12 kitchen tricks that keep things clean and help you in times of need

As fun as it may be, cooking can sometimes be a hectic experience and create a lot of mess in the kitchen. And how many times have you been left scrambling around for the can opener when you really need it? Cleaning up the chaos afterwards also takes a lot of time and can be really annoying. But don't worry — these 12 tricks will help you keep your kitchen in order or at least make tidying up that little bit easier afterwards.

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1. Using a paper plate to avoid spray from the mixer

To prevent food from spraying all over the place when you're using an electric whisk, insert the beaters through the center of a paper plate so that it acts as a cover over the bowl.

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2. Opening a wine bottle with a key

You can use a key to open a bottle with a plastic cork by first inserting it into the cork at an angle and boring into it. Next, carefully turn the cork and pull on the key while turning upward, slowly removing the cork from the bottle.

3. Opening a can with spoon

You can also get into a can without an opener by using the bowl of a spoon to create a split at any place along the edge of the lid. Once there is an opening, run the spoon along the edge of the lid to remove it.

Most can lids are made of a tin plate that's extremely thin.

4. Teapot and Scotch tape

After pouring yourself some tea, there are always a few drops that run down the spout and end up staining your tablecloth. To prevent this from happening, all you need to do is attach a piece of Scotch tape under the spout and cut away the corners. The water-repellent surface of the sticky tape prevents the tea from trickling out of the spout.

shutterstock/Daniil Yanopulo

5. Chopsticks and clothespins

If you find it hard to eat with chopsticks, a clothespin can make things a whole lot easier. To do so, simply remove the metal part and insert it onto the chopsticks the same way it would be attached to the clothespin. This should keep the chopsticks in the correct position, making it easier to pick up food.

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6. Cleaning "batter" for the waffle iron

To clean the waffle iron in a simple and effective way, first heat it up so that the grease loosens from the surface. Now make a "batter" consisting of three tablespoons of cornstarch and three tablespoons of water. Spoon this mixture onto the iron and make a waffle. The cornstarch binds onto the grease and also removes any crumbs from the waffle iron.

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7. Microwaving two bowls at the same time

You're trying to microwave two bowls in the microwave at the same time, but they don't fit when placed next to each other. How frustrating! There is a solution though — simply place one of the bowls on top of a cup so that it's not impeded by the other bowl. Ingenious!

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8. Cleaning the inside of a bottle using rice

Clean the inside of a reusable drinking bottle by filling it with three tablespoons of uncooked rice and water, sealing it, and shaking well. Next, add some more water to the rice and shake the sealed bottle once more. Finally, empty the bottle and rinse it out.

9. Cleaning a coffee grinder with spelt

You can clean oily residue from your coffee grinder by putting a handful of spelt inside and grinding. The soft grain won't damage the grinder and should pick up all the fatty residues.

shutterstock/Azat Valeev

10. Newspaper for combatting smelly Tupperware

Tupperware can sometimes retain the smells of food that's been stored inside it. If the inside of the Tupperware is scratched, residue can collect in the indentations and cause some unpleasant aromas.

To prevent any unwanted smells, place a scrunched up ball of newspaper in the Tupperware. This should absorb any moisture and remove those bad smells.

11. Flour for preventing spitting fat while frying

When meat or fish first hits hot oil in a pan, it can cause spray. To prevent this from happening, mix the oil with some flour before placing any food in the pan. The flour binds the moisture.

shutterstock/Smoczyslaw

12. Removing the air from a freezer bag

To remove excess air from a freezer bag before use, make a small opening at one of the corners and dip the bag with the goods inside into a bowl of water. Slowly submerge the bag in water right up to the opening. The water pressure should force the air out of the bag.

Once the air has been forced out, seal the bag, dry it and place it in the freezer. It's recommended to use a freezer bag with a zipper for this trick.

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There you have it — less mess and some clever kitchen alternatives when you're struggling to find the right utensil. These hacks are sure to be handy when you're next in the kitchen.

Source:

ARD

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