Latest news with #kitchenhacks
CNET
6 days ago
- General
- CNET
Dust Off Your Swiss Army Knife: Here Are 7 Ways To Use the Multi-Tool Around the House
You don't need to be a Scout to get daily use out of your Swiss Army Knife. The handy, multipurpose tool was designed to aid in a slew of chores in addition to all those hiking, camping and outdoor tasks. There are a lot of ways to employ a Swiss Army Knife to make everyday tasks easier, from pruning houseplants to popping a wine cork. "Blending expert artisanship with intelligent functionality, the Swiss-made knives offer up to 73 functions and provide smart solutions to master everyday life situations," says Franziska Hoffmann-Fröde, head of the product category at Victorinox, the product's primary manufacturer. If you've acquired your very own Swiss Army knife -- or a comparable small multitool -- and are searching for inspiration, look no further than these eight tips to take full advantage of your purchase. It may even replace some of your go-to cooking gadgets or household tools. 1. Peeling fruits and vegetables Your Swiss Army Knife is a capable vegetable peeler. David Watsky/CNET Avocado-cutting hand injuries, be gone! Many knives and multitools contain both small and large blades to safely peel fruits and veggies. The small blade is ideal for peeling practically any type of produce while the large blade is "precise and handy" for other tasks such as slicing apples and bananas, Hoffmann-Fröde says. 2. Scaling fish Whether you're enjoying the fruits of your fishing trip or preparing a fresh cut from the supermarket, a fish scaler works astonishingly well at -- you guessed it -- scaling fish. Now your filets will be free of the scales and skin that can overpower a dish. 3. Pruning plants and flowers The big blade is perfect for pruning neglected houstplants. David Watsky/CNET Plants and fresh-cut flowers can brighten an otherwise dull and sterile kitchen space. Use your Swiss Army knife to prune these living things so they remain colorful and vibrant. "First, sanitize the blade with alcohol or soap and water, then cut any damaged leaves or leggy stems," says Hoffman-Fröde. 4. Opening shellfish Shucking fresh clams, oysters and mussels is no longer a chore with the flathead screwdriver, designed to be inserted into the shells' hinge so that they pop open easily. 5. Removing gunk and grime The small utility blade is great for cleaning grime out of small grooves and other tight spots. David Watsky The flathead screwdriver can also assist with kitchen clean-up in hard-to-reach places, especially in the space between your countertop and stove. "Gently push or scrape to dislodge crumbs, grease or other sticky substances," says Hoffmann-Fröde. 6. Deciphering fine print Labels, expiration dates and cookbook text can be aggravatingly tiny and challenging to read. Luckily, your Swiss Army knife has a magnifying glass to make out the fine print and ensure that you use the right amount of (unexpired!) ingredients. 7. Cutting seals and opening wine If this is the only thing you use your SAK for, it'd still be worth it. David Watsky/CNET Cheers to the Swiss Army knife's ability to not only cut through the seal of any liquor bottle but also uncork wine. The small blade and corkscrew work in tandem to open your favorite libations so that less energy is spent hassling with packaging and you can move on to enjoying your beverage with a favorite appetizer or meal. Swiss Army knife tools The fish scaler tool is the piece with the jagged edge on a Swiss Army knife. Getty Images Before you partake in the aforementioned kitchen activities, becoming more familiar with the Swiss Army knife's features is important. The standard Huntsman model from Victorinox touts a whopping 15 tools, including large and small blades, corkscrew, reamer, punch and sewing awl, scissors, wood saw, multipurpose hook, key ring, tweezers, toothpick, can opener, bottle opener, wire stripper and two screwdrivers.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
Kmart shopper's unlikely use for viral $15 product: 'Easy to clean'
Whether they're transforming tablecloths into curtains or finding unique ways to increase under-sink storage, Kmart shoppers are often some of the most innovative people on the internet when it comes to repurposing. An Aussie mum has recently showcased her creativity by using a popular $15 bathroom product from the retail store to solve a common problem in the kitchen. Deanna (@ posted a video revealing that she had purchased Kmart's Stone Dry Bath Mat and Tray Set a few months ago to use as a drying rack for her dishes, and was thrilled with the results. In fact, she said she loved it so much that she ended up buying a second one last week. 'It's fantastic, I really love it. For the price, it was great,' she said. 'If you look online for anything remotely similar to this, you're looking at like $50.' RELATED: $13 Kmart product to completely transform your living space: 'Very affordable' Kmart shoppers praise 'brilliant' kitchen storage idea using unlikely $9 item Kmart find transforms caravan family's kitchen for $10: 'We don't have drawers' Deanna tells Yahoo Lifestyle that she uses a similar product in the bathroom but thinks it's also perfect for the kitchen because it looks neat, absorbs the water from the wet plates and glassware, and can be stored in the cupboard when not in use. 'It's easy to clean and maintain, doesn't get a damp, wet smell, and looks aesthetically pleasing,' she adds. 'I keep the bathmat clean by washing it with soapy water and then wiping it down with a clean cloth. I recommend wiping it down if there is a lot of excess water to keep the mat from getting a buildup of water.' While Kmart sells a $10 stone drying mat specifically designed for use in the kitchen, Deanna says she prefers the bath mat because it's a much larger size. The drying mat is 40cm by 30cm, while the bath mat is 60cm by 39cm. Another perk of the bath mat as opposed to the drying mat is that it comes with an additional small tray, which Deanna uses to store her dishwashing liquid on. 