While we all know the usual kitchen essentials—like pans, pots, and knives—some surprising items can make a real difference in your kitchen routine. Let’s explore a few unexpected but handy things, including chalk and shower caps, and how they can make your life easier.
1. Chalk
Ever splashed oil on your clothes while cooking, only to realize guests are already on their way? This is where simple chalk comes to the rescue. It absorbs grease stains effectively. Just rub some chalk on the fresh stain and gently scrub. In many cases, the stain will disappear. Keeping some inexpensive chalk in the kitchen can save the day.
2. Scissors
Dedicated kitchen scissors can transform your cooking routine. While they are great for opening packages, they also simplify food prep. If you don’t want to dirty a knife and cutting board just to chop herbs, scissors are perfect. They make cutting greens, small meat pieces, or even fish fillets quick and hassle-free.
3. Silicone Bracelets
Do you store your kitchen staples like salt, sugar, flour, and baking soda in identical jars? It’s easy to confuse them, and that can result in unpleasant surprises—like sweet chicken or salty tea. A great trick is to wrap silicone bracelets around jars and either label them or remember the color code. This eliminates confusion and ensures your dishes taste as intended.
4. Clips and Binder Clips
Loose bags of grains or spices can cause a mess on kitchen shelves. Plastic bags tear easily, spilling their contents everywhere and testing your patience. Keep things tidy by using small binder clips for spices and larger clips for flour or cereals. Everything stays sealed, organized, and ready for use.
5. Ironing Board
Wondering where to place a hot baking tray without damaging your table or countertop? An ironing board is the perfect solution. Remove the cover, lay down some parchment paper, and place your tray on the metal surface. The food can cool down safely without burning or staining your kitchen surfaces. Just remember to let the ironing board cool before putting it away.
6. Toothpicks
Toothpicks are a common kitchen item, but they are more versatile than you might think. They are perfect for checking if baked goods are done. Insert a toothpick into a cake—if it comes out with crumbs or wet batter, it needs more time. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. Toothpicks are also great for securing canapés and sandwiches, keeping them neat and intact.
7. Shower Cap
While shower caps belong in the bathroom, they are surprisingly useful in the kitchen too. Use one to cover dishes when heating food in the microwave, preventing splatters and odor transfer. Shower caps also work well as reusable covers for bowls and pots in the fridge, eliminating the need for cling film. They keep food fresh and prevent it from absorbing unwanted smells.
These seven unexpected items can become secret weapons in your kitchen. From keeping things organized to preventing messes, they each offer practical benefits that make cooking and storing food much easier. Try adding these items to your kitchen toolkit and see how they streamline your everyday tasks.