No storage? No problem. These tips can help you make the most of what you already have. Whether you’re living in tight quarters or a spacious home, you could likely use some extra storage to house the essential items you use every day. If adding new built-in shelving or building a new addition isn’t an option, these tricks can help you maximize and even double the space you have, and may even help you de-clutter your home in the process.

Up the Wall

No matter how small the kitchen, chances are it has empty wall just waiting to be transformed into the ultimate organizer. Make the most of vertical space by adding pegboard, which can serve as a catchall for kitchen supplies and requires no DIY experience to install.

Hidden Away

Getting stuck with a small kitchen is no reason to downsize your spice collection. Free up considerable kitchen cabinet space by mounting a pull-out spice rack to the bottom of your cupboards. Not only will it make meal prep easier, but it will also wow your guests every time you invite company over for dinner.

Rock and Roll

Conventional wisdom dictates that folding t-shirts flat is the most efficient way to store clothing between wears. In fact, rolling your wardrobe saves a ton of space, without causing extra wrinkles. By employing this trick, you can fit as much as two times as many clothes in each drawer.

Turn the Page

A jumble of canned goods can be corralled by the help of a magazine holder like this. Dump out the old issues of your magazine subscriptions, then stack canned goods of similar kinds—soup, veggies, and more—inside for an orderly pantry.

Hook It Up

Foil, plastic wrap, and other disposable supplies are convenient, but they take up an inconvenient amount of pantry space. Save room by installing hooks—sideways—to the inside of a cabinet door. Not only will you keep these everyday items within easy reach, but you’ll free up space for other kitchen necessities.

Bound and Determined

If you have more frozen food than freezer space, it might be because of the way you’re storing it. If you have a wire freezer rack like this one, employ binder clips to hang bags of frozen fruits, veggies, and meat from the racks. By hanging them vertically, rather than stacking them, you can double your storage space and make it easier to spot what you have and, as a result, prevent overbuying groceries.

Beauty File

Tame loose curling irons and blow dryers by taking them out of the drawer and hanging them on the side of the vanity instead. A mounted file box like this should do the trick. This simple addition maximizes your under-cabinet space while giving you easy access to the grooming tools you use on a regular basis. (Just make sure not to stash anything while it’s still hot from use!)

Floating on Air

Floating shelves are a particularly modern way to add storage space without sacrificing style. Great for stashing bathroom towels, books or even decorative items, these minimalist solutions can clear up counter space in almost any room of your home.

Every Inch Counts

Tall cabinets look great on the outside, but if they’re not outfitted with adequate shelving inside, they’re a big waste of space. A wire shelf separator like this one can be added to any cabinet to allow you to stack dishes below and above, effectively doubling your cabinet storage. So even if you don’t have as many built-in shelves as you’d like, you can still have storage that works for you.

Crafty Compartments

What lies under your kitchen sink? If you’re embarrassed to show off the cluttered piles of cleaning supplies that have accumulated below, it may be time to try a little compartmentalization. Use plastic caddies to separate items into organized groups. For best results, place products you use often in a bucket or basket with a handle so you can easily pull it out and access what you need without rooting around for too long.

Sleep Tight

Here’s a simple solution for topsy-turvy piles of bedding in your linen closet. When folding freshly laundered bedding sets, tuck the flat and fitted sheets into pillow cases before storing them. This way, you can save space in the closet, and save time looking for matching pieces when you’re going to make the bed.

You may not realize it, but it is possible to load your dishwasher incorrectly—and doing so could result in broken, corroded, and continuously dirty dishes. Get the most out of your machine by avoiding these 9 bad practices that could be to blame for your less-than-sparkling dishware.

You’re Prerinsing

If you rinse your dishes before loading them into the dishwasher, you may be wasting water and energy. Dishwasher detergents are designed to cling to food particles and separate them from their surfaces, so unless you aren’t planning on running a load for several hours, simply scrape any large pieces of food into the trash and then load up the dishes.

You’re Placing Large Utensils Incorrectly

Avoid putting sharp knives and wooden spoons in the dishwasher, as the heat of the water can dull and degrade these items quickly. Large plastic and metal utensils—like spoons and spatulas—should lie flat in the top rack of the dishwasher. If you load them in the utensil basket, they may block the spray and keep water from reaching the rest of the dishes.

You’re Putting Glassware Over the Tines

It’s a common misconception that glassware belongs over the tines in the top rack of the dishwasher. While cups and glasses do belong on the top rack, they should actually be placed in between the tines to prevent the cracks and chips that can occur when they rattle or bump against each other during the course of the wash cycle.

You’re Not Mixing Up the Silverware

Get spoons and forks squeaky clean by varying their positions in the utensil tray. Alternate their directions—with some handles facing up and others down—to keep them from nesting into each other. The more separated they sit, the easier it is for soap and water to give them the proper scrub down they deserve.

