We're reader-supported and only partner with brands we trust. When you buy through links on our site we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn More. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date and time indicated and are subject to change.
1. Make hash browns in a waffle iron.
- Season shredded potatoes.
- Pour about 1/2 cup of the potatoes onto a greased waffle maker and cook until tender or crisp.
2. Dry leftover fresh herbs in a microwave.
Rosemary, thyme, oregano, and marjoram work best.
- Pick the leaves off the herbs and spread them on a microwaveable plate lined with two paper towels.
- Cover herbs with a paper towel.
- Microwave for 1 minute on high.
- Continue microwaving in 20-second increments until herbs are dry. Completely dried herbs will crumble when you try to bend them.
3. Kill bacteria and remove odors from jeans by putting them in a freezer.
Odor-causing bacteria will die in freezing temperatures, and your denim’s dye won’t fade from overwashing.
4. Make ice in a muffin tin.
This works perfectly when serving drinks in a large beverage container or pitcher for parties.
5. Extend a wax candle’s burning time by placing it in the freezer.
Put a wax candle in your freezer for about a day before lighting it, and find that it will burn slower and last about twice as long.
Related: 11 Genius Tips to Make Cleaning the Bathroom Easier
6. Disinfect toys, brushes, flip-flops and more in a dishwasher.
So long as the item is dishwasher-safe, you can wash and disinfect kid and pet toys, toothbrushes, dish sponges, rubber footwear, brushes and combs (yes, the kind for hair), stove burners, vent covers, grills, cup and fixture covers, small tools, scissors, pulls and knobs, outlet shields, and small shelves and drawers. Put the smallest items in mesh laundry bags before you wash.
7. Turn kitchen scraps into liquid compost with a blender.
Break down food waste (egg shells, coffee grounds, food scraps) quickly by using a high-powered blender (note: don’t try to blend banana peels and other tough food scraps without a high-powered blender). Puree food scraps with water and spread throughout your garden. You may want to add water and work the soil with a small shovel to ensure all nutrients are absorbed.
8. Get more juice out of lemons and limes by microwaving them for 20 seconds before squeezing.
9. Make instant oatmeal or ramen with the water in a Keurig.
10. Freeze leftover fresh herbs with olive oil in ice cube trays.
After your fresh herbs and olive oil have frozen, store cubes in a labeled freezer bag. No need to defrost when they’re required in a recipe. Just throw what’s needed in your dish as you’re cooking.
See our how-to video here.
11. Neutralize bacteria on sponges in the microwave.
Microwave slightly dampened sponges on high for 60 seconds to kill bacteria.
Related: 13 Cold Weather Hacks to Help You Survive Winter
