’re frying or boiling something, give this method a try. It’s a quick and effective way to keep things tidy!
4 Quick Garlic-Ginger Cooking Paste
Making your own garlic-ginger cooking paste is a total game changer! If you’re like me and love the zing of garlic and ginger in your meals, having this paste on hand will save you so much time.
Simply peel equal amounts of garlic and ginger, then toss them into a blender with a splash of oil. Blend until it’s nice and smooth. You can customize it by adding chili or herbs if you want to spice things up!
Store the paste in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep fresh for up to two weeks. Whenever you’re cooking, just scoop out what you need for a quick flavor boost in soups, stir-fries, or marinades!
5 Mason Jars for Food Storage
You can use mason jars to store a variety of dry foods in a stylish way. They’re not just practical; they also look great on your shelves or countertops! Imagine a rainbow of colorful snacks displayed right in your kitchen.
Here are some fun ideas for using mason jars:
- Nuts and seeds: Perfect for keeping them fresh and easy to grab when you’re in a hurry.
- Pasta: Store different types of pasta to add variety to your meals.
- Spices: Keep your favorite spices organized and visible, making cooking easier.
Try labeling each jar to make it even simpler to find what you need! It’s a great way to keep your kitchen looking neat while saving space.
6 Freeze Herbs in Oil Cubes
Freezing herbs in oil cubes is a smart way to keep your favorite flavors on hand! You just need a few fresh herbs, like basil or rosemary, and some high-quality olive oil.
Start by chopping your herbs finely. Then, fill an ice cube tray halfway with the chopped herbs. Pour oil over the top until the tray is full. Place the tray in the freezer. Once frozen, pop the cubes out and store them in a resealable bag.
Next time you’re cooking, just toss in a cube or two! This hack makes it super easy to add fresh taste to your dishes with zero mess.
7 Salt for Easy Egg Peeling
Adding salt to your boiling water can be a game-changer for egg peeling. Just toss in about 1/2 teaspoon of salt before you start boiling your eggs. This simple step helps prevent the eggs from cracking, which is a common problem.
Not only that, but it also makes the shells come off much easier once your eggs are cooked. You won’t believe how smoothly they peel! No more struggling with bits of shell sticking to your egg. Give it a try next time you make hard-boiled eggs, and enjoy perfect results!
8 Eliminate Fridge Odors Naturally
Fridge odors can be a real problem, making your food less appealing. Luckily, you can eliminate these smells naturally with a simple trick!
Try placing a few dry teabags in a small container in your fridge. These teabags are amazing at absorbing bad odors. You will notice a fresher smell in just a few hours.
If you don’t have teabags, try using a bowl of baking soda instead. Just leave it open on a shelf, and it will soak up unwanted scents too!
9 Maximize Cabinet Door Storage
You can turn your cabinet doors into smart storage spots! A simple and fun project is creating a small door organizer. It not only looks cool but also frees up valuable cabinet space.
To make one, you can use thin wood or a sturdy board. Attach small containers or hooks to hold items like paper towels, detergent, or clothes pegs. Here’s how to get started:
- Measure your cabinet door.
- Cut the wood to fit.
- Attach using screws or strong adhesive.
This way, you’ll have a tidy kitchen and everything will be easily accessible!
10 Prevent Boil-Overs with Wood
Using wood can save your stove from messy boil-overs! When water starts bubbling, it can spill everywhere. But if you lay a wooden spoon across the top of the pot, it helps keep things under control.
The reason this works is simple: wood is a poor conductor of heat. As the hot bubbles hit the cooler spoon, they cool down and collapse instead of spilling over. It’s a quick and easy way to prevent a mess while you focus on cooking.
Next time you are boiling pasta or making soup, try this tip. I find it handy and it really cuts down on clean-up time!
11 Natural Kitchen Cleaner Recipe
Creating your own natural kitchen cleaner is super easy and a great way to avoid harsh chemicals. Here’s a simple recipe you can try at home.
Mix together:
- 1 cup distilled white vinegar
- 1 cup distilled or boiled water
- 10-15 drops lemon essential oil
- 10-15 drops orange essential oil
The vinegar helps to cut through dirt and grease, while the essential oils add a lovely, fresh scent. I love using this blend on my countertops and sinks for a sparkling finish! Just put it in a spray bottle, shake it up, and you’re ready to go!
12 Effortless Veggie Meal Prep
Prepping your veggies in advance can save so much time during the week. I always feel like a superhero when I have my veggies ready to go. Just imagine reaching for perfectly cut carrots, bell peppers, and broccoli when you’re ready to cook!
To make it easier, grab a sheet pan. Cut up your favorite vegetables and spread them out evenly. You can keep it fun by mixing colors and types! After that, just pop the sheet pan in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for days, so you can grab them anytime you need.
For an extra boost, try roasting a big batch. Toss your veggies with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper before baking. Not only do you have easy sides ready, but you also create delicious flavors for your meals!
