Citchen 2019-01-02T05:31:22Z https://citchen.co/feed/atom/ WordPress admin <![CDATA[13 DIY Cup Planters to Beautify Your Home and Kitchen]]> https://citchen.co/?p=1815 2018-06-09T18:15:24Z 2018-06-09T18:15:24Z If you love plants and have got some unused teacups in your kitchen, these ideas are worth a look! 1. Miniature Garden Create a miniature version of a garden to…

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If you love plants and have got some unused teacups in your kitchen, these ideas are worth a look!

1. Miniature Garden

Create a miniature version of a garden to dress up your garden or home beautifully. This is a fun project that you can do with your kids! Visit Camp Makery to get the full tutorial.

2. Mug Herb Garden

How about planting a herb world inside a coffee mug? You can add chalkboard marking to make it easy for you to recognize the herb! We found the idea here.

3. Spring Under Glass

What great idea to preserve spring under glass to welcome March! Just plant your tea-cup garden and further, follow the instructions available here.

4. Succulent Planter

If you love gardening, but at the same time you don’t have enough time to take care of the plants, then this idea might catch your attention!  Create this easy to care succulent tea-cup planter with the help of this article.

5. Hanging Cup Planters

Make better use of k-cups rather than throwing them. Create a vertical hanging garden instead! A few necessary supplies and this tutorial will be of help for you to create one for yourself.

6. Tea-Cup Flower Graden

Plant beautiful and colorful flowers or herbs inside a tea-cup to recreate this pretty planter idea. Get the tutorial here.

7. Decorative Teacup Planter

Paint an ordinary tea-cup to give it an exciting look and then follow this tutorial to plant a garden inside the cup!

8. Garden Planters

Reuse your old tea-cups and saucers to fit in garden planters inside them! Use them either as party favors or as a centerpiece for any festivity. Here’s the DIY.

9. Outdoor Garden

Another teacup garden idea for you to follow. Upcycle a beautiful set of teacup and saucer to showcase in your outdoor garden or windowsill.

10. Fairy Garden

Create this cup fairy garden with cute little ornaments and artificial moss! Visit See Vanessa Craft for detailed instructions.

11. Cup Cactus Planter

Gather some pebbles, artificial toys, miniature cactus and potting soil to replicate this project. We found the idea at Mother Earth News.

12. Sconce Cup Planter

Dress Up your porch by making these sconce cup planters. Purchase or reuse a vintage sconce along with a beautiful pair of teacups to duplicate this DIY.

13. Teacup Fairy Garden

One more fairy garden idea, although a bit more engaging than the project above! Check out the tutorial at Life is a Party.

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admin <![CDATA[25 DIY Ideas to Get Rid of Stinky Smells in the Kitchen]]> https://citchen.co/?p=1210 2019-01-02T05:31:22Z 2017-12-14T16:09:49Z Don’t waste money on air fresheners and other chemical products when you can get rid of kitchen odors, with these easy DIY Ideas! 1. Simmer some spices Liven up the…

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Don’t waste money on air fresheners and other chemical products when you can get rid of kitchen odors, with these easy DIY Ideas!

1. Simmer some spices

Liven up the stale kitchen air by simmering a handful of cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, and cloves with some lemon peel in a large water pot for about an hour. You can pour this liquid in a spray bottle then use it for freshening other areas of the house.

2. Remove drain odor with salt

Salt, vinegar, and baking soda are effective in unclogging and eliminating drain odor in your kitchen. Pour a cup of salt then a cup of baking soda followed by a kettle of hot water. This is one of the excellent DIY ideas to get rid of stinky smells in the kitchen.

3. Bake lemon slices

A cost-effective way to do away with kitchen odors is to bake some slices of lemon in a preheated oven for about 90 minutes at [225 degrees F]. Turn off and open the oven and leave it open for some hours.

4. Use borax

The dust bin has a tendency to breed bacteria, mold, and fungi hence the bad smell in the kitchen. Sprinkle a half cup of borax at the bottom of the garbage can to keep microorganisms out and renew this each time to empty the bin.

