5 Five-Minute Ways to Clean Your Kitchen (Using Stuff You Already Have on Hand)

Cut a lemon in half, squeeze its juice into a small bowl of water, add both lemon halves into the bowl, then zap it in the microwave for five minutes. The fresh scent will eliminate pesky cooking odors, and condensation from the citrusy steam will loosen hardened splatters so you can easily wipe them away with a damp cloth.

For narrow-necked decanters, flutes and vases that seem impossible to clean thoroughly, fill halfway with warm water, dishwashing soap, a touch of white vinegar and one cup of uncooked rice. Swoosh the mixture around for two minutes (while the rice “scrubs” the sides). Then rinse, air-dry and behold the sparkle.

Did you know that anything stainless in your kitchen (your stove, refrigerator, trash can, appliances, etc.) can be shined up like new with a little organic coconut oil? Apply a dab (or spritz) to a high-microfiber cloth and watch smudges disappear like magic.

Don’t even think about trying this tip with your silicone or plastic cutting boards, but a quick water rinse followed by a 60-second zap in ye old microwave is the fastest and easiest way to rid your wooden cutting boards of any nasty, lingering bacteria. (Psst: It works for sponges, too.)

It’s the new baking soda, guys. Simply fill a small bowl with aromatic coffee grounds and place it on a shelf in your refrigerator. Swap in new grounds every couple months for a fresh, morning scent.

*Kitchen hacks courtesy of the cleaning professionals at Thumbtack.