15 Strange Kitchen Cleaning Tips (That Actually Work!)

15 Strange Kitchen Cleaning Tips (That Actually Work!)

Unusual kitchen tips are interesting to read but do they actually work?

We've tried the weirdest cleaning hacks to find the ones that really are worth trying.

Here are our top 15 cleaning tips that are sure to make your life easier.

1. Line your fridge shelves with cling film

fridge door open
Interesting idea!

This is an amazing little trick for keeping your fridge nice and clean. Line each shelf with a layer of cling film and replace it when it gets dirty. This will make it much easier to clean up any spills, leaks or food stains.

If you're trying to reduce the amount of single-use plastic you use, you can buy fridge shelf liners that can be wiped clean. 

2. Keep your AC unit smelling fresh with dryer sheets

If you have air conditioning in your home, it may start to smell musty and the air will feel stale.

Keep it fresh by taping a dryer sheet to the front vent and leaving it on for a few hours.

3. Use a pastry brush to clean your toaster

Toasters are quick to fill with annoying crumbs that spill out whenever it's jolted the tiniest bit.

Tip your toaster upside down to get rid of the bulk of the crumbs then use a dry pastry brush to sweep away any of the crumbs stuck in those fiddly little crevices.

4. Clean gas burners with ammonia

oven hob

Pick up a bottle ammonia from your local hardware store and some zip-lock plastic bags. Pour in 1/4 cup of ammonia into each bag with a gas burner in each then leave overnight and rinse in the morning.

They'll be clean and grease-free. No effort required!

5. Double line your kitchen bin

This little trick has changed my kitchen chores completely!

Double line your bin with black bags, the first lining will act as a protective barrier for your plastic bin and catch all the spills and gunk that may leak out of the second bag.

You can change the first bag whenever you need to -  it'll save you from washing and cleaning your bin as much.

6. Clean the gaps between your stove and counter with a knife

If you have a tiny gap where crumbs and other food particles like to settle, don't just let them live there for all eternity.

Take a knife and a slightly damp cloth and pop the cloth over the gap and slide the knife from one end to the other.  Check out Home Keeping for All for photo instructions.

7. Keep your sponge upright with bulldog clips

kitchen sponge
Nifty!

If your sponge is left laying flat in a pool of water, it'll encourage bacteria to breed faster. You'll end up needing to replace it more often than is necessary. 

Keep it fresh and dry by using some bulldog clips to hold it upright. It'll dry quicker and last much longer than a soggy sponge.

8. Line your grill pan and oven trays with foil

For easy cleanup, double line your trays with tin foil. It helps prevent the oil and grease from seeping through to the pan so you won't be scrubbing away thick grease ever again. You'll go through your kitchen foil quicker, but it's guaranteed to make tray cleaning easier.

This also stops your sink from getting clogged up with fat, because you can easily dispose of it into the bin. 

9. Blend soap and water in your blender for an easy clean

For easy-peasy cleaning, blend hot water and liquid soap in your blender then rinse out. It's far less perilous than sticking your hand into the jug and sponging the blade clean.

10. Clean a burnt pan with rhubarb

pots and pans
It's sure to sort them out!

Boil some water inside the burnt pot with some stalks of rhubarb. After three to four minutes, take the pot off of the heat and let the water cool. Grab a sponge and give it a quick wipe over and the stains should lift off.

11. Clean your microwave and sponge in one go

Leave a bowl of water in your microwave and put it on high heat. The steam will help lift off any stuck-on food so you can use a wet sponge to clean the inside of your microwave.

12. Banish cooking odours with vinegar and cloves

If you've been cooking strong-smelling ingredients like garlic and curry powders, get rid of any long-lasting smells by boiling a cup of distilled white vinegar and a couple of cloves in an uncovered saucepan for a few minutes.

13. Pick up a shattered glass with bread

Just don't eat it!

Quick - grab a slice of spongy packed bread and place it over the broken glass. It acts like a magnet to pick up even the smallest shards of glass.

14. Invest in a portable steam cleaner

These handy little cleaners use high-pressure steam so you can clean almost any surface with the need for cleaning products or detergents. They swiftly remove grime in even the most awkward of places, and they're fairly compact and lightweight to boot.

Clean your oven grills, tile grout, bathroom taps and showerheads effortlessly - your cleaning life will be changed forever!