You’re Loading Every Plate in the Same Direction

Avoid loading plates in a single direction. Instead, arrange them all facing the center so they have even access to the soap and sprayer. When loading plates, alternate between large and small sizes to promote the best water flow and the deepest clean.

You’re Placing Platters at the Front

Large platters, cutting boards, and casserole dishes should always be placed at the back or sides of the bottom rack. If these bulky items are loaded in the front, it’s possible that they will block the soap dispenser and prevent detergent from reaching the rest of the load.

You’re Putting Glassware on the Bottom Rack

It’s very tempting to stick a glass or cup in the bottom rack of the dishwasher when the top gets too full, but always resist. The top rack, which is specifically designed for glassware and cups, receives a much gentler wash than the bottom, where these more delicate items are at risk of breakage or other damage.

You’re Mixing Metals

Keep your stainless steel and silver utensils well away from each other. If those two metals collide, they’ll produce a chemical reaction that can actually pit and dent your silver. If you must wash both metals in the same load, place them at opposite ends of the utensil basket to keep this from occurring.

You’re Overfilling

Just like your washing machine, a dishwasher is less effective if it’s crammed full of stuff. If water and soap cannot freely circulate, your dishes will not come out clean. Avoid overcrowding your dishwasher, and hand-wash a few items if you must to ensure that each item gets the proper treatment.

The pantry serves as a catchall for foods of all kinds. But it takes just one taste of rancid oil, a whiff of moldy jelly, or the sight of drippy prosciutto to know that not all food stores well at room temperature. Many people simply check the label and if it doesn’t say refrigerate, the item goes into the pantry. Some foods, however, last longer, taste better, and stay safer when stored in the refrigerator or freezer, even if the label doesn’t explicitly say so. Though it may make your jaw drop (and stomach turn) to learn this, the following items, many of which are considered pantry staples, should never be stored there.

Garlic-Infused Olive Oil

Homemade garlic-infused olive oil can potentially contain botulinum spores, which grow into the bacteria that cause botulism, a food poisoning that attacks the body’s nerves and can be fatal. Fresh garlic tends to carry botulinum spores, so any oil infused with garlic should be kept in the refrigerator to prevent bacteria growth. Even then, throw it away after seven days.

Pure Maple Syrup (Especially Organic)

After enjoying a plate of pancakes dripping with pure maple syrup, you may be tempted to stash that syrup back in the pantry without giving it another thought. Pure maple syrup, however, especially the organic kind, can go moldy, so it’s best stored in the fridge. Need another argument in favor of cold storage? If you store your syrup in the pantry and the container is opaque, you may not see the mold until you’ve started to pour syrup on your short stack.

Sunflower and Truffle Oil

Cold-pressed oils like sunflower and truffle oil have a short shelf life if they’re not refrigerated. As they’re pricier than some of their counterparts, it’s definitely worth keeping them cold to extend their usefulness.

Nuts

When stored in the pantry, nuts are more likely to go stale than grow moldy. That said, if you frequently reach for the nuts, you may be leaving bacteria behind, and if you grab a few nuts while your hands are wet, the chance that bacteria will grow increases. Over time, you could end up with nuts that are both stale and bacteria-laden. Don’t run the risk; store them in the refrigerator.

Salami and Other Cured Meats

You might see “shelf-stable” printed on their packaging, but cured meats are prone to drying out if opened and stored in the pantry. Wrap the meat in butcher paper and refrigerate it to preserve its flavor and texture, and to protect you from potential illness.

Chocolate

You can significantly extend the life of chocolate by storing it in the refrigerator rather than the pantry. Before you stick it in the fridge, wrap chocolate tightly to protect it from condensation and prevent it from absorbing odors and flavors from other foods. Once the chocolate is wrapped, put it in an airtight container until you’re ready to use it.

Tortillas

Though tortillas are rarely served cold, it’s best to store them in the fridge. Whether you prefer flour or corn tortillas, they’ll stay fresher longer if kept at a regulated cold temperature after you open the package. When it’s time for tacos, allow the tortillas to gradually warm up to room temperature or pop them in the oven.

Natural Peanut Butter

Natural peanut butter, the kind that separates in the jar, needs to be kept cool. Like the oils in whole-grain flours, the oils in natural peanut butter can go rancid if left in the pantry.

Mustard

Most mustard containers indicate that refrigeration isn’t necessary after opening. But mustard loses its flavor and vibrant color fairly quickly. To keep it tasting and looking its best, keep mustard in the refrigerator.

Hang a Pegboard

Though you can get it for cheap at your local hardware store, pegboard has a life beyond your garage. Paint a sheet white and use it to show off some of your prettiest kitchen tools—including cutting boards, pans and bakeware. (Bonus point: It’ll help free up space in your cabinets.)

