The dishwasher is without a doubt one of the greatest modern inventions. Gone are the days of washing dirty plates, glassware, or cookware by hand; now, all you have to do is pop them in, add some dishwashing detergent, push a few buttons, and you’re good to go! Did you know that dishwashers can do more than just clean dirty dishes?
From cleaning sports equipment to cooking entire meals, the dishwasher is one of the most versatile appliances you can own. If you’ve never owned a dishwasher before, you may want to consider getting one! Here, we’ll give you a list of dishwasher hacks that can help make your life a lot easier. We’ve also included a few helpful tips to keep in mind so that your dishwasher stays in good condition.
Keep your food warm
Need to keep your food warm until you’re ready to eat? Your dishwasher can do the job for you. A dishwasher uses heat to clean kitchenware, and that same heat can also be used to warm your food.
First, place your food in a glass jar or keep it neatly wrapped in aluminum foil. Then, put your food on the top rack and select “Heat/Dry Cycle, No Water.” Your food should be nice and warm in no time!
Cook steak
Why spend so much money at a fancy steakhouse when you can cook a steak using your dishwasher at home? Yes, the appliance you use for cleaning your dirty dishes can also be used to whip up a tasty steak dinner, and the process is fairly simple.
Place a vacuum-sealed steak in the dishwasher and set it to wash-cook at 122 degrees for 90 minutes. Then, open the bag and use a napkin to remove the excess moisture. Put the dried steak in a preheated pan and sear it in olive oil on high heat. Leave it for ten minutes, then add seasoning to taste.
Keep plates warm
If you don’t want your food to get cold too quickly, serve it on a warm plate. This is one easy trick many of the world’s most experienced chefs and restaurant managers use. It’s not a must, but it’s worth trying, especially if you’re looking to impress your guests.
Minutes before everyone sits down to eat, place your plates inside the dishwasher and use the “Plate Warmer” feature. If your dishwasher doesn’t have one, just use the “Heat/Dry” cycle to achieve the same result.
Make mashed sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes — especially when boiled or mashed — are a great source of fiber, potassium, beta-carotene, and other nutrients, making them an ideal snack for your kids. Preparing them is fairly easy and could even be a fun bonding activity for you and your little ones!
Simply cut the sweet potatoes into tiny pieces, place the slices inside an airtight bag, and add butter and seasoning. Shake the bag, place it inside the dishwasher for a full cycle, then when the bag is cool enough, have your kids mash the slices with their bare hands.
Clean your gardening tools
If your gardening tools are getting a bit too dirty, it’s time to put them in the dishwasher! Giving your tools a regular wash prevents issues like rust, which can shorten your tools’ lifespan.
When placing your tools in the dishwasher, make sure to put them on the top rack to minimize the risk of damage during the drying cycle. Don’t include tools made of copper or cast iron or those with wooden handles, and remember to run separate cycles for your tools and kitchenware.
Make cinnamon apples
You don’t need to be a world-famous chef to make cinnamon apples! They’re quite easy to prepare — all you need is a glass jar, some apples, brown sugar, butter, ground cinnamon, water, and your dishwasher.
Wash the apples thoroughly, cut them into thin slices, and place them inside the glass jar. Add the rest of the ingredients, screw the lid back on, and give it a shake. Finally, place the jar inside the dishwasher and run for a full cycle.
Clean small trash cans
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that trash cans are among the most germ-filled items in your home. Emptying and cleaning them regularly is necessary to remove foul odors and bacteria that could make you or your loved ones sick.
To disinfect your trash can, empty its contents and place the bin on the lower rack of your dishwasher. Then, use the high heat setting and run a regular cycle. Once it’s done, take the bin out of the dishwasher and wipe it thoroughly before reusing.
Disinfect children’s toys
Your children’s toys are a perfect breeding ground for germs and bacteria, which is why it’s important to keep them clean. Placing them inside the dishwasher can make the job a whole lot easier.
Place large toys on the bottom rack, medium-sized toys on the top rack, and small toys inside a mesh bag. Remember to secure any detachable parts to avoid clogging the drainage system. Use a light wash cycle and avoid the heated dry option to keep plastic toys from melting.
