The start of a new year is the perfect time to refresh your home routines and discover hacks that simplify daily tasks. Whether cooking, cleaning, or tackling laundry, these top home hacks will help you make the most of your household appliances and save time and money.
Kitchen Hacks
1. Use a Sheet Pan Liner For Easy Cleanup
Cooking on sheet pans can lead to burned-on messes, but a simple trick makes life much easier. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or aluminum foil before cooking anything. This not only prevents food from sticking but also makes cleanup a breeze. Just toss the liner, and your sheet pan is as good as new (and might not even need a rinse!)
2. Microwave Mason Jar Cleaning
Microwaves can get grimy and sticky quickly, but cleaning them doesn't have to be time-consuming. Just fill a mason jar or coffee mug halfway with water, add a few slices of lemon, and microwave for about 3-5 minutes. As the steam loosens food and grease splatters inside the microwave, the lemon makes everything smell nice and clean. Finish the job with a quick wipe of the inside, and you're all set.
3. Scrape, Don't Rinse
Instead of rinsing dishes under the faucet before loading them into the dishwasher, simply scrape off large food particles. Modern dishwashers are designed to handle food residue. Plus, rinsing uses a lot of extra water and can affect the detergent's effectiveness. By adopting this hack, you can conserve water, save energy (less hot water used), and get cleaner dishes in many cases. Extra tip: This hack works best if you do it right after eating and before the contents dry. Really dirty items or baked-on food may still require a light rinse; scraping alone is sufficient for most everyday dishes.
4. Dishwasher Cleaning with Vinegar
To keep your dishwasher running smoothly and smelling fresh, run an empty cycle with a bowl or cup of white vinegar upright on the top rack. Vinegar dissolves grease and mineral deposits, deodorizes the machine, and prevents clogs. This natural and inexpensive method helps maintain your dishwasher's performance. It is also a good idea to clean any filters regularly for any particles that might get trapped inside. Your appliance manual should have location details for the filters.
5. Dishwasher Cleaning for More Than Dishes
Your dishwasher can clean more than just dishes. It's great for washing plastic toys, range hood filters, and even non-electrical air fryer parts. Be sure the items are dishwasher-safe and use the gentle cycle. This trick saves time and maximizes your dishwasher's use.
6. Refrigerator Organization with Bins
Clear storage bins help maximize the organization potential of your refrigerator. Group similar items (condiments, snacks, produce) in bins or even spinning organizers (think a lazy susan with walls.) Rotate items to keep them front of mind and reduce waste.
7. Use Your Oven for Storage (Safely)
In smaller kitchens, space is always at a premium. If you don't use your oven daily, consider using it for storage. It's a great place to store baking sheets, cooling racks, and oven-safe cookware. Remember to remove items before using the oven. Use stackable trays to organize items neatly. This maximizes kitchen space without compromising functionality.
Laundry Hacks
8. Laundry Stripping for Deep Cleaning Clothes
Laundry stripping is a recent TikTok trend for deep-cleaning fabrics. Soak towels and sheets in hot water, baking soda, and detergent. This solution removes residue and odors, restoring softness and absorbency. It's especially helpful for items that feel stiff or smell musty. We've even seen people laundry stripping area rugs in a bathtub, and the amount of dirt that stays behind is nothing short of astonishing.
9. Prevent Clothes from Clumping and Shrinking in the Dryer
To prevent clothes from shrinking in the dryer, use dryer balls. These balls circulate air, reducing drying time and minimizing shrinkage. They also keep clothes from clumping, allowing them to dry more evenly. This simple method extends the life of your clothes.
10. Wash Your Washing Machine
Just like your laundry, your washing machine needs cleaning too. It's easy! Run a hot water cycle with one cup of baking soda and one cup of white vinegar. This removes grime, odors, and residue, leaving your washing machine smelling fresh and working more efficiently. Cleaning your machine monthly ensures it remains in top condition.
Whole Home Hacks
11. Steam Mop Your Walls
Cleaning walls might seem daunting, but a steam mop can make the task easier and more eco-friendly. These versatile tools, typically used for floors, can also effectively clean painted walls and tiled surfaces. Steam lifts dirt and grime without harsh chemicals, sanitizing your walls and leaving your home feeling fresh. If you don't have a steam mop, we've seen people use the TikTok popular spin mop on walls, too.
12. Smart Appliance Power-Saving Settings
Modern appliances often have power-saving features. Consult your appliance manuals to learn about these eco-friendly settings, which reduce water and energy usage without compromising performance. Utilizing these settings can lower your utility bills and reduce your environmental impact.
13. Smart Speaker Reminders for Chores
Use your smart speaker to streamline chores. Set reminders for tasks like running the dishwasher or rotating laundry. Schedule recurring alerts for weekly tasks like changing air filters. Pairing your smart speaker with home appliances can further automate your cleaning routine.
We hope these simple home hacks help you keep your home cleaner and more organized and your appliances running smoothly. However, if you're having trouble with any of your appliances, call us at any of our six area Judd & Black Appliance locations. Our in-house Service Department will be glad to help!