15. If you're in a hurry grab some baby wipes!

baby wipes
Everyone should own a pack (or two!)

If you've got unexpected guests coming around or you just need everything to look clean quickly, grab some baby wipes! They're fantastic at making chrome appliances sparkle (for an hour or two at least) and surfaces shine.

NOTE: Baby wipes are bad for the environment. This tip should only be used in emergencies! Reusable cloths are a better alternative. 

Thanks for reading. If you enjoyed this article, please share it using the share button below!

Anushka F

Editor

A keen money-saver and fan of all things natural, Anushka enjoys making her own beauty products and is partial to a bit of crafting. Never short of a clever tip or two, she's always looking for new ways to make her money go even further.

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  1. Author Elizabeth Dunlop on October 7, 2015 at 9:35 am

    Howdo you get rid of biscuit crumbs that build up in the open joints at the bottom of biscuit boxes. The lid of the box is made of one piece of jointledd material, and on the ouitside underneath, there are no joints.

    1. Author Anushka F on October 8, 2015 at 2:14 pm

      Hi Elizabeth, thanks for your comment. I have the same problem with food containers! You could try sucking them out with a vacuum attachment, picking them out with a toothpick or a fine needle or with sellotape?

    Reply
  2. Author Elizabeth Dunlop on October 7, 2015 at 9:47 am

    Sorry about the spelling of some of the words. Plus I pressed the SEND button by mistake. To continue. Even with a hand held Dyson or a knife it is impossible to get rid of all these crumbs. They must constitute a health hazard as they lie there rotting.. I have asked the manufacturers to make biscuit tins seamless on the inside, but they seem more interested in the aesthetic outside look of a nice, seamless tin.

    1. Author susan bowden on March 5, 2016 at 9:07 pm

      I line mine with kitchen foil - it solves the problem!

    Reply
  3. Author Fiona Dallimore on October 7, 2015 at 12:00 pm

    Fantastic tips. About to use the microwave one now

    1. Author Anushka F on October 8, 2015 at 2:14 pm

      Fantastic Fiona. Hope it goes well!

    2. Author Allison Kidd on April 10, 2021 at 7:53 pm

      Put a little lemon juice in the water before you put it in the microwave.

    3. Author Joanne A on April 16, 2021 at 4:22 pm

      Great tip!

    Reply
  4. Author Linda Badham on March 5, 2016 at 11:41 am

    So handy to know about these very handy tips . I look forward to reading them all the time .

    1. Author Anushka F on March 22, 2016 at 10:23 am

      Aww thanks Linda, that's lovely to hear.

    Reply
  5. Author Donatello46 on March 5, 2016 at 12:28 pm

    I use a steam cleaner on my ceramic hob and it does a good job but to finish it off and give the hob a real sparkle, scrunch up a piece of old newspaper, pour a little distilled vinegar on the hob and scrub with the newspaper, you can leave it to dry or wipe off any residue with a piece of kitchen towel, OK, it leaves my kitchen smelling of distilled vinegar for a little while but the smell soon dissipates (particulrly if I open the window!)

    1. Author Anushka F on March 22, 2016 at 10:22 am

      Great tip! I often clean with vinegar and while the smell lingers for a few hours, it's worth it for the finish.

    Reply
  6. Author Donatello46 on March 5, 2016 at 12:42 pm

    Forgot to mention a couple of other items I have used with some success, fresh orange peel, the citric acid in the peel is quite good for lifting grease and the rough texture of the peel acts as a mild scourer. Also, rhubarb LEAVES, normally these are discarded as they are slightly poisonous, if they are fresh, squeeze them to release the sap or, if less fresh, soak them in warm water first, either way, use the leaves as you would a cleaning cloth - a word of caution, the active ingredient is oxalic acid so use kitchen gloves and wash your hands afterwards, oxalic acid is not normally fatally poisonous unles you have a sensitivity to it but it can certainly upset the GI system.

    1. Author Anushka F on March 22, 2016 at 10:22 am

      Thanks for sharing this, really very interesting. I love cleaning with rhubarb and your tip for using peel as a scourer is excellent!

    Reply
  7. Author Glenn on March 5, 2016 at 2:27 pm

    When double bagging the bin I always use one of the clothing bags that comes through the letterbox from these supposed charities that want your old shoes and clothes. These bags in fact come from unscrupulous eastern European gangs who think we are stupid enough to fall for their tricks.