Clean air conditioning vents and filters
If you think your AC unit isn’t functioning as well as it should, take a closer look at the filters and vents. If you’re seeing layer upon layer of mold and dust, it’s probably time to give them a thorough wash.
Place the filters and vents inside the dishwasher and run a regular cycle without detergent. Then, remove the filters and vents and dry them properly before reinstalling. This should help solve the problem of your AC unit underperforming.
Remove calcium buildup on faucets
Tap water contains many minerals, including calcium. Faucets are likely to catch a lot of calcium sediment, which can cause damage. To keep this from happening, remember to clean your faucet aerators and other removable parts regularly.
To do this, soak them in a cup of white vinegar for at least an hour, then place them in the dishwasher. Not only will this process clear up any calcium buildup, but it can wash off mold or bacteria as well.
Clean dirty keyboards
This may be hard to believe, but you can safely clean your computer keyboard by tossing it in your dishwasher! Not all experts recommend doing this, but it can certainly help save you a lot of time as long as you do it right.
Before putting your keyboard in the dishwasher, remove all cables and other water-sensitive parts. Avoid using soap, make sure that the water isn’t too warm, and don’t put anything else inside the dishwasher. Remember to let your keyboard dry for three days first before using it again.
Boil eggs
Cooking an egg usually requires a stove, a frying pan, or a microwave, but there are other unconventional methods you can use! For instance, why not try making hard-boiled or soft-boiled eggs in your dishwasher?
All you need to do is to put the egg inside an airtight jar filled with water and place it in the dishwasher. Choose a higher temperature to make hard-boiled eggs and a cooler temperature for soft-boiled eggs. To avoid wasting energy, use this method only when the dishwasher is full.
Make ribs
Some people might find it hard to imagine cooking ribs on anything but a grill, but this is certainly possible with a dishwasher! This method is ideal if you’re planning to run your dishwasher for a cycle that’s two hours or longer.
First, add the usual dry rub seasonings like paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, and so on, then wrap the ribs in aluminum foil or an airtight bag. Finally, place the ribs on one of the dishwasher racks, but make sure they are in an upright position so that heat is distributed evenly.
Sanitize nail clippers
Your nail clippers need to be sanitized as often as possible. While most people tend to use rubbing alcohol, hot water, or bleach, your dishwasher can be just as effective at keeping your nail clippers in excellent condition.
Simply place your nail clippers in the cutlery rack and run a regular cycle at high heat. Doing this at least once a month can help prevent the accumulation of germs or bacteria that can cause skin infections.
Wash resealable plastic bags
Resealable plastic bags, more popularly referred to as Ziploc bags, always come in handy for storing food and other personal items. Throwing them away after a single use can be wasteful, which is why it’s a good idea to wash and reuse them whenever possible.
Ziploc bags can easily be washed in the dishwasher using the low heat setting. Be careful not to turn the temperature up too high as this can melt the plastic. Ziploc bags can typically be reused up to five more times before they’re worn out.
Clean your vacuum filter
Vacuum filters are notoriously difficult to clean, especially if you don’t do it often. All that dirt and debris can cause long-term damage if you’re not careful. Save yourself from the hassle of cleaning by letting your dishwasher do it for you!
If you have a washable vacuum filter, all you have to do is to remove the filter, sprinkle some detergent on it, and let your dishwasher do all the rinsing and scrubbing. Remember to let the filter dry before reinstalling to avoid any damage.
Clean your dishwasher
You might think that the dishwasher can clean itself, but that is certainly not the case. Even your dishwasher could use a little bit of TLC. Just like any appliance, dishwashers must be kept clean and in tiptop shape so they can last longer.
First, remove any food bits in the well or the bottom rack. Then, wipe away any grime on the door and walls and rinse the filter. Finally, place a cup of white vinegar on the top rack and run an empty cycle at the highest temperature possible.
Clean your dog’s toys and collars
If you’re a dog owner, then you’d surely know how dirty pet toys and collars can get. Washing them regularly can help get rid of bacteria, mold, and other nasty things that can grow on them. If you want to save time, just throw them in the dishwasher and run for a hot cycle without detergent.
Never wash leather collars in the dishwasher, and be sure to check the manufacturer’s cleaning recommendations for each toy before throwing them in for a cycle. This is especially important when it comes to rubber or plastic chew toys.