'I usually leave it just near the sink, and it's great. It picks up any of the residue that comes out, and even the water off my hands, it collects that, and then I can just wipe it down,' she details. Kmart has recently released an even larger stone dry bath mat, which is 75cm by 50cm, and features a cube design rather than stripes. Social media users have since taken to the comments of Deanna's video to applaud her clever idea, with some people admitting they've already been using the bath mat as a drying mat. 'Great idea,' one person wrote, while another added, 'That is genius!'. SHOP: 🍕 Domino's brings back 'unexpected' $7 menu item: 'Soft and fluffy' 🧣Aussie brand Oodie brings out new winter range '400 sold daily' ☀️ Tax laws to burn Aussies on summer essential: 'Many of us struggle' 'I use it as well, have done since it came out!' a third shared, followed by someone else who said, 'I've been doing that for ages'. 'I use mine for the water bowls for my cats,' a different user replied. The Stone Dry Bath Mat and Tray Set currently has a 4.7-star review on Kmart's website, with shoppers describing it as "outstanding", "very good quality" and "great value for money".
Daily Mail
24-05-2025
- Science
- Daily Mail
You're chopping onions wrong! Scientists reveal how to cut the vegetable without crying - and their method is surprisingly simple
From Italian pasta sauces to Indian curries, dishes from around the world all feature one key ingredient - the humble onion. While they're undoubtedly delicious, onions can be a nightmare to chop. Thankfully, the days of reaching for the tissues or succumbing to the swimming goggles are a thing of the past. Scientists have revealed how to cut onions without crying - and their method is surprisingly simple. According to a team at Cornell University, the secret to tear-free onion cutting is simply a sharp knife and a slow cut. This method reduces the amount of onion juice that sprays into the air and gets into your eyes. 'Our findings demonstrate that blunter blades increase both the speed and number of ejected droplets,' the team explained. '[This provides] experimental validation for the widely held belief that sharpening knives reduces onion-induced tearing.' Previous studies have shown that onions cause eye irritation due to the release of a chemical called syn-propanethial-S-oxide. However, until now, the best tactic to reduce the amount of this chemical spewed into the air during slicing has remained a mystery. To answer this question once and for all, the team set up a special guillotine which could be fitted with different types of blades. During their trials, they sliced onions with varying knife sizes, sharpness, and cutting speed. As they cut the onions, the researchers filmed the setup to assess exactly how much juice was being ejected into the air. Their results revealed that the amount of spray came down to two key factors. Firstly, the sharpness of the knife - with sharp blades resulting in less spray. 'Duller knives tended to push down on the onion, forcing its layers to bend inward,' the experts explained in a statement. 'As the cut ensued, the layers sprang back, forcing juice out into the air.' Secondly, the speed of the cut was found to affect the amount of juice released. While you might think that a quick cut would result in less spray, surprisingly this wasn't the case. 'Faster cutting also resulted in more juice generation, and thus more mist to irritate the eyes,' the team explained. Based on the findings, if you want to cut your onions with minimal tears, it's best to opt for a sharp knife and a slow cut. 'Beyond comfort, this practice also plays a critical role in minimizing the spread of airborne pathogens in kitchens, particularly when cutting vegetables with tough outer layers capable of storing significant elastic energy prior to rupture,' the experts added in their study, published in arXiv. CAUSES OF BAD BREATH (HALITOSIS) There are a number of possible causes of halitosis: Poor oral hygiene This is the most common cause. Bacteria that build up on your teeth – particularly between them – as well as your tongue and gums, can produce unpleasant-smelling gases. These bacteria are also responsible for gum disease and tooth decay. Food and drink Eating strongly flavoured foods, such as garlic, onions and spices, is likely to make your breath smell. Strong-smelling drinks, such as coffee and alcohol, can also cause bad breath. Bad breath caused by food and drink is usually temporary. Good dental hygiene will also help. Smoking As well as making your breath smell, smoking stains your teeth, irritates your gums, and reduces your sense of taste. It can also significantly affect the development of gum disease, another major cause of bad breath. Crash dieting Crash dieting, fasting, and low-carbohydrate diets are another possible cause of bad breath. They cause the body to break down fat, which produces chemicals called ketones that can be smelled on your breath. Medication These include: nitrates – these are sometimes used to treat angina; some chemotherapy medication; and tranquillisers (phenothiazines). If the medication you're taking is causing bad breath, your GP may be able to recommend an alternative. Medical conditions In rare cases, bad breath can be caused by certain medical conditions. In dry mouth (xerostomia), the flow and composition of saliva may be affected. Dry mouth can sometimes be caused by a problem in the salivary glands or by breathing through your mouth instead of your nose. In some cases, gastrointestinal conditions can also cause bad breath. For example, a bacterial infection of the stomach lining and small intestine (H. pylori infection) and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) have been linked to bad breath. Other medical conditions that can cause bad breath include diabetes and lung, throat, or nose infections – for example, bronchiectasis, bronchitis, tonsillitis, and sinusitis.