13 Prep and Freeze Soup Ingredients
Prep your soup ingredients in advance so you’re ready to cook whenever you want. I find it so helpful to chop up carrots, onions, and celery ahead of time. Just put them in gallon freezer bags for easy storage.
When you’re ready to make some delicious soup, all you have to do is grab a bag from the freezer. This method is great for bases like potato soup, chicken noodle, or a warm crock-pot stew. You’ll save time and can join your family instead of spending hours in the kitchen!
14 Effortless Herb Dehydration Method
Using an air fryer to dehydrate herbs is a game changer! I love this method because it keeps your herbs fresh and ready to use without the worry of them getting moldy. You can easily take your favorite herbs like basil, thyme, or parsley and turn them into flavorful dried versions.
To get started, simply wash and dry your herbs. Then, place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Set the temperature to around 120°F and let them run for about 30 minutes. Check on them halfway through to ensure they’re drying nicely. Once done, you’ll have vibrant, aromatic dried herbs that can spice up your dishes all year long!
15 DIY Funnel for Dry Ingredients
Avoiding spills while pouring dry ingredients can be tricky. Here’s a super simple and fun solution: make your own funnel!
Grab an envelope and cut off one of the bottom corners. This creates a perfect DIY funnel. You can control how much you pour and keep your counters clean.
If you need a larger opening, just snip the envelope a bit more. It’s a great way to reuse something you’d normally toss. Give it a try the next time you’re baking!
16 Natural Fruit Fly Solution
Natural fruit fly traps can help you get rid of those pesky flies without using harsh chemicals. I’ve discovered that a simple homemade trap is both effective and easy to make!
You’ll need a clean jar, a paper funnel, a ripe banana, apple cider vinegar, and a drop of dish soap. First, slice the banana and place it in the jar. Next, fill the jar with about an inch of apple cider vinegar and a tiny bit of dish soap. The soap breaks the surface tension, making it hard for the flies to escape.
Then, place the funnel on top of the jar (you can make it by rolling a piece of paper) and set it somewhere discreet in your kitchen. Before you know it, those fruit flies will be caught and your kitchen will be fruit-fly-free!
17 Mason Jar Smoothie Prep Perfection
Mason jar smoothie prep is a game-changer for anyone who loves smoothies but is short on time. Start by gathering all your favorite smoothie ingredients, like fruits, vegetables, and oats. Place them in individual mason jars and label them with the type of smoothie they make. This way, you’ll save time in the morning!
When you’re ready for a smoothie, just grab a jar from the freezer. Dump the contents into your blender, add your favorite liquid—like almond milk or yogurt—and blend away! It makes getting a delicious and healthy breakfast super easy. Remember, prep your jars on a Sunday night, so your week will run smoothly!
18 Preserve Summer’s Freshness Year-Round
Missing that summer freshness during the cold months? You can enjoy juicy produce all year long! One great way to do this is by freezing seasonal fruits and veggies like tomatoes, peppers, and berries.
Start by washing and cutting your produce. Then, place them in ziplock bags. Make sure to squeeze out any air before sealing. When winter hits, just thaw them to add a burst of flavor to your soups, stews, or sauces. It’s like bringing summer back on your plate!
19 Sanitize Chopping Boards Naturally
You can sanitize your chopping boards naturally using just a lemon! This is a simple and effective way to keep your kitchen safe from bacteria.
Take a half of a lemon and scrub it directly onto your wooden board. The natural acidity in the lemon will help kill germs and remove any lingering odors. It’s like a mini cleaning session!
Once you’re done scrubbing, rinse your board with clean, running water. You’ll be left with a fresh-smelling, sanitized board ready for your next cooking adventure! Plus, your kitchen will smell like citrus goodness!
20 DIY Wine Bottle Rolling Pin
Using a wine bottle as a rolling pin is a clever kitchen hack! If you find yourself needing to roll out dough and don’t have a rolling pin, just grab an empty wine bottle.
The smooth glass surface prevents dough from sticking, making it super easy to roll out cookies or pastries. Simply clean the bottle well, and it’s ready for action.
You can even put it in the fridge for a few minutes before use. This helps keep the dough cool and makes rolling even easier. So next time you bake, remember: a wine bottle can be your best friend in the kitchen!
21 Maximize Freezer Space Efficiently
Maximize freezer space by keeping it organized and efficient. You might be surprised at how much room you can create just by changing a few habits.
Start by taking items out of their bulky packaging. Instead of keeping store-bought frozen meals in their fancy boxes, transfer them to ziplock bags. These bags can lay flat, stacking easily—not to mention they take up much less room.
Try to categorize your items. For example, keep all vegetables in one section and meats in another. This way, you can quickly grab what you need without digging through every item. Label your bags with the contents and the date, so you know what’s in there and how long it’s been stored. Trust me, these small changes can really make your freezer feel like a whole new space!
22 Freeze Spinach for Easy Storage
Freeze spinach for easy storage and you’ll always have a healthy ingredient on hand! Instead of letting your fresh spinach spoil, you can turn it into handy little cubes.