    1. Author Anushka F on March 22, 2016 at 10:21 am

      Really? I wasn't aware there were scams to do with those charity bags.

    2. Author Donatello46 on April 16, 2016 at 10:19 am

      Sadly, some of them are but even the legit ones have a strange idea of how many clothes I have to give away, I've had three bags from the same charity in one week, I hang them up and collect rigid plastic containers (yogurt pots etc) prior to recycling.

    Reply
  8. Author Christine on March 5, 2016 at 2:30 pm

    Not a reply, as such, but a tip picked up from another customer in my local supermarket is a sure-fire way of ridding your home of marauding ants. Just combine equal quantities of icing sugar and bicarbonate of soda and scatter wherever needed. The icing sugar attracts the ants and the bicarb destroys them. This is particularly safe if you have any pets around.

    1. Author Anushka F on March 22, 2016 at 10:19 am

      Hi Christine, that's a really interesting tip. I will try it in the Summer. Thanks for sharing, Anushka

    Reply
  9. Author Helen on March 5, 2016 at 4:43 pm

    I have just found my christening gown from 1952 whilst clearing my parents house. It is white cotton but stained in front. I've tried soaking in Napisan and a touch of bleach. All by hand to no avail. Any ideas please. I like and enjoy your blog

    1. Author Anushka F on March 22, 2016 at 10:18 am

      Hi Helen, have you tried bicarbonate of soda mixed with water? Mix 4 tbsp. of baking soda with 1/4 cup of water to make a general stain remover. Let it sit it before washing!

    2. Author Helen smith on April 16, 2016 at 1:14 pm

      Thanks - I somehow missed your reply until today. I'll try it and report back. I also found my 1972 wedding dress with possibly a gravy stain so will try that too. Thanks

    3. Author Anushka F on May 9, 2016 at 1:30 pm

      No worries, oh good luck with that!

    Reply
  10. Author angela on March 6, 2016 at 4:21 am

    Sorry - but a lot of these tips are useless/pathetic

    1. Author Anushka F on March 22, 2016 at 10:15 am

      Hi Angela, I'm sorry to hear you think that!

    2. Author Fiona on October 23, 2019 at 3:27 pm

      Your Tips are great Anushka - Ignore the trolls xxx

    Reply
  11. Author Simon on March 6, 2016 at 8:38 am

    I also use pastry brushes to clean the dust out of my computer. Just remember to run the brush along the metal case (while plugged in) to remove any static build up before you begin. Been doing this for years. They make cleaning a PC much easier.

    1. Author Anushka F on March 22, 2016 at 10:14 am

      Great tip Simon. Thanks for sharing, I will be sure to try that.

    Reply
  12. Author Anne Elizabeth Zokas on March 7, 2016 at 12:11 pm

    Hi! Really interesting tips. Will use some of them in my kitchen. Thanks for sharing. Anne.

    1. Author Anushka F on March 15, 2016 at 3:51 pm

      Thanks Anne!I hope they work out for you.

    Reply
  13. Author Tim Spence on March 9, 2016 at 3:45 pm

    Very american! UK don't use air con etc Why not put the gas burner frames through your dish washer (assuming you have one!) And I haven't seen citrus fruit in a net in the UK in thirty years!

    1. Author Anushka F on March 15, 2016 at 3:55 pm

      Hi Tim! Thanks for the comments, good tip on the gas burners. I know a few people who have air con devices and I just bought a bag of easy-peelers in a net the other day. I thought they were still used?

    2. Author Jo on July 21, 2017 at 4:32 pm

      He must shop at strange grocery shops. I find fresh citrus fruit in every shop that I go to in the uk., including all of the major suppliers!

    3. Author Jacky Montgomery on January 7, 2020 at 10:09 am

      I always buy citrus fruit in net bags, he must be a hermit if he hasn't seen them for 30 years!

    Reply
  14. Author Roseruby on March 12, 2016 at 3:13 pm

    I just love this page.. it's the best thing on the internet THANKS to everyone ,

    1. Author Anushka F on March 15, 2016 at 3:56 pm

      Wow what an accolade! Very happy with that, thank you!