Get Smart with Under-the-Sink Storage

The spot underneath your sink is one of the most under-appreciated areas in the kitchen. Take advantage of that treasure trove of unused space by installing this two-tier sliding organizer ($90) to hold cleaning supplies. We love how it screws right into a cabinet base, making it much more stable than similar sliding storage units.

Keep Spices in Drawers

Get the convenience of a spice rack without cluttering your shelves with this tiered spice organizer ($9) that fits into your drawers. Spices lay flat, so you’ll be able to reach for that garlic powder without toppling the rest of your seasonings.

Designate a Space for Lids

I’m going to take a wild guess: You’re frustrated with the way you’re currently storing the lids for your cookware. This roll-out lid holder ($50) is the answer. Vertical dividers prop lids on their sides, freeing up extra space in kitchen cabinets. Plus, the organizer extends forward so you won’t find yourself digging in the back.

Add a Lazy Susan

We’re not sure why she’s dubbed “lazy” because this rotating organizer is one of the hardest workers in our pantry. Give her a twirl and the items once pushed to the back of your cabinet are front and center.

Use a Magnetic Knife Holder

Big bulky knife blocks should be a thing of the past. Not only do they take up valuable counter space, but they can also collect some pretty icky bacteria, too.

Bins, Bins, Bins

Ditch the flimsy packaging and save space with a set of our Test Kitchen’s favorite food storage containers. Each container is built with an airtight seal ensuring your dry goods don’t go stale.

Be Basket Beautiful

When your storage is out on display, plastic bins just won’t cut it. Try something more decorative like a basket to hold produce, mail or even a few cookbooks. These rattan baskets have flat backs, that are ideal for hanging on the back of a door or wall.

Add Under-Shelf Storage

Tall cabinet shelving can leave extra empty space ripe for the taking. Install an under-the-shelf basket ($16) to hold items like plates, mugs, linens or ramekins.

Go Multifunctional

Heads up, home cooks! This three-in-one device ($15) makes it easy to have aluminum foil, plastic wrap and paper towels at the ready. With integrated sliding cutting blades, you’ll not have to fuss with the flimsy razors that come on traditional packaging. Plus, the unit mounts securely to your wall.

Store Items Inside Your Door

The inside of a cabinet door is the perfect place to store small slender items. This extra thin cutting board set ($20) comes with a storage unit that sticks right onto your door, keeping prep boards out of sight and out of mind—until, of course, you need them.

Organize Tea Bags

Tea enthusiasts, listen up! Flimsy cardboard tea packaging can take up a ton of space. Instead, organize your chamomiles, Earl Greys, herbals and more in this nifty tea stand. The organizer fits almost 100 tea bags and makes a neat caddy for hosting, too.

Create More Space for Cutlery

The stacked design of this utensil holder ($20) practically doubles the space in your kitchen drawer. Forks, knives and spoons rest at an angle, creating more space for larger items like whisks and spatulas.

Hang Wineglasses

Wine enthusiasts may be familiar with the 2004 flick Sideways—but have you ever heard of upside-down? This hanging wineglass holder attaches underneath your cabinet storing your glasses stem-side-up. Plus, you’ll have easy access when you uncork that next bottle of Chardonnay.

Hang Bins in the Fridge

Tired of produce piling up in the fridge? This pull-out storage bin makes chaotic, disorganized fridges a thing of the past. Simply snap the railing system onto a shelf and you’re good to go.

Stow Away Paper Towels

Have a small kitchen? We have a product for you. This over-the-door paper towel holder ($10) hides your quilted rolls in any cabinet, giving you back precious countertop space.

Add Spinners for Extra Fridge Space

Lazy Susans aren’t just great for pantry organization—they work wonders in your fridge, too. Add one to any shelf to corral all of your jams, mustards, pickles and sauces.

Group Items in a Magazine Holder

Common office supplies can double as kitchen organizers, too. A simple magazine holder, for instance, can help tidy up cleaning supplies and other bits and bobs around the kitchen. Get a pack of 12 here. We particularly like storing tall items like plastic wrap, parchment paper and aluminum foil in one of these!

source: tasteofhome

You keep it around way too long

Is the sponge by your kitchen sink more than a week old? Yikes. It’s best to toss sponges after about a week of use. Keep one around longer and it’s bound to be teeming with bacteria—and smelling up your kitchen.

You leave it in the sink

After scrubbing a batch of grimy dishes, it’s tempting to toss your sponge in the sink and forget about it until your next dishwashing session. However, no matter how carefully you wash your dinnerware, your sink is a haven for bacteria—and leaving your sponge in a germ-filled environment is a bad idea. Sponges are less likely to dry properly if left in a damp, moist sink environment—making it a perfect breeding ground for even more germs.

You use it for everything

Avoid using your kitchen sponge to sop up every little spill. The more surfaces you touch with your sponge, the more likely it is to become contaminated. Keep your sponge away from meat juices, and use paper towels for those types of messes.

