Is there any worse way to spend a Saturday than shopping for supplies and scrubbing a dirty oven? (We think not.) This is why we rounded up these five easy ways to freshen up your kitchen in five minutes or less—using stuff that’s, blissfully, already in your pantry.
USE A LEMON TO CLEAN YOUR MICROWAVE
Cut a lemon in half, squeeze its juice into a small bowl of water, add both lemon halves into the bowl, then zap it in the microwave for five minutes. The fresh scent will eliminate pesky cooking odors, and condensation from the citrusy steam will loosen hardened splatters so you can easily wipe them away with a damp cloth.
SHINE UP GLASSWARE WITH RICE
For narrow-necked decanters, flutes, and vases that seem impossible to clean thoroughly, fill halfway with warm water, dishwashing soap, a touch of white vinegar, and one cup of uncooked rice. Swoosh the mixture around for two minutes (while the rice “scrubs” the sides). Then rinse, air-dry, and behold the sparkle.
CLEAN STAINLESS STEEL WITH COCONUT OIL
Did you know that anything stainless in your kitchen (your stove, refrigerator, trash can, appliances, etc.) can be shined up like new with a little organic coconut oil? Apply a dab (or spritz) to a high-microfiber cloth and watch smudges disappear like magic.
STERILIZE WOODEN CUTTING BOARDS IN THE MICROWAVE
Don’t even think about trying this tip with your silicone or plastic cutting boards, but a quick water rinse followed by a 60-second zap in ye old microwave is the fastest and easiest way to rid your wooden cutting boards of any nasty, lingering bacteria. (Psst: It works for sponges, too.)
FRESHEN YOUR FRIDGE WITH COFFEE GROUNDS
It’s the new baking soda, guys. Simply fill a small bowl with aromatic coffee grounds and place it on a shelf in your refrigerator. Swap in new grounds every couple of months for a fresh, morning scent.
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