Wash hair ties
You probably don’t think about cleaning your hair ties that often, but they can get pretty dirty with repeated use. Hair ties can accumulate harmful bacteria over time, and you surely wouldn’t want that anywhere near your hair or face.
To wash your hair ties, place them inside a mesh bag and toss them in the cutlery rack of your dishwasher. Run a full cycle, but don’t use too much detergent. A tiny amount should be enough to make your hair ties look and smell as good as new.
Clean sports equipment
Baseball gloves, elbow pads, shin guards, shoes, and other sports equipment can be a nightmare to clean. They’re usually covered in sweat and tend to smell awful, which is why they need to be washed immediately after use.
Shin guards, shoulder pads, and other protective gear can go on the top rack, while the rest can be placed at the bottom. Run the dishwasher on a normal heat cycle but make sure to skip the dry cycle. Avoid washing them together with your dishes!
More cleaning tips
Here’s another cool hack to clean your dishwasher: use Lemonade Kool-Aid! Remember to get the unsweetened kind or this trick won’t work. The citric acid from the Kool-Aid can help remove unwanted stains while adding some shine to your dishwasher.
First, you need to make sure that the dishwasher is empty. Then, pour the entire packet of Kool-Aid into the detergent dispenser. Next, run the dishwasher on any cycle. Finally, use a sponge or cloth to wipe off any remaining stains. These should come right off.
Clean faux flowers
Faux flowers can be a great addition to any home, especially if you lack the time or skills to take care of real ones. Unfortunately, they can be major dust magnets, which is why you need to give them a regular deep clean.
Place your faux flowers on the top rack of your dishwasher and run a normal cycle without detergent as soap can easily damage silk petals. Let them air-dry for a while, and they should be as good as new in no time.
Clean cabinet handles
Despite being one of the most-touched surfaces in the home, cabinet handles are often ignored when cleaning the house. Layers of grime and grease around these handles can make your kitchen look tired and dingy, and if bacteria builds up, it can make you sick.
If you want to clean your cabinet handles, gently take them off using a screwdriver. Then, place them in the dishwasher and run a cycle with either a quart of white vinegar or one cup of baking soda. Once done, take them out and dry them using a soft cloth before reinstalling them.
Use it as a dish rack
Even if you already own a dishwasher, you might still need to wash dishes by hand. After all, using your dishwasher when you only have one or two plates or pans that need washing seems rather wasteful.
If you live in a tiny house or apartment and don’t have the extra space for a dish rack, just use the racks inside your dishwasher to dry any dishes you wash by hand. After drying, put the dishes back where they usually belong, and don’t forget to close the dishwasher door!
Cook lobster
If you loved the steak and ribs hacks, then you will surely love this one! This dishwasher lobster recipe is super simple – all you need is a fresh lobster, a glass jar, some seasoning, and a stick of unsalted butter.
Start by cutting the lobster into small pieces (removing its shell and veins in the process), and place them in the glass jar together with the stick of butter. Close the jar tightly, then send it through a heavy-duty cycle. Scoop the freshly cooked lobster out, lay it on a plate, and enjoy your meal!
Wash light fixtures
When was the last time you cleaned your light fixtures? If you don’t wash them regularly, this can affect the quality of light that a room receives. Luckily, you can easily clean them in your dishwasher.
Simply unscrew your light fixtures and place all non-electrical pieces in the dishwasher, then clean the rest using a damp cloth. Make sure to run the dishwasher at a lower temperature as the extra heat could damage the light fixtures. Carefully take the components out of the dishwasher and let them dry before screwing them back on.
Wash cleaning brushes
After using your cleaning brushes around the house, they’re likely to be covered in dirt and germs. To wash your brushes, place them on the top rack of your dishwasher and run a regular cycle. This should be enough to give your brushes a thorough wash.
If your brushes aren’t dishwasher safe, mix three to five drops of liquid soap with one cup of distilled white vinegar. Place the top end of the brush inside, stir, and leave it for an hour. Rinse the brush, then let it dry.
Reuse as storage space
If your dishwasher has reached the end of its lifecycle, don’t throw it out just yet! You can still use your old dishwasher to store your personal belongings, which can be especially helpful if you don’t have that much space to go around.