You stick it in the microwave

Many online outlets have touted this trick for banishing germs (guilty!), and while it does work on some pathogens, the ones that survive being nuked are bigger, badder, and more likely to make you sick. Skip this tip and replace your filthy sponge instead.

You run it through the dishwasher

Like the microwave, the high heat of the dishwasher only serves to leave behind superbugs that multiply to recolonize your trusty sponge. When you start to feel like it’s time for a run through a cycle, resist the urge and toss the nasty sponge instead.

You don’t clean it between uses

If you sop up messes and wipe down counters with your sponge, then leave it by the sink without so much as a rinse, you’re encouraging bacterial growth. Give it a quick cleanup now and again; experts suggest cleaning sponges between uses with diluted bleach.

You use whole sponges to clean

If throwing away a sponge every week sounds wasteful, but you’re not ready to part ways with your favorite cleaning tool, try slicing your sponge in half as soon as you pull it out of the package and before you put it to work. Half of a sponge handles most cleaning tasks as effectively as a whole one, and helps you stretch your dollar further.

You don’t squeeze it out

When you’re done washing dishes or wiping down surfaces with your kitchen sponge, be sure to wring it out completely. A wrung-out sponge will dry quicker than a sopping wet one, and a drier sponge equals a cleaner sponge.

You use a sponge when you should be using paper towels

Some tasks are better suited for paper towels. Cleaning up meat juices, for instance, is best left to absorbent paper towels. Instead of potentially contaminating other surfaces—like your sink—with a sponge coated in raw chicken juices, you can simply toss the soiled paper towels when you finish tidying the meal prep area.

source: bobvila

1. Vintage Baking Tin Art

You can turn old baking tins or new ones for that matter, into beautiful artwork for your walls. Just take those tins and pin them to your wall. This is a great idea for lighter-weight items and you can even incorporate some newer pieces into the mix. Just create a design and fill your wall with beautiful vintage kitchen items.

2. DIY Bent Fork Easel

You can turn old silver forks into beautiful easels to display your favorite photos and artwork. These are better for smaller frames unless of course, you have a huge metal fork that you want to use. You just have to bend the tines to hold the frame and that’s about it. This would be a beautiful way to display family photos in the dining room and the easels only take a few minutes to create.

3. Bent Spoon Plant Hangers

Spoons can be bent into beautiful hangers for your hanging plants. You can do this with spoons of any size, although I would base the size of the spoon on the size of the plant that you are hanging. You don’t want a heavy plant on an old teaspoon. Those vintage silver serving spoons would be perfect for this and will add such beauty to your porch or garden area. Just bend the spoon and then screw to a solid surface and you’re all done.

4. DIY Rustic Ladle Tealight Holders

Just like you can bend a spoon to hang a plant, you can bend a vintage ladle and turn it into a beautiful tealight candle holder. Or, if you prefer, you can leave the ladle intact and just secure it to a wood plank or other solid surface. These make beautiful sconces when they’re attached to wood and will instantly add that great rustic look to any room.

5. Vintage Mason Jar Lamp

You can turn that old jar into a beautiful light fixture and it doesn’t even take that long. Decorative jars are great for this project so if you have a stash of old jelly jars that are quart-sized, you can use those to make a beautiful light for your kitchen or breakfast nook. There’s not a lot of technical or electrical work required, either.

6. Repurposed Goblet And Plate Cake Stand

An old wine glass, goblet, or anything similar that you have on hand and a vintage plate can be used to make a lovely cake stand. If you have a set of dessert goblets or glasses that have been broken and you want to preserve the last one in style, this is a great project to try. You just have to glue the plate to the bottom of the glass and that’s it. Then use this to display all those wonderful baked goods that you love to create.

7. Serving Tray Turned Chalkboard Message Center

An old serving tray can be turned into a beautiful chalkboard message center with just a little paint and a few minutes of your time. This would be perfect for keeping shopping lists or appointments handy. Just spray the tray – the center of the tray – with chalkboard paint and you can even stencil in a calendar base or things to-do list.

8. DIY Wine Bottle Chandelier

If you have several empty wine bottles sitting in the kitchen just waiting on the perfect DIY project. Well, here it is – you can turn those old wine bottles into a beautiful chandelier for the kitchen, dining room, or even the porch. You’ll have to cut the bottles so this is one of those projects where you’ll need to be very careful. When it’s finished, this chandelier is absolutely breathtaking and will add elegance to any room where you hang it.

9. Upcycled Cheese Grater Pencil Holder

If you have a rusty old cheese grater that you just can’t use anymore – don’t throw it out. Turn it into this neat little pencil holder instead. There isn’t even a lot of work required for this project and you get an adorably vintage pencil holder that you can attach to the wall so you always have it where you need it. This would be perfect for craft rooms or kids’ rooms, to keep their pencils on hand.