5. Homemade deodorizer

Bacteria thrive in the deep of the garbage bins and builds up the longer you don’t empty the bin. Grind citrus peels or fresh mint to deal a blow to the odor and experience a fresh smelling kitchen.

Also Read : Best Kitchen Cleaning Hacks

6. Bake some brownies

Baked brownies make a fantastic kitchen deodorizer naturally and without much effort. Buy from the shop or make your brownies for this exercise, whichever is easiest for you.

7. Use scented candles

They are not only meant for the lounge, bathroom and the bedroom, your kitchen can also benefit from the sweet scent of this fragrance. Once you are done with cooking, light a few sticks to get the food fumes out. Here’s is a DIY.

8. Soak Chopping boards

The wooden chopping boards have the tendency to absorb smells around the kitchen if you don’t do a thorough cleaning on them. Soak them overnight in water then allow drying naturally.

9. Vinegar

The usage of white vinegar is vast, the most common being removing odor effectively. Just put a bowl at a corner and dot specific areas of the kitchen and in a few hours, the smell will be gone.

10. Burnt toast

Burning bread slices removes odor from kitchens so fast. Instead of the bad smell, let your toaster generate some burnt toast smell. This odor doesn’t last long hence its preference over the smell of your kitchen that may go on for days.

11. Coffee beans

Most people like the scent of freshly ground coffee. Us this to remove the persistent kitchen odor by placing the ground coffee in a dish to absorb any long lasting odor. It is a natural way to freshen up the kitchen.

12. Baking Soda

With so many uses, baking soda is a friend of the kitchen. It neutralizes acids and cuts through odors. Sprinkle around or place the powder in an open box, to deodorize the kitchen.

13. Oats

Oats make an excellent odor absorber. Just leave a bowl anywhere the smell comes from and in a few hours, our kitchen will smell fresh. Eat oats and use oats to make your kitchen smell nice.

14. Lemon Juice

Instead of covering odors with lemon-fresh scents, use the real lemon juice to freshen the kitchen naturally. It neutralizes the smell of garlic, and fish effectively. Use a few drops of lemon in your humidifier for a fresh smell.

15. Hot water and dish soap

Flush hot soapy water through the garbage disposal as it runs. Then fill the sink will a couple of inches of hot water, squirt some soap, turn on the disposal then unplug the sink to let it flush.

16. Ice cubes, lemons peels, and coarse salt

Clean your disposal blades that may still be holding some food particles hence the lingering smell. This combination will do wonders for you. Repeat this process but add some ground lemon peels for freshness.

17. Vinegar and lemon ice cubes

Freeze lemon wedges in vinegar then crush them in the disposal to create a [shortcut cleaning] and freshening technique. This is one of simplest DIY ideas to get rid of stinky smells in the kitchen.

18. Turn the heat up

It’s better to prevent the smell then fight it later. Just flip your stove’s fan to get rid of the odor before they settle in. It has a small but effective effect on kitchen smells.

19. Keep windows open

Fresh air is so effective at ridding your kitchen of bad smells. It is even better if you have a fan to drive out air to allow fresh air in. Set the fan near the window for the best results naturally.

20. Clean Up

Many of us will save washing dinner plates for later, and this is a source of bad kitchen smells. Fill those pots with hot soapy water to [eliminate] the smell of last night’s cooking.

21. Stinky trash

Ensure to wash the inside and outside of your trash can for fresh kitchens. Use hot soapy water to rid it of the debris and smell. Placing used fabric softener sheets at the bottom will help absorb odors.

22. A burnt-on food spill

sprinkle some salt on casserole to absorb the burnt smell and make cleaning it easier when you are ready to wash the dishes.

23. A smelly microwave

To speed up the dispersion of the smell in your microwave after burning something in it, fill a large bowl with water and add a couple of chopped lemons and fragrance spices like cloves. Boil it inside then let it sit inside the microwave for about 15 minutes.