The Sun
14-05-2025
- General
- The Sun
Surprising kitchen staple that helps remove stubborn rust from your BBQ – and works on garden tools too
CLEANING fans have discovered a surprising hack to remove stubborn rust from a BBQ. As we roll into the summer, it is time to give your old grill a good scrub and bring it back to life. 2 Brits across the country will soon be gathering to enjoy barbecues with their families and friends. However, it is important to clean your BBQ before inviting guests as to not interfere with the quality of taste. One kitchen staple can work wonders in helping you revive your BBQ. You just need to apply some ketchup to a rusty spot, leave it for a while to do its magic and scrub away. The unusual method also works on garden tools when you mix ketchup with vinegar. However, don't forget to lubricate your garden gadgets' springs and pivots after the wash. Another kitchen essential that can be used to clean a grill is an onion. You may think that onions are only good for adding flavour to hot dogs and burgers, but they can actually be used to get rid of grease too. Bargain hunters are going mad for portable gas BBQ that has £40 off at Costco and it's perfect for weekends away Experts from Shark said: "This hack works best when the grill is still warm, so it's not something you can do just after removing your barbecue from winter storage. "Nevertheless, it's perfect for keeping your grill reasonably clean throughout the barbecuing season. "Cut an onion in half, attach it to a large fork, and rub it over the bars of the grill. "The onion release juices which turn into steam and dissolve grease and grime with relative ease." If all else fails, you can use leftover beer to scrub your barbecue. And you don't even have to sacrifice an entire bottle, as a little goes a long way. The acidity and carbonation of beer can help loosen grease and grime that has built up on your grill. Government advice on BBQ safety The UK Government have issued some guidelines for staying safe whilst using a barbecue: Keep a bucket of water, sand or a garden hose nearby for emergencies. Follow the safety instructions provided with your gas, charcoal, or disposable barbecue. Never use a barbecue indoors, in a tent, under an awning or in a caravan. Use enough charcoal to cover the base of the barbecue, but not more (normally around 5cms or 2 inches). Keep children, pets and garden games away from the cooking area. After cooking, make sure the barbecue is cool before moving it. Empty ashes onto bare garden soil, not into dustbins or wheelie bins. If they're hot, they can melt the plastic and cause a fire. Make sure your barbecue is well away from sheds, fences, trees, shrubs or garden waste. In the countryside or public park areas, only use disposable barbecues where there are specially designated areas and carefully follow the safety guidance. Enjoy yourself, but don't drink too much alcohol if you are in charge of the barbecue. Never use petrol or paraffin to start or revive your barbecue; use only recognised lighters or starter fuels on cold coals.
CNET
13-05-2025
- General
- CNET
The One Kitchen Spot You're Probably Forgetting to Clean (and an Easy Hack to Fix It)
Keeping your kitchen clean is a never-ending task, but there's one sneaky spot that loves to collect grime: the narrow gap between your stove and the counter. It's a magnet for crumbs, grease splatters and anything else that escapes your countertops -- and it's tough to clean without moving the entire stove. Since most of your cooking happens on the stovetop and nearby counter space, it makes sense that this area attracts debris. But ignoring it doesn't just look bad, it can also invite unwanted pests. The problem? Most of us avoid cleaning that tight space because moving the stove is a hassle (and let's be honest, kind of risky). Here's the good news. You can stop crumbs in their tracks and keep that hard-to-reach crevice just as clean as the rest of your kitchen with one kitchen staple: aluminum foil. No scrubbing, no lifting, no problem. Fore more kitchen upgrades, explore the best dishwashers, best washing machines and best refrigerators of the year. How to use aluminum foil to keep the stove gap clean CNET Measure the length of the gap between your stove and counter. Add about 4 inches to that number. Tear off a sheet of aluminum foil to match that length. Fold the foil strip in half lengthwise. Fold up the edges to create a shallow "boat" shape. No need for perfection. Just make sure the sides are high enough to catch spills. Gently slide your foil boat into the gap so it rests on the floor and stays out of sight. A fresh boat ready for floor-protecting duty. Alina Bradford/CNET That's it. Think of it like a mini drip tray for that tricky crevice. When it gets dirty, just toss it and replace it with a fresh one. It's a low-effort solution for a cleaner kitchen -- and one less mess to worry about. For more cleaning tips, explore how to wash your bedding the right way and how to clean your kitchen in less than 15 minutes.