10. Repurposed Cheese Grater Earring Holder

Here’s another great idea to put that old cheese grater to great use. Turn it into a beautiful earring holder! This is a great way to keep those earrings that you wear regularly right there where you need them. Plus, it has a wonderful vintage feel to it, don’t you think? You can have this ready to hang your favorite earrings in about five minutes and the earrings fit perfectly into the holes of the grater.

11. Vintage Cooking Utensil Recipe Card Holders

Those old potato mashers and whisks can easily be turned into recipe cardholders when you add a clothespin. You just glue a clothespin onto the handle and then just clip in your recipe card to hold it securely in place.

12. DIY Cup And Saucer Lights

If you have a few pieces of china that are maybe mismatched or you just don’t use them and hate to see them sitting in the china cabinet unused, you can turn them into these gorgeous lights. How great would these be in the kitchen or dining room? There’s a little work involved, and you’ll need to use a few power tools, but this DIY teacup light idea is definitely worth the extra work.

13. Rustic Enamel Mug Organizer

Those old enamel mugs – if you’re lucky enough to have a few on hand – can be turned into an adorable organizer that fits in perfectly with a farmhouse theme. Just drill a hole in each mug and use the hole to affix the mug to a plank or old board. Then, you can use the mugs themselves to organize and store any number of things from soap in the bathroom to craft supplies or even table linens.

14. Repurposed Metal Funnel Candle Holders

If you have an old metal funnel, you can turn that funnel into a great candle holder that has a wonderful vintage farmhouse look to it. You just turn the funnel upside down and put a taper candle in the opening. How easy is that? You could go all out if you wanted and add some twine or burlap to really give it a great farmhouse look.

15. DIY Cutting Board Tablet Holder

You can turn an old wooden cutting board into an adorable holder for your tablet or iPad. If you tend to look up recipes on your tablet – like I do – you know how desperately you need a holder to keep the tablet upright while you cook. Take that old cutting board and turn it into a great holder for that tablet by just adding two tiny little boards. This would also be great to hold smaller recipe books.

16. Repurposed Mason Jar Tissue Holder

An empty mason jar – or any jar you have on hand, really – can be turned into an adorable tissue holder. I love the painted and distressed look on mason jars and this one is perfect for holding tissues on your desk or dresser. Just decorate the jar however you want and then cut a piece of scrapbook paper to fit the lid ring. Cut a slit in the paper and add your tissues and you’re all done.

17. Upcycled Muffin Tin Drawer Organizer

This is such an easy project that really doesn’t take any work. You just add the muffin tin to your drawer and then get that drawer organized. The individual compartments are perfect for storing all sorts of things. This is a great idea for kitchens, bathrooms, or dresser drawers to keep smaller items from getting lost. Or use it in a desk drawer for paper clips and other office supplies.

18. DIY Spoon Necklaces

You can recreate old spoon jewelry pretty easily. Just bend the bottom of your spoon around and you’re all done. Or, you could create this beautiful spoon pendant that you make from the top of the spoon – the actual spoon part. This is a relatively easy project as well and gives you so much room for customization.

19. Upcycled Garden Decorative Plates

If you have broken or otherwise unused plates, you can turn them into beautiful garden decorations. Use an old matching set to create a mini fence around your favorite flowers or just randomly put the plates between your plants. This is a wonderful way to use those broken or unused dishes and to give your garden a little bit of excitement as well.

20. Repurposed Pots And Pans Fairy Garden Décor

You can also use your old rusty pots and pans to dress up your garden. If those cooking and baking dishes just aren’t cutting it in the kitchen any longer, turn them into beautiful garden décor – and you just have to set them in the garden. There’s no real work required here. You can use them to plant succulents and other small plants and then just add your fairy decorations and you have a beautiful kitchen fairy garden.

21. Upcycled Silverware Starburst Mirror

This starburst mirror is fabulous and it’s made from your old silverware. Aside from the silverware, you just need a plate and a small mirrored tray – or a small tray and you could paint it with mirrored paint to give it a mirror look. I love the idea of keeping family heirloom silver even if you aren’t using it any longer to set the table and this would be the perfect way to keep and display it.

22. DIY Silverware Fruit Bowl

Another great way to use up that silverware is to create a beautiful fruit bowl from it. You’ll want to make sure that you glue the tines of your forks down so that they don’t poke someone. Overall, this doesn’t look like a terribly difficult project and you end up with a beautiful fruit bowl that is sure to spark some conversation from friends and family.

23. Repurposed Silverware Key Hooks

You can also turn silverware into these wonderful hooks for holding keys and all sorts of other things. You’ll need a block of wood for each hook that you want to create and then as many spoons and forks as you want to use. Just bend the silverware up a bit and then use Gorilla glue to hold them into place. These are perfect for keeping your keys where you can always find them or they would also make nice jacket hooks.