For instance, you can use it to store cookware, books, gardening tools, brushes, or art supplies. You can also remove the top rack and hang it on the wall of your garage or attic to store smaller items that can easily get lost amid the clutter!
Ripen avocados quickly
If you want to ripen avocados faster, one popular method is to put them inside a brown paper bag with a banana. Bananas contain a natural hormone called ethylene, which can help expedite the ripening process. Your avocados should be ready to eat in about two or three days.
If you really can’t wait that long, place the avocados on the top rack of your dishwasher. Run a regular cycle for ten minutes and the avocados will come out soft and ready to eat!
Wash dryer filters
If your clothes are still damp even after a full drying cycle, or if the outside of your dryer is hot to the touch when in use, it may be time to wash your dryer filters. If you don’t want to do this manually, just place them in your dishwasher.
When washing dryer filters, avoid placing other items in the same load. Use the dishwasher’s hot water settings to wash away all the dirt that may be trapped. After the filter has been washed, let it dry completely before putting it back.
Rinse fruits and vegetables
Why waste so much time rinsing fruits and vegetables by hand when you can put them in the dishwasher instead? Run a cold rinse cycle without any detergent, and you’ll have pesticide and germ-free produce in a matter of minutes!
Pro tip: place delicate items like tomatoes and berries on the top rack, and sturdy ones like apples and melons on the bottom rack. If you want to make your fruits and veggies extra clean, consider pouring white vinegar into the detergent dispenser.
Disinfect your house keys
Your house keys can come into contact with all sorts of surfaces throughout the day, which makes them the perfect place for bacteria and viruses to thrive. The next time you use your dishwasher, you might want to throw in your house keys as well.
Before washing, remove anything that shouldn’t get wet, like garage door openers, loyalty cards, and keychains. Once the cycle is complete, take out the keys, thoroughly dry each one, and rub them with oil to keep them from rusting.
Clean golf balls
Golf balls go through a lot on the golf course, which is why we highly recommend that you clean them thoroughly after each game. Clean golf balls are not only more elegant-looking, but they are also much easier to spot around the course.
To clean your golf balls, simply place them on the top rack of your dishwasher and run a full cycle. However, make sure not to wash any dishes at the same time! If you have high-quality golf balls, then you shouldn’t have to worry about them getting damaged in the process.
Wash your makeup brushes
Any object that comes into contact with your face should be kept clean – no exceptions. Makeup brushes, for instance, contain all sorts of germs and bacteria that can cause acne and other skin problems. So, washing them at least once a week is a must!
Place your makeup brushes in the top cutlery rack of your dishwasher and run a normal cycle to eliminate gunk, dead skin cells, dirt, oil, and bacteria. However, remember not to use the highest temperature setting as this could damage your brushes.
Cook turkey breasts
Before you shove an entire turkey in the dishwasher, we just want to make one thing clear: this recipe by American chef David Burke requires two boneless turkey breasts – not the entire bird!
Start by combining herbs, garlic, shallots, salt, and pepper with olive oil and rubbing this mixture onto the turkey. Pack the meat tightly in plastic wrap in a sealed container, and place it on the top rack of the dishwasher for three cycles (about three hours and 25 minutes). Finally, let the turkey pieces sit for 25 minutes before broiling.
Clean mop heads
You usually use a mop to clean your floors, but how do you clean the mop itself? In some cases, a simple rinse will do, but sometimes, your mop may need a deeper clean. Luckily, your dishwasher can help you with that!
If your mop head is removable, place it on the top rack of your empty dishwasher. Pour a cup of white vinegar into the detergent dispenser, and run the machine on a high heat cycle. Then, squeeze out the excess water and let the mop dry before using it again.
Sanitize kitchen sponges
No one wants to clean dishes with a filthy sponge, which is why it’s important to always keep it clean. The frequency may vary depending on how often you use it, but most experts recommend sanitizing sponges at least once every three or four days.
First, mix ¾ cup of bleach in a gallon of water and soak the sponge for five minutes. Rinse the sponge thoroughly with clean water, place it in the dishwasher with your regular load, then use the “heated dry” feature.
Wash car floor mats
No matter how hard you try to keep the inside of your car clean, dirt can build up and spills can happen. Car floor mats, in particular, tend to get dirty very easily. Fortunately, you can pop them in the dishwasher to make them look as good as new!