    Reply
  15. Author Kathy Fakes on April 16, 2016 at 9:04 am

    I love your tips and you will always get one or more that do not agree.

    1. Author Anushka F on May 9, 2016 at 1:31 pm

      This is true! Glad to hear you are enjoying the tips...

    Reply
  16. Author Ron on April 16, 2016 at 4:11 pm

    How to remove burnt on oil and grease on bottom of a frying pan or saucepan or what has anyone got any tips for an easy clean as I have arthritis in the hands thank you

    1. Author Anushka F on May 9, 2016 at 1:56 pm

      I find hot water soak with a powerful kitchen cleaning product can work quite well.

    2. Author Jan on February 27, 2017 at 12:13 pm

      I have found that the best way to remove burnt on food from saucepans is to boil water in them with a scoop of biological washing powder. I find washing powder is really good for any cleaning jobs in the kitchen.

    3. Author Anushka F on March 8, 2017 at 2:39 pm

      Thanks for sharing Jan, will have to give it a go.

    Reply
  17. Author Ron on April 16, 2016 at 4:22 pm

    How can i get stains out of a matress please can you help thank you

    1. Author Anushka F on May 9, 2016 at 1:30 pm

      Hi Ron, I would use a good stain removing product, maybe something from the Vanish range?

    Reply
  18. Author sejal rabheru on April 16, 2016 at 10:04 pm

    hi I have a microwave/ oven, the very back inside it has got brown stains, I have tried allsorts to get rid of them, including a lemon in water, etc, can u suggest anything to help, thanks!

    1. Author Anushka F on May 9, 2016 at 1:28 pm

      Hi Sejal, have you tried hot water, white vinegar and a good scourer? Simple, but effective.

    Reply
  19. Author Lesley on April 17, 2016 at 5:55 am

    I don't agree with Tim's comments - citrus fruit always comes either loose or in netting - at least in the shops I go in, which range from Aldi to Sainsburys. And not everyone has a dishwasher - I don't and wouldn't want one. I use cotton buds for cleaning along grooves - get the gunk out first then dip a fresh cotton bud in bleach and run it along again.

    Reply
  20. Author Karen MacAllister on April 19, 2016 at 10:17 pm

    I clean round edges of my washing machine, baths, sinks and anything with books and crannys with toothpicks works a treat. Lemon juice or any citric fruit is great for cleaning bathrooms and kitchens and leaves a nice clean, fresh smell.

    Reply
  21. Author dave on April 27, 2016 at 6:18 am

    I put the laundry/ fabric sheets on the radiators and it has the same affect as it would with an air con.

    1. Author Anushka F on May 9, 2016 at 2:13 pm

      Interesting tip...

    Reply
  22. Author dave on April 27, 2016 at 6:20 am

    Also bread is good for rubbing marks from off the walls or as a rubber.

    1. Author Anushka F on May 9, 2016 at 2:13 pm

      I will have to try this one out!

    Reply
  23. Author Alison Milne on February 27, 2017 at 12:17 pm

    Above it says this steam cleaner i went to order and its £34.99

    1. Author Sue on July 19, 2017 at 1:00 pm

      this was originally posted in 2015 ... prices rise :(

    Reply
  24. Author Chris on February 27, 2017 at 5:19 pm

    Love your page - I use Calvin in my washing machine but it does not get rid of the black marks in the wash/conditioner drawer - any ideas for this please.

    1. Author Anushka F on March 8, 2017 at 2:36 pm

      Hi Chris I usually just take it out and give it a good scrub with hot water and dish cleaner.

    Reply
  25. Author Julie T on May 10, 2017 at 11:30 am

    Hi I wondered how anyone can get a wet sponge to stand upright? Dry, yes but wet? Is it just me?

    Reply
  26. Author Rene on May 11, 2017 at 8:11 am

    Hi, this is a tip I have learned from my wide use of Milton Steriliser in the home. For any stained white fabric. Mix 4 tablespoons of milton solution with 1 tablespoon of washing powder. Apply direct to the stain. It will disappear and leave your whites whiter.

    1. Author Stephanie C on May 11, 2017 at 10:11 am

      Hi Rene. We love all the washing tips we can get our hands on - thanks for sharing! :)

    Reply
  27. Author V on July 19, 2017 at 8:19 am

    Good tips. Some I'd not heard before. Well done for keeping it fresh.