Start by blending fresh spinach with a bit of water and a splash of lemon juice. This not only keeps the spinach fresh but adds a tasty kick! Next, pour the mixture into an ice cube tray and freeze it.
Once frozen, transfer the spinach cubes into a container. You can toss these cubes into smoothies, soups, stews, or even pasta dishes. This way, you’ll never run out of nutritious spinach, making meal prep a breeze!
23 Revive Your Strawberries Easily
Reviving strawberries can be super simple and fun! If your strawberries are looking a bit sad, don’t throw them away just yet. You can bring them back to life with a quick soak.
Just fill a bowl with ice water and drop in your strawberries for 20 minutes. You’ll see them perk up, becoming plumper and a vibrant red again. It’s amazing how they look fresh and ready to eat!
Remember, only use this hack on strawberries that are slightly mushy or bruised. If they’re black or moldy, it’s best to toss them in the compost instead. Happy snacking! 🍓
24 Organize Snacks with Shoe Racks
Using a shoe rack to organize snacks is a clever idea! You can easily hang an over-the-door shoe organizer in your kitchen to keep your snacks neat and visible.
Each pocket is just the right size for things like granola bars, chips, or fruit snacks. Your kids can pick their favorites without rummaging through clutter. Plus, since you can see each pocket, you’ll know when it’s time to restock.
This method not only saves space but also encourages healthy snacking. By placing fruits or healthier options in sight, you help promote better choices for everyone!
25 Effortless Thin Onion Slices
Cutting thin onion slices can be a breeze with this simple tip! First, take a peeled onion and cut it in half lengthwise. Just make sure not to pierce through the center. This keeps the onion intact and easier to handle.
Next, grab your spiralizer and set it to blade D. Insert one half of the onion and start twisting. You’ll see those beautiful, thin slices forming in no time!
These slices are perfect for adding to your favorite dishes like salads, soups, or tacos. Plus, you won’t be crying over the onion anymore!
26 DIY Clothespin Glove Holder
Keeping your dishwashing gloves organized can save you from that messy pile in the sink. A fun solution is using decorative clothespins.
You can find colorful clothespins at any craft store or even online. Simply grab a few and attach them to your kitchen wall with double-sided tape. Once they’re stuck, hang your gloves on them. This keeps your gloves dry and prevents them from getting lost.
This hack not only looks cute but also makes it super easy to access your gloves whenever you need them. Plus, it adds a splash of color to your kitchen!
27 Turn Scraps into Savory Broth
Turn scraps into savory broth for an easy and delicious addition to your meals! Did you know that the peels, ends, and cores of your vegetables can create a tasty broth? Instead of tossing them in the trash, save them!
You can freeze your vegetable scraps in a sealed bag or container. When you’re ready to make soup, just take out your frozen scraps. Add water and simmer for a few hours. This will give you a hearty and flavorful broth without spending money on store-bought options.
It’s a smart way to reduce waste while making meals even more delightful! Try mixing different veggies for unique flavors. Enjoy your delicious homemade soup knowing you’re also helping the earth!
28 Use Dental Floss for Cheese
Dental floss can be a surprising yet fantastic tool for slicing cheese! Regular knives can squish and mess up delicate cheeses. With dental floss, you get clean, smooth cuts every time.
To use it, grab unflavored dental floss. Simply hold the cheese steady and place the floss where you want to cut. Slowly pull the ends of the floss down through the cheese. This method also works well for crumbly cheesecake or soft desserts. You’ll impress your friends with perfectly sliced treats!
29 Quick Microwave Garlic Trick
Want to make crispy fried garlic without the mess? Here’s a super easy trick using a microwave!
Start by peeling and dicing one head of garlic. Place the garlic pieces in a microwave-safe bowl and add about ½ cup of vegetable, canola, or coconut oil.
Microwave it for 2-3 minutes. Keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t burn. Once it’s done, you’ll have golden, crispy garlic and garlic-infused oil. Save that oil! It’s perfect for adding flavor to stir-fries or drizzling over your favorite dishes. Enjoy!
30 Lemon Power for Microwave Cleaning
Cleaning your microwave can be a breeze with lemon power! This natural cleaner helps to break down tough food splatters and leaves a fresh scent.
Simply take a small microwave-safe bowl and add ½ cup of water along with the juice of one lemon. Put it in the microwave for 3 minutes. Let it sit for 5 extra minutes without opening the door. The steam from the water and lemon combines to loosen all that grime.
After that, carefully remove the bowl and give the inside a quick wipe with a cloth or sponge. You’ll be amazed at how sparkling clean and fresh-smelling your microwave will be!
31 Effortless Garlic Peeling Hack
Peeling garlic can be a messy job, but there’s a super easy way to do it without the hassle! Grab two small stainless steel bowls—this hack is all about some fun shaking.
First, put a whole head of garlic in one bowl. Place the other bowl on top, so the rims touch. Now, shake the bowls wildly for about 10 seconds. You’ll see the cloves separate and the peels fall off like magic!
Not only does this method save time, but it also keeps your hands smell-free. Give it a try next time you’re cooking!