24. DIY Repurposed Silverware Chandelier

These silverware chandeliers sell for hundreds of dollars each. The great thing about this is you can get as creative as you want. Make it simple or add jewels and other embellishments to make it really elegant. The basic project is pretty easy – you’ll decide how elaborate it gets.

25. Vintage Spoon Garden Markers

Turn those old vintage spoons into great markers for the garden. These would be perfect for your herb garden or you can use them in your larger vegetable garden if you prefer. I love the idea of drawing out the herb or flower in question and then using adhesive to stick it to the spoon but you could do this in any number of different ways. However you mark them, these spoons are going to be a beautiful addition to your garden.

26. Farmhouse Style Rolling Pin Rack

Old rolling pins were cut in half to create this really unique and very farmhouse-looking rack. You could use this to hang up your aprons or even as a coat rack inside the kitchen – if your back door is in the kitchen.

27. Repurposed Colander Light

Turn an old metal colander into a wonderful light for the kitchen. This would be a great way to get a little additional lighting on counter space or you could use it to hang above your kitchen table. It’s a relatively easy project, too. You just have to drill a hole in the bottom of the colander and then add a lighting fixture kit. This is a wonderful way to add some vintage farmhouse charm to the kitchen.

28. Easy DIY Succulent Teacups

Turn those mismatched or otherwise unusable teacups into beautiful succulent planters. These make wonderful Mother’s Day gifts or gifts for any special occasion. You could also just make them for yourself and display them in the kitchen or in the garden. You just plant small succulents in your teacups and that’s it.

29. Upcycled Pot Lid Clock

Turn an old lid to your cooking pot into a beautiful kitchen clock. If you’re looking for the perfect clock for your kitchen, this is it. What could be more perfect than an actual cooking lid? You just have to clean it up and add a clock kit, which you can find at any hobby or craft store. Or, just take the clock mechanism out of an old clock that you’re not using any longer and this entire project could be free.

30. Cutting Board Silverware Bag

Small cutting boards can be upcycled to make these amazing cutlery bags that you can use for cooking out or indoor get-togethers. You can even use old tea towels to hold the cutlery in place. This is a really cute project and it gives you the perfect cutlery bags to hold your silverware for any occasion. There’s no sewing required and overall, this one won’t take long at all.

31. Upcycled Tea Kettle Planters

If you have a few old kettles that you aren’t using, you can instantly turn them into planters. Just sit them in the garden and then add your favorite plants or succulents. There’s not even any work to this one.

32. Repurposed Teacup Bird Feeder

Those old teacups would make wonderful feeders for your feathered friends. There are a couple of ways that you can turn your old teacups into bird feeders. The most popular way is to glue the cup to the saucer and then add the food to the saucer. You can hang it up by the cup handle. You could also use the saucer as a roof to keep the birds dry and in the shade and add the bird food to the cup – this one is a bit more complicated but the birds will love it.

33. Upcycled Whisk Tealight Holders

Whisks are great in the kitchen for so many things, and they can be used outside the kitchen as well. Who would have ever thought that those lovely silver whisks could be used to hold tealight candles? It’s so easy. Just hang hooks if you don’t already have them, from the ceiling and then hook the whisk handle on. The tealight fits perfectly inside the whisk area.

1. Use cooking spray to make less of a mess

When measuring out super sticky ingredients, coat your measuring cup with a butter- or oil-based cooking spray first. It ensures the sticky substance will slide right out and prevent you from having to scrub at your cups forever afterward.

2. Use that same small strainer for eggs

That same strainer can be used to make perfectly shaped poached eggs. How? Crack the eggs into the strainer over the sink and swirl them around gently to remove the excess watery white. What’s left will be a tight, egg-shaped egg that poaches up clean. You can use the same trick to make picture-perfect, billboard glamour-shot-ready fried eggs. Check out the video above for more details.

3. Freeze liquids in useable portions!

Freezing wine in ice cube trays and stores them in the freezer, ready to be pulled out one at a time and added to pan sauces and stews, saving you from having to open a whole bottle every time a recipe calls for some wine.

Similarly, if you make yourself a large batch of stock, freeze it in convenient portion sizes in the freezer—ice cube trays and half-pint deli containers are great for this—then transfer them to a plastic freezer bag to be pulled out an used whenever you need fresh stock.

4. Heat a dish towel in the microwave to get rid of fish smell

Trust us: If you put some dish soap on your dish rag, heat the rag itself for a few minutes, leave the rag in the microwave for about half an hour, return to the rag, and wipe the walls of the microwave down, you will be free of that fishy microwave smell that’s been plaguing you since, well, the last time you microwaved fish.

5. Slice avocados in their skins

To slice avocados for salads or guacamole, split them in half, remove the pit by whacking it with the heel of your knife and twisting it out, then slice it directly in the skin using the tip of a paring knife or chef’s knife. When you then scoop it out with a spoon, you’ll have slices ready to go, with less mess than trying to fiddle with slippery peeled avocado a cutting board.