Start by shaking off the hard muck on the floor mats, give them a quick rinse, and place them in the dishwasher for a regular cycle. If your mats are made of rubber or plastic, run a low-temperature cycle as they could melt or become deformed.
Turn it into a raised garden bed
Using a raised garden bed has several benefits, including keeping away weeds, preventing soil compaction, and giving your plants more growing space. However, good-quality ones can easily cost hundreds of dollars. If you have an old dishwasher lying around, why not use that instead?
Start by taking out the racks and giving the inside of your dishwasher a good rinse. Next, drill a hole at the bottom for drainage. Finally, fill your dishwasher with garden soil and compost so you can start planting. You may also paint or decorate your dishwasher, but this is completely up to you!
Reduce cycle time
A dishwasher works best when it uses hot water. However, hot water doesn’t always get directed to your dishwasher right off the bat. Your machine may also need to pause a few times during the cycle to heat the water, increasing the time it takes to complete a cycle.
To minimize your dishwasher’s cycle time, run the water at the faucet closest to the dishwasher until it turns hot. Having hot water enter the dishwasher when the cycle begins can reduce the need for long heating pauses, thus cutting down the amount of time it takes to complete each cycle.
Minimalist or not, these are clever hacks that everyone needs to know. How many of us are annoyed when all of a sudden we can’t seem to find the ingredients we need while cooking? Or how about when the kids are asking where the cookies or their snacks are? This might not be maddening in the first few weeks, but in the long run, these simple things can be infuriating.
From repurposing old containers to creating hanging storage out of hooks and vertical bars, these tricks will not only save you space but money as well. So, without further delay, let’s take a look at some of the most creative and practical ways to organize a kitchen. We guarantee you’ll come away with a list of ideas that will transform your home. Enjoy!
Storage Baskets And Shoe Boxes As Pantry Organizers
The first installment in our amazing feature is the use of storage bins and shoe boxes. Having a pantry where beverages, food, dishes, household cleaning chemicals, linens, and other provisions are stored is great, but only if it’s organized.
In addition to organizing the pantry according to all the different product types, you can also use storage baskets and recycled shoe boxes. To make it even easier, add a simple label to each box.
Tired Of Stacking Your Pots And Pans?
Many people are still inclined to use their cabinets as storage for pots and pans. That can be alright, but there’s a much better way; one that saves space, reduces clutter, and improves the look of your kitchen. Centuries ago, instead of stacking these pots, they created hanging racks like the one pictured here.
The idea was very simple. Having these racks hanging means it is easier to find and identify the pots or pans you need to cook the dish you want to prepare.
Keeping The Trash Bags On A Roll
You might be wondering why we added this to the list as trash bags when bought are rolled out already. Well, how many of us have lost or misplaced our trash bag rolls? To make sure that this won’t happen again, try rolling it on a stick.
You can even create a rack on the side of a cabinet or the inside of the cupboard under the sink to attach the stick to. That way, you will never lose your trash bags again. Try it, it's a lifesaver!
Maximizing Plastic Gripper Clips
If you’ve ever watched any DIY videos about garages and woodworking, you will notice that most of their cabinets have gripper clips installed. These are in place for the sole purpose of saving space. We can use the same idea with our kitchen cabinets.
The only difference is, we are going to use plastic gripper clips instead of metal ones. Just follow the picture that we have included, and make sure to try small items first.
Creating DIY Dividers Like A Pro
At this moment, you might already have a full idea of where we are going. If in case you are still lacking some space even if you have huge cabinets, creating a divider will solve your issues.
The good thing about these panels is you can build them with simple materials such as cardboard boxes or even repurposed old planks of wood. Before you start this project, make sure to measure the dimensions.
Repurposing Mason Jars
If you haven’t tried this simple trick before, now is the perfect time. Kitchen utensils such as spoons, forks, and knives are usually shut away in a drawer. There’s no problem with that as some kitchens have a designated cabinet for these utensils.
However, if you prefer to be more creative or you have beautiful utensils to show off, try repurposing old jars. You can paint them and add labels if you want, or keep them looking rustic.
An End To Messy Cutlery Drawers
A couple of slides back, we talked about repurposing old mason jars as containers for kitchen utensils and cutlery. What we have next is another option for systematically storing tableware. This process is done at many restaurants, and it’s a trick that’s worth copying.