    1. Author Stephanie C on July 19, 2017 at 4:18 pm

      Hi Vera. Thanks for your kind comment - we aim to please! :)

    Reply
  28. Author Jo Jones on July 19, 2017 at 9:01 am

    If you soak the wash/conditioner drawer of your washing machine in a sterilising solution such as Milton, & wipe It clean, then leave the drawer slightly open when not in use it will not get the black marks.

    1. Author Stephanie C on July 19, 2017 at 4:18 pm

      Hi Jo. We love hearing about new tips - thanks for sharing yours. We'll definitely be trying this :)

    Reply
  29. Author PAULINE LOMAX on July 27, 2017 at 2:11 am

    I really enjoy the tips that are shared with us and disagree with Angela, I have tried so many of the tips you publish and they work really well. So thank you for sharing :) I use a pastry brush to clean out the grooves in the top of my radiators (double ones) it is so much easier. If anyone has smelly shoes or trainers that strink out the cupboard put a tumble dryer sheet in each one, it works wonders. My son has a habit of leaving the sheet in his trainers and this makes his socks smell good too. He bathes his feet in a decent after shave (not expensive) after he has a bath or shower and this soaks into his pores. He only needs to do this once a month, I think people who make trainers need to consider what they do to feet and have sympathy for our noses! Perhaps they could provide smelly fresheners :) For the lady who has found the christening dress etc, have you tried the net curtain cleaning solution you can buy? It worked well on my wedding dress when I got it back after lending it out. I managed to shift the grass stains around the bottom as well as something that looked like red wine. Good luck anyway.

    1. Author Stephanie C on July 31, 2017 at 5:31 pm

      Hi Pauline. Thanks a lot for your kind comments - we love sharing our tips with you. Your tips are also fab! It sounds like you have loads of experience. I particularly like the pastry brush idea :)

    Reply
  30. Author Paula on August 16, 2019 at 9:33 am

    Can you give me any tips on cleaning my glass topped dining table please. I have used window cleaners, white vinegar etc but still looks smeared

    1. Author Joanne A on August 19, 2019 at 12:10 pm

      Hi Paula! Have you tried using newspaper to buff it out? It might be that the cloth you're applying products with could be causing the smearing.

    Reply
  31. Author Lesley Bound on January 7, 2020 at 2:30 pm

    A small pot of bicarbonate of soda makes a good fridge deodoriser and I use cut halves of lemons to remove limescale from tap spouts, just tie them in place and leave overnight and the limescale comes away easily, I've used lemons I've squeezed for juice and this works just as well and no wasting the lemon shell : )

    1. Author Joanne A on January 7, 2020 at 4:26 pm

      Fab ideas, Lesley!

    Reply
  32. Author Ann Barlow on January 27, 2020 at 9:53 pm

    To get rid of grease stains in your clothing sprinkle talcum powder over it, then leave as long as possible. Shake the excess talcum powder off & wash as normal. Hey presto! Grease stain gone.

    1. Author Joanne A on January 28, 2020 at 10:35 am

      Fab tip! Thanks, Ann.

    Reply
  33. Author Adele Jakob on May 24, 2021 at 9:07 am

    These six tips for cleaning a kitchen are really helpful. This content is just brilliant you described everything very well in it. Thanks a lot.Need more informative content in the future. :)

    1. Author Joanne A on May 26, 2021 at 3:59 pm

      Thanks, Adele!

    Reply
  34. Author Jayne Wilkinson on October 13, 2021 at 9:58 am

    I use greaseproof paper under whatever I'm cooking in the oven , even under joints and their accompanying roast potato's. I find sometimes foil can stick to food while this paper never does and it means you don't have to scrub away at pans.

    1. Author Joanne A on October 11, 2022 at 9:28 am

      That's a good idea!

    Reply
  35. Author Matthew Harrison on February 15, 2024 at 1:49 pm

    Very useful thanks!

    1. Author Joanne A on February 15, 2024 at 4:43 pm

      You're very welcome!

    Reply
  36. Author Judy stumph on February 21, 2024 at 6:35 pm

    To clean a pan you have burned food in, Ann a little dish washer liquid and water. Warm water and let soak

    1. Author Joanne A on April 15, 2024 at 11:04 am

      Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

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