6. Partially freeze meat before cutting

Slicing meat to grind or cook in a stir-fry can be tricky even with a sharp knife. To make it easier, place the meat in the freezer for 10 to 15 minutes to stiffen it up.

7. Peel ginger with a spoon

Ginger can be tricky to peel with all its bumps and irregularities. Rather than using a paring knife or vegetable peeler, reach for the spoon. Scrape it against the skin and it’ll come right off, following every contour and minimizing waste.

8. Run your potatoes through the dishwasher

Seriously, it’s a foolproof way of cleaning your dirty vegetables when hand-washing won’t suffice. Make sure there’s no soap in the machine, of course, and a simple rinsing cycle will do the trick.

9. Prevent bubbling over with a wooden spoon

If any of your pots are boiling over, quickly place a wooden spoon across the rim—that’ll settle the frothy bubbles and prevent more over-boiling.

10. Make scrambled eggs in the microwave

Grab a mug and spritz it with nonstick spray. Crack a couple eggs inside. Top with a splash of milk or water, sprinkle with some salt and pepper, then stir with a fork to combine. Microwave at 30-second intervals, stirring after each, for a total of 90 seconds and a 12-grams-of-protein-strong breakfast is served!

Some are definitely more powerful than others and will work for different degrees of dirt. Here are 8 different ingredients to clean your oven and how to use them.

1. Cornstarch and Vinegar

Just add 1 cup of white vinegar and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to a small bowl. Mix until the ingredients are completely blended together and apply it to the oven.

First moisten the oven then apply the paste. Use a scouring pad to clean the interior of the oven. Remove the racks and give them a scrub with the same solution.

Once you’re through just wipe away the residue with fresh water. If there is stuck on grease or dried food, just allow it to soak for a few minutes before scrubbing.

2. Dish Soap and Lemon Juice

Stir together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 1 cup of lemon juice in a small sauce pan. Heat this mixture until it thickens then stir in 1 tablespoon of dawn dish soap.

Apply it to the oven with a spatula while it’s hot. Let this mixture sit for 20-30 minutes. Once the time has passed, wipe it clean and the dirt will come right off.

This is perfect for a quick clean and a great way to multitask. You can set this in motion and move to other aspects of the kitchen while it sits.

3. Vinegar and Baking Soda

An old faithful, vinegar and baking soda will oxidize to melt away all the stuck on grease.

Just mix 1/4 cup of baking soda and 1/4 cup of vinegar in a container, preferably a spray bottle. While it’s still fizzy, spray it on the interior of the oven and give it a scrub.

You can also moisten the walls of the oven and apply the baking soda. Then give it a spray with vinegar to allow it to oxidize and melt the grease.

Both methods work but the latter is a lot easier to achieve.

4. Murphy Oil Soap and Baking Soda

Murphy oil soap is originally a wood cleaner but it has proved its value in other areas of the home.

Mix 3 tablespoons of baking soda and 1 tablespoon of Murphy oil soap with 1 liter of water and ensure that the ingredients dissolve.

Use this along with a sponge to wash the interior and the racks of your oven. Give the corners and glass a detailed clean to get the most out of this mixture.

When you’re done just rinse the soapy residue away with warm water.

5. Baking Soda Alone

Baking soda is a strong cleaner that can take certain messes by itself. If your oven needs a gentle clean, then baking soda is a great bet.

Just mix 2 cups of baking soda and 2 cups of water in a spray bottle and give the tougher areas a spritz. If there is stuck on food just allow it to soak for 15 minutes.

If not, you can scrub with a scouring pad and wipe away the dirt with a soft cloth. If the baking soda does not suffice, you can add 1 tablespoon of borax to give it a boost.

6. Rubbing Alcohol and Dish Soap

Mix 1 cup of rubbing alcohol and 1 table spoon of dawn dish soap to clean your oven. Rubbing alcohol is a great replacement for bleach as it cleans and disinfects.

Apply this mixture to the oven and let it sit for a few minutes. Once you’re done just wipe it away with fresh, warm water.

Warm water will ensure that the taste of rubbing alcohol doesn’t get into your food once you start to use the oven.

The best dish soap to use to do this is Dawn dish soap as it’s environmentally friendly and will eliminate grease quickly.

7. Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide

For a cleaning solution that will result in a beautiful shine, mix baking soda and hydrogen peroxide.

Make a paste with 1 table spoon of hydrogen peroxide and 2 tablespoon of baking soda. Apply this to the interior and exterior of your oven.

Add a small amount of elbow grease as you scrub with a sponge. Once you’ve covered the entire surface area of the oven, wipe it clean with a cloth.

Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide will give your oven a deep clean.

8. Salt and a Lemon

For a more fragrant solution, you can use half of a lemon to clean your oven. Just slice half a lemon and sprinkle 1 teaspoon of salt on the the surface.