Having wood dividers will solve all your cutlery storage nightmares. Just try to find a plank of wood that matches your cabinet, check the measurements, cut it to size, and when you’re done fitting the pieces together, apply some varnish.
Hanging Baskets
We don’t know the origin of this idea, but it is brilliant! Say you already have installed dividers on your kitchen cabinets and you’ve already repurposed mason jars, but you are still lacking space – hanging baskets can save you from your troubles.
All you need are some L bars, a drill, and some basket cases. If you don’t want to damage your walls by drilling into them, you can use adhesives, but you just need to ensure you don’t go over their recommended weight.
Unconventional But More Organized
We have to admit that one of the reasons we don’t want to try new things is because we are deeply attached to our traditional ways. We can’t ever blame anyone for that because we are guilty of it ourselves.
This trick is very simple. What you see is what you get. Rather than piling up your pots and pans, try storing them sideways. All you need is a dependable rack that can hold the weight of your kitchen utensils.
Bamboo Steamers As Containers For Spices
As soon as we see a bamboo steamer, we automatically assume that there’s a pork bun or dumplings inside. Yes, don’t worry, you are not alone – we understand! Of course, these steamers can also be used for other purposes.
If you want to make sure that your garlic and onions stay fresh, use a bamboo steamer as a makeshift container. It is no secret that this type of steamer absorbs moisture well, keeping condensation from pooling up under the lid.
Wooden Pegs As Napkin Holders
DIY videos are a trend right now, so you might be interested in trying this trick from a popular DIY series. If you truly want to impress your friends and family regarding your creativity, now is a perfect time. You only need two things: Wooden pegs, and wood glue.
Remove the springs from the peg then carefully align them to create an arch formation. Be careful gluing them together, and make sure they are perfectly aligned.
Repurposing Mason Jars 2.0
We already discussed mason jars as a makeshift container for our kitchen utensils and cutlery. Now, here’s another trick that will get you excited. Who would have thought that we could use the bottom of the cabinet as an improvised holder?
Drill a horizontal bar beneath a cabinet, towards the back, then drill the lid of each mason jar to the bar. It should look like the example shown in the picture.
Securing The Knives On Your Countertop
Here’s a trick that might not be welcomed by everybody. First, just by merely seeing the picture, it does look like we just ruined the beautiful countertop. Second, putting a hole in the countertop doesn’t look easy.
However, if you are open to this suggestion, then here’s a tip. Rather than recklessly putting holes in the countertop, try to measure first and check the stability of the wood. Don’t attempt this with a metal or marble table.
The Versatility Of A Lazy Susan
Why is it called Lazy Susan? Well, Thomas Jefferson was tired of his daughter whining about getting things in the kitchen one item at a time. So, he decided to create a container that is still being utilized after two centuries.
Why restrict Lazy Susan to being a tray for spices and condiments only? You can use this amazing invention everywhere. The good thing about the versatile tray is that you can store it inside the cabinet, or even on your countertop.
Attaching Storage Rack To The Side Of Your Refrigerator
What do we commonly see on the side of refrigerators? That’s right, magnets, stickers, receipts, and more magnets. Did you know that you can maximize the side of your refrigerator the same way as you can with your kitchen cabinets?
All you need to have is one of the vertical racks that are sold at stores across the world. Just remember to put light items only in this rack to ensure it’s able to hold the weight.
Yes, You Can Do That Too!
It does look strange and unusual to place a hand towel inside the sink. However, to a minimalist, this is a thing of beauty. It is secured neatly in one place, and you will no longer have an issue with water dripping out of the towel.
There are a lot of versions to this track. Some prefer to use plastic handles with suction cups attached to both ends. While others install a more permanent horizontal bar (with proper guidance, of course).
A Technique For The Ages
It must be in our human nature that regardless of how big a refrigerator is, there seems to be not enough space for everything. You tried putting in dividers and reused mason jars, but there’s still not enough space.
This is the best time to invest in tiny drawers. Next time you visit IKEA or Walmart, ask the store personnel about plastic drawers that can be attached to your fridge. They come in different sizes and colors too!
