If you spend a lot of time in the kitchen, you’ve probably developed a few tips and tricks of your own over the years. However, we’re betting you wouldn’t turn down the chance to learn a few more! Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just getting started, these kitchen hacks will make cooking, cleaning, and storing food that much easier. And we’ve expanded the list with bonus tips, tricks, and smart kitchen habits to keep your kitchen running like a well-oiled machine.
1. Clean A Wooden Cutting Board
Source: Live Creatively Inspired
Because wooden cutting boards are porous, it’s easy for food bacteria to become trapped in the grain. Pour coarse salt on the board, then scrub it with half a lemon. This not only disinfects the board naturally but also removes stubborn odors like garlic or onion. Rinse with hot water and let air dry upright to avoid warping.
2. DIY Stainless Steel Cleaner
Source: Jack London / design.howwewokeup.com
Get your stainless steel appliances gleaming with a simple solution: mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray on, wipe with a microfiber cloth in the direction of the grain, and finish with a small amount of olive oil to add a brilliant shine and prevent future smudges.
3. Conserve Wine
Source: BrightSide / Ponte Winery
Don’t let that half-empty bottle of wine go to waste. Pour the remaining wine into an ice cube tray and freeze. You’ll have handy wine cubes to toss into stews, risottos, or sauces whenever needed. White wine cubes also work well for deglazing pans.
4. Save Your Herbs
Source: Kitchn / Faith Durand
Fresh herbs going bad in your fridge? Chop them and freeze in olive oil using an ice cube tray. These herby cubes are great for sautéing, roasting veggies, or adding to pastas. Try basil-olive oil cubes for Italian dishes or cilantro-coconut oil for curries.
5. Soften Squash Before Cutting
Source: Food Hacks
Don’t risk your fingers hacking through raw spaghetti squash. Microwave the whole squash for 2–5 minutes. It softens the skin just enough to make slicing safe and simple, and the interior stays raw so you can still roast or steam it to perfection.
6. Light A Candle To Prevent Onion Tears
Source: Huffington Post
Before you chop onions, light a vanilla-scented candle and place it nearby. The flame helps burn off the sulfur compounds before they can reach your eyes, drastically reducing tears and discomfort.
7. Soften Brown Sugar Without A Disk
Source: Real Simple / Shutterstock
If your brown sugar has hardened into a brick, place a slice of apple or orange peel in the bag overnight. The natural moisture rehydrates the sugar, making it scoopable again. You can also microwave it with a damp paper towel for 20 seconds.
8. Make DIY Powdered Sugar
Source: SPICEography / Shutterstock
Caught mid-recipe without powdered sugar? No problem. Pulse granulated sugar in a high-speed blender or spice grinder for about 30 seconds until fine. For best results, add a pinch of cornstarch to prevent clumping.
9. Keep Saran Wrap In The Fridge
Source: Skillet
Frustrated by cling film that clings to everything except your container? Chill it in the fridge. Cold wrap is easier to control and won’t bunch or stick to itself as much.
10. Revive Old Veggies With Soup
Source: FineCooking
Don’t toss wilted or aging vegetables. Roast them with olive oil, then blend with broth or milk for an easy homemade soup. Add garlic, onion, herbs, and spices for extra flavor. It’s a fantastic zero-waste solution.
11. Use Parchment Paper As Muffin Liners
Source: Barefeet in the Kitchen
No muffin liners? No problem. Cut parchment paper into squares, press them into the muffin tin, and pour your batter in. It creates a charming rustic look and works just as well as traditional liners.
12. Rubber Band Jar Opener
Source: 50Years50Recipes
A tight jar lid is no match for a rubber band. Wrap one around the lid for extra grip, then twist. The added friction makes even the most stubborn jar open easily.
13. Fix A Crumbling Cake With A Trifle
Source: Betty Crocker
When your cake crumbles coming out of the pan, don’t panic. Layer the broken pieces in a glass bowl with whipped cream, custard, fruit, or chocolate sauce to make a beautiful trifle that tastes just as good—if not better.
14. Blender Self-Cleaning Hack
Source: Parker Appliance Repair
Don’t risk cutting your fingers cleaning blender blades. Fill the blender one-third with warm water, add a drop of dish soap, and blend for 20 seconds. Rinse thoroughly, and your blender is ready to go.
15. Grate Cold Butter
Source: The Bearfoot Baker
If you’re baking scones or biscuits and need cold butter, use a cheese grater to shred frozen or firm butter into the flour. This keeps the dough tender and flaky and ensures the butter is evenly distributed.
16. Store Peanut Butter Upside Down
Source: House Of Hepworths
Avoid stirring natural peanut butter by storing it upside down. The oils naturally redistribute, keeping the texture creamy and spreadable. Always refrigerate to maintain consistency after opening.
17. Slice Soft Foods With Floss
Source: The Smile Spa Of North Jersey
Dental floss isn’t just for teeth—use it to neatly slice soft foods like goat cheese, dough rolls, cakes, or cinnamon buns. Unwaxed, unflavored floss works best for clean cuts.
18. Microwave Your Own Dried Herbs
Source: Herbal’s Garden
Fresh herbs on their last leg? Dry them in the microwave. Spread leaves between paper towels and microwave for 20 seconds at a time until crispy. Store in airtight jars for homemade dried seasonings.
BONUS KITCHEN HACKS (Because Why Stop at 18?)
19. Use a Lazy Susan in the Fridge
Make condiments and jars easy to access by placing them on a Lazy Susan inside your fridge. It prevents spills and helps you avoid forgotten jars in the back.
20. Label Everything
Use masking tape and a Sharpie to label leftovers, frozen items, or even pantry staples. This helps avoid food waste and makes meal planning quicker.
21. Keep Potatoes White
To keep peeled potatoes from browning, submerge them in cold water with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice. They’ll stay fresh while you prep the rest of your ingredients.
22. Chill Dough with a Wine Bottle
No rolling pin? Use a cold wine bottle to roll out pastry dough. Just clean the bottle and chill it first to help keep your dough flaky.
23. Organize Measuring Cups with Shower Hooks
Attach adhesive hooks inside a cabinet and hang your measuring cups and spoons. It frees up drawer space and keeps everything within reach.
24. Instant Pan De-Greaser
Sprinkle a greasy pan with baking soda, add a little hot water, and let it soak. The grease lifts right off without scrubbing.
25. Don’t Cry Over Garlic Peeling
Place garlic cloves in a sealed container and shake vigorously for 20 seconds. The skins fall off, and you’re left with clean garlic ready to use.
26. Freeze Bananas for Smoothies
Slice ripe bananas and freeze them flat on a tray before storing in a container. It makes for smoother, colder smoothies without needing ice.
Final Thoughts
Cooking at home doesn’t have to be stressful, messy, or time-consuming. With a little creativity and a few genius kitchen hacks, your time in the kitchen can be more enjoyable and efficient. Whether you’re battling clingy plastic wrap, stuck jar lids, or soggy herbs, there’s likely a quick fix waiting in your pantry or fridge.
Try incorporating these clever tips into your daily routine, and you’ll be amazed how much smoother meal prep, cooking, and cleanup become. Happy cooking!
