Your kitchen pantry holds more secrets than you might think. Everyday items like vinegar, baking soda, and even old tea bags can do much more than flavor your food. From clever cleaning hacks to savvy home remedies, learn about the surprising uses for these common kitchen staples that go beyond the usual cooking duties.

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Baking Soda – Cleaning Agent

A bottle of vinegar and a jar of baking soda labeled respectively, positioned next to a sponge and scrub brush on a wooden surface.
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Unleash the power of baking soda in your home! It’s perfect for scrubbing away tough stains, polishing silver to a mirror shine, and keeping your refrigerator smelling fresh without harsh chemicals.

Vinegar – Weed Killer

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Ditch the toxins and grab some vinegar to tackle those pesky weeds. Just a splash can wilt them away, making your garden and walkways look pristine while being eco-friendly.

Cornstarch – Window Cleaner

A person cleaning a window using a yellow cloth, with a sunny garden visible outside.
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Turn cornstarch into your window’s best friend. Mix it with water for a cheap, streak-free solution that’ll leave your windows so clear, you’ll forget they’re there!

Lemons – Sanitizer

A group of lemons cut in half.
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Lemon isn’t just for water or tea; use it to naturally sanitize and deodorize cutting boards and countertops. Its fresh scent and antibacterial properties make it a kitchen must-have.

Olive Oil – Furniture Polish

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Give your furniture a treat with some olive oil. It not only cleans but also conditions wood, leaving a healthy glow that commercial polishes can’t match. Plus, it’s all-natural!

Coffee Grounds – Fridge Deodorizers

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Before you toss those used coffee grounds, place them in your fridge as a natural deodorizer. They’ll neutralize odors and keep your fridge smelling as fresh as morning brew.

Rice – Coffee Grinder Cleaner

Man grinding coffee beans with an electric grinder in a kitchen setting.
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Clean your coffee grinder with rice! Grinding a handful can clear out old coffee residues and oils, ensuring your next batch tastes fresh and pure.

Sugar – Flower Preservative

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Keep your blooms brighter, longer with a pinch of sugar in their water. It feeds the flowers just enough to perk them up and extend their vase life.

Salt – Grease Fire Extinguisher

A wooden bowl filled with salt and a scoop on a concrete surface.
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Keep a jar of salt near your stove as a safety hack. In the heat of the moment, it can smother a grease fire fast, making it a kitchen safety essential.

Tea Bags – Mirror Cleaner

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Brew a second life for used tea bags by using them to clean your mirrors. The natural tannins help remove dirt and grime, leaving a streak-free shine that’s simply brilliant.

15 Timeless Kitchen Hacks From The Past That Still Work Wonders Today

A person slicing a block of marbled cheddar cheese on a wooden cutting board.
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Ever wonder how your grandparents managed to whip up amazing meals without all the fancy gadgets we have today? They had their own set of kitchen hacks, secrets passed down that are just as genius now as they were back then. We’ve dug up 15 of these timeless tricks that still make cooking easier and more fun today. Add a touch of old-school magic to your modern kitchen with these tried-and-true tips.

Read it Here: 15 Timeless Kitchen Hacks From The Past That Still Work Wonders Today

11 Oven Cleaning Hacks That Don’t Use Toxic Chemicals

Modern kitchen with white cabinets, featuring an open oven, a coffee machine, and a toaster on the countertop.
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Keeping your oven clean is essential, but it doesn’t mean you have to arm yourself with harsh chemicals or pricey cleaning products. Everyday household items like baking soda, vinegar, and lemons can be your best allies in battling baked-on grease and stubborn grime. This guide offers easy, effective, and safe methods to turn your grimy oven sparkling clean. Roll up your sleeves and get ready to transform your oven with these simple and environmentally friendly cleaning hacks.

Read it Here: 11 Oven Cleaning Hacks That Don’t Use Toxic Chemicals

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Founder and Writer at  | About

Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.

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