Spice Fridge Magnets
To be honest, this is the first time that we’ve heard about spice fridge magnets. Upon doing further research, this innovative container has been around for the longest time. It’s a shame that we didn’t know this earlier. They are incredibly cheap and stylish.
When you pick up your tiny drawers, invest as well in these magnets. They can usually be found in the kitchen section. This container also adds aesthetic to your boring refrigerator, and we can’t wait to try them ourselves.
Repurposing Mason Jars 3.0
Here’s yet another clever use for the ever-versatile mason jars. Instead of keeping your baking ingredients in their box or putting them in Tupperware, we strongly suggest that you use mason jars. We have four powerful benefits that back up this recommendation.
First, it is a see-through container which makes it easy to see that you’re picking out the right ingredients. Second, mason jars are thick and don't break or shatter easily. Third, they are easy to clean. Finally, you can easily put a label on each one.
Using The Space Underneath The Sink
For some, putting items underneath the sink is a big no-no. There’s this ongoing stigma that underneath the sink is the perfect place for bacteria, viruses, and of course cockroaches to breed and fester.
However, if we religiously clean it, we can use this massive space for our cleaning materials. You can attach a horizontal bar for those sprays and soaps, and you can use small containers for your brushes and sponges.
Pallet Rack For Your Kitchen
Here’s another example of an unusual but dependable thing that you can use in your kitchen. Sure, Joanna Gaines doesn’t like this idea, but it is perfect to some. First things first, we should answer this question: What is a pallet?
A pallet is the structural foundation of a unit load which allows handling and storage efficiency. In simple terms, this wood formation can handle the maximum load without breaking easily. If done correctly, you can customize this according to your design and liking.
Command Hooks Activated
Hold on to your seats as we are halfway through our kitchen hacks list, and the best tips are yet to come. We already discussed several ways of keeping our pots and pans organized, but what about their lids and covers? Well, we have a great answer to your question.
Try visiting the dollar store and buying some command hooks. These hooks differ in size and shape but they can do the job with ease. Stick these command hooks on the cabinet doors and there you go – lid holders!
Finally, The Perfect Condiment Box
It is still puzzling to us that nobody has yet invented a reliable sauce box. I mean, we are pretty sure we are not the only ones who are sick and tired of finding sauce marks on our table or countertops.
To finally get rid of this problem, all you need is patience, creativity, and a cardboard box. This style of box usually contains six to eight beers, so you can either enjoy them yourself or if you’re a non-drinker, give them to a beer-loving friend.
Sorting Your Fridge By Food Groups
You might have all the space-saving hacks and makeshift containers for your fridge, but if they’re not arranged properly, then you will continue to have this type of problem. Proper fridge organization is commonly overlooked, and we are guilty of it.
Sorting your fridge by food group should become second nature. This is the best way to ensure you don’t waste any of the precious food you buy. Though we know our fridges should look like this, we’d be lying if we said that we weren’t jealous of how beautifully the fridge in the picture has been organized.
The Dynamic Duo Of Hooks And Crossbars
If you are not a fan of stacking your pots and pans into your kitchen cabinets, and you don’t have space for hanging racks over your stove, there’s no need to worry because we have another trick for you.
The use of hooks and crossbars has been present since the 1800s, and we cannot express how thankful we are for this invention. Try replicating what we have in the picture, and you can thank us later.
Hanging Fruit Baskets?
Isn’t it strange that we can see this type of storage in any fruit store but we are hesitant to apply it in our very own kitchen? That is understandable considering the space, design, and work it takes to create this kind of storage.
In reality, it’s not that hard to create a look like this. Simple racks, glue, and screws will do the job. Also, do not overload these hanging fruit baskets as they might break under excessive weight.
Magazine Racks As Chopping Board Storage
You might be wondering why we consider this a hack. While chopping boards don’t necessarily take up much space as you can put them on a cabinet or hang them in your kitchen, if you have multiple chopping boards, then this might interest you.
If you have an old magazine rack, you can screw it to the side of your kitchen cabinets. Once it’s securely in place, it can store three to four chopping boards, depending on the size and space of the rack.
Don’t Throw That Dresser Away Yet
This is only applicable if you still have open space in the middle of your kitchen and if you still have your grandma’s dresser. Why is it called a dresser? Because it is easier to remember than a chest of drawers.