Use this to scrub the interior and glass of the oven until the grease begins to lift. The acidic properties of the salt and lemon will work to cleanse the oven.

This will also leave your kitchen with an amazing fragrance. You can also use baking soda with half of a lemon for the same type of clean.

Just use different methods to discover the best one for your oven. Baking soda can also be added to any of these recipes that doesn’t already have it.

It is a universal cleaner that will combat even the toughest grease. In all things, ensure that your oven is being cleaned as often as you can and nothing will be permanent.

1. Make The Kitchen Faucet Shine Again.

Cleaning faucets will be much easier and faster if you do the following:

• Get a Ziploc bag or a small plastic bag.
• Add a magical solution of vinegar and soda, enough to cover the faucet.
• Put the bag over the faucet.
• Secure the bag with a rubber band.

Wait for about an hour before you take the bag off. Wipe off the rest of the solution and scrub off the stubborn rust with an old toothbrush.

2. Get Rid of Garlicky Hands by Rubbing Stainless Steel

Chopping garlic is smelly work — and while some people love the smell of garlic on their hands, other people might not enjoy it so much. There are tons of hacks out there for getting rid of the stink, but the easiest one is just rubbing your hands on your sink faucet, or anything that’s stainless steel.

3. Cleaning Out The Fridge

To kill the unpleasant smell in your refrigerator — either wash it with a trusty combination of baking soda and vinegar, or:

• Put potato peels in the fridge.
• Take halves of an orange or a lemon and stick a good amount of cloves in it and place it on the shelf.
• If you are a fan of vanilla — take a cotton ball soaked in vanilla extract and place it in the fridge in a small bowl

4. Clean Cloudy Glasses With Vinegar

If you live in hard water area and especially if you put your glasses through the dishwasher, it’s likely the glass has gone a little cloudy, which isn’t the most appetising look when you’re serving a glass of something crisp to guests. But you can easily remove the deposits by cleaning with vinegar. Simply soak the glasses in white vinegar for five minutes. Then rinse and dry with a lint-free cloth. Sorted.

5. Squirt Some Dish Soap Down the Drain

Finding your drain a little slow to, um, drain? Squirt a little dish soap down there and run the hot water. Dish soap is formulated to cut through grease. Usually that grease is on your dishes and cookware, but it can also accumulate in your drain/pipes.

6. Clean Your Silver with Aluminum Foil

Here’s what you need: a glass baking dish lined with aluminum foil or an aluminum baking dish, baking soda, salt, and boiling water. The science-project-like reaction should begin to remove the tarnish immediately, although heavily tarnished pieces may need to soak a little longer.

7. Get Rid Of Coffee Stain

Do your coffee mugs have stubborn brown stains that don’t want to come out?

Try baking soda: Sprinkle some onto the bottom of your stained cup, add just enough water to form a paste, and scrub. The gentle abrasion of the baking soda will get rid of stains in a matter of minutes. Then, simply rinse and wash the way you usually would.

8. Banish Sink Odors with Baking Soda and Lemon Juice

When you think of all the gross stuff that goes down your drain, it makes sense that it’ll start to smell eventually. Try this DIY de-clogger to keep your pipes clear of gunk and smelly pretty(ish): Flush your drain with hot water, then slowly pour a cup of baking soda down. Finish it off with about a cup of lemon juice and wait for the fizzy chemical reaction.

9. Use A Potato To Clean Rusty Cast Iron

You can use this trick on other rusty things, too. Here’s how it works: Cut the potato in half, dip the cut end in dish soap or baking soda, and rub it over the rusted area. If the end of the potato gets slick, slice it off and dip the newly cut end. Repeat until rust is removed!

10. Clean up Broken Glass with a Piece of Bread

It happens: You gesture a little too enthusiastically and down goes your wine glass. The big pieces are easy enough to pick up, but the tiny shards? Not so much — or are they? All you need is a slice of bread. Just press it gently over the glass and the little fragments will stick to the soft dough. (They don’t call it Wonder Bread for nothing)

11. Use Rubber Kitchen Gloves to Remove Pet Hair

Your rubber kitchen gloves are good for more than keeping your hands protected while you do the dirty work. They’re also great for opening jars and getting rid of excess pet hair. Just slip on a glove and rub over whatever you want de-fuzzed. The rubber does a surprisingly good job of gathering up hair!

12. Clean Your Blender in 30 Seconds

Fill your blender about halfway with warm water, add a drop of dish soap, and whiz away. It’ll clean itself! If your blender has buildup or is looking a bit dull, you can also add a drop of vinegar or some lemon.

13. Clean All the Things in Your Dishwasher

You already know that you can use your dishwasher as a dish-drying rack (see number 9), but did you know there are all sorts of other things (besides dishes) that you can clean in your dishwasher? Flip flops, hairbrushes, sponges, plastic toys. Yup, they can all go in there.