Going back to the hack: Old dressers can be used as kitchen utensil compartments. The good thing about using these old drawers is, they are reliable, can be customized easily, and are portable. So, hang onto those dressers!
Recycling Old Containers
One way to help mother nature is to recycle our materials. The world has been ravaged by climate change and natural disasters over the years, and it is imperative to protect our planet at all costs.
With that said, instead of throwing away those ice cream boxes, ketchup, or mustard containers, reuse them as a canister for your spices. Some people even use these containers for their cereal, pasta, and other baking ingredients. So start cleaning those containers!
No More Space? Not Really
The countertop is one of the most overlooked areas in our kitchen. For some reason, countertops are only known as a palace where you put kitchen utensils and food. However, you can maximize your countertops by adding a nifty two-level multi-function storage rack.
This will maximize your countertop and provide additional space at the same time. The benefits don’t stop there as you can add some hooks on the side of the rack to hang kitchen utensils.
Magazine Holder Hack 2.0
We already discussed the awesome way of using a magazine rack as a chopping board holder. The next trick might surprise you, but it is ingenious. What is the most common issue if you pile frozen foods in a freezer? They stick together and sometimes it is hard to separate them.
Next time, if you have an extra magazine holder or rack, use it as a makeshift divider for your frozen foods. The good thing about this rack is, it can be easily cleaned.
Introducing The Curtain Rods
Remember the slide where we discussed the incredible use of command hooks? Well, we have alternative support or holders for your pot covers. This can be easily attained, but it needs patience and precision.
If you have spare curtain rods, then today is your lucky day. Simply measure and mark perfectly horizontal lines and then screw the rods into the cabinet door. Make sure you use a screw short enough to not protrude through to the other side of the cabinet. You can install multiple rods depending on the size of the cabinet door.
Repurposing Mason Jars 4.0
If you are still surprised to see mason jars appearing on our list, we can’t blame you. Gone are the days when these sets of jars were just for one-dimensional use only. Did you know cupcake liners and mason jars are a match made in heaven?
If you have time to visit any coffee or pastry shop, try to be mindful of its surroundings. You will notice that most of their ingredients and baking items are safely kept in mason jars.
Magazine Rack Hack 3.0
If you are amazed by the mason jar’s flexibility, the magazine rack’s adaptability is also a thing of beauty. Apart from being used as a makeshift chopping board holder and a divider for your frozen foods, you can stack up canned goods using a simple magazine rack.
And that’s not all. As seen on a few episodes from one of the shows on the TLC Network, people have come up with numerous ways to expand the use of these magazine racks.
Magazine Rack Hack 4.0
Magazine rack hacks, again? Yes, that is correct! By now, we should understand that these magazine racks can do almost anything.
As seen in the picture, instead of putting aluminum foil and plastic wrap in a cabinet or on the countertop, why not organize it on one side using a magazine rack? Whoever invented the magazine rack, we salute you!
The Hardest Part Of Decluttering
Have you ever used those ceramic plates that were gifted six months ago? How about the ones you received on your wedding day?
The hardest part of decluttering is letting go of items that have sentimental value. However, if your main goal is to save and maximize space, then this should be an easy decision. Just let go of those plates you know you’ll never use.
Side Rack Filler Panel
Amongst all the hacks we have gone through so far, this is probably our favorite. It is easy to do, stylish, convenient, and doesn’t need a lot of money. So, if you still have some space on the sides of your cabinet or a space in between the cabinets and the wall, you might want to create a maneuverable side rack.
If you are not that gifted at carpentry or woodwork, you can go to IKEA or even Walmart to check if there’s one available.
Display Your Beautiful Dishes
Amidst the cancel-culture that we are in, we are glad that some things are coming back for good. During the 1950s, people usually hung plates and other kitchen utensils on the wall.
Due to the invention of other things, this tradition was on the brink of extinction. Luckily for us, there are famous interior designers who still prefer the old ways, and we can see clearly why.
Always Save Shoe Boxes
This is not the first time that we’ve discussed ways of repurposing old shoe boxes. Tea lovers will adore this idea. Rather than throwing away those old boxes, you can partition them into small containers.
If you are fond of drinking tea, then you can place tea bags or sachets of tea in these makeshift containers. You can easily design them as well to add a personal touch.