24. A foul dishwasher

Clean the dishwasher with vinegar and run a short cycle to handle the food and grease from cooking. If the smell is still strong, call a plumber for it could be a serious problem that requires a pro to remedy. Here’s more on how to clean it.

25. De-stink the fridge

Remove old food left-over from the refrigerator and replace old ice cubes that may he holding kitchen odor. Clean any spills then pour a thin layer of fresh baking powder to keep the fridge fresh smelling. Check more on it here.

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admin <![CDATA[How To Clean Wood Kitchen Cabinets]]> https://citchen.co/?p=1461 2018-06-07T09:00:24Z 2017-12-14T15:03:50Z These DIYs and Ideas will help you get rid of kitchen cabinets stains and keep it clean! 1. Make DIY cleaning wipes Rather than rely on manufactured products that have…

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These DIYs and Ideas will help you get rid of kitchen cabinets stains and keep it clean!

1. Make DIY cleaning wipes

Rather than rely on manufactured products that have chemicals, why not make your DIY cleaning wipes? Put equal parts water and vinegar in a bottle and add essential oils of your choice in a mason jar. Use them whenever you need to wipe the cabinets quick.

2. Use a blow dryer to remove water rings

If you have had them on your tables or cabinets, you know how unpleasant and conspicuous these rings can be. Hold a blow dryer over the white condensation rings for a few minutes, and you will see the rings disappearing.

3. Use lemon and salt

All sorts of liquids can spill on the kitchen cabinets and get rid of an unwanted smell should not be a problem if you know this hack. Mix lemon and salt with some water and wipe down the wooden surfaces in your kitchen that have unpleasant smells to remove them.

4. Recondition wood using olive oil

After removing some stains, the condition of the table may not be as you would have preferred. You can recondition the wood by wiping down surfaces with olive oil.

5. Use oil to wipe off sticky kitchen dust

If the surfaces of your kitchen cabinets have sticky dust, don’t spend too much time wiping and not getting every spot. Use olive oil and a paper towel to wipe and finish off with hot water and detergent to get shiny cabinets.

6. Use a sponge to wipe clean

A sponge or a soft cloth usually works magic when it comes to wiping kitchen cabinets. The two alternatives will not leave ugly scratches on your cabinets if you want to preserve the glossy look. Besides, a sponge wipes out grime and heavy grease very well.

7. Use iron and cotton towels to remove water rings

Water rings are a nuisance you can do away with quite easily. Place a cotton dish towel on the stained area and put the iron on top of it at medium heat. After a while, the ring will begin to disappear.

8. Use vinegar to dissolve water stains

Hard water can leave white spots on surfaces when it dries up. To take care of this, pour drops of vinegar on the stain and then wipe down the cabinets.

9. Baking soda removes tough stains

If you have wiped the cabinet a few times already and the tough stains still persist, you need not worry about harming the wood using something tougher to scrub. Make a paste of baking soda with water and apply it on the surfaces for 10 minutes. Wipe with a sponge to remove the stubborn stains.

10. Coconut oil adds shine to wood

Kitchen cabinets and tables around the house can always do with a coconut-oil rub every now and again. Rubbing coconut oil on wooden surfaces not only makes them shine but also removes oil-soluble impurities and dust particles.

11. Use rubber mats to line the cabinets

Aside from protecting the wood, these also help keep the cabinets cleaner. By having a rubber mat on cabinet surfaces, you prevent any liquid from getting to the wood.

12. Remove greasy stains using vinegar

Greasy kitchen cabinets can give you a headache when it comes to cleaning, but not when you can use vinegar. Spray a 50/50 mix of vinegar and water on the cabinets and let it sit for about two minutes. Finally, clean using dishwashing soap.

 

13. Remove gunk with baking soda and vegetable oil

Getting the gunk buildup on your cabinet surfaces off may need you to wipe them more than a few times before you are satisfied with the results. However, blending vegetable oil with baking soda does the trick much faster; the powerful mixture removes gunk without a hassle.

14. Use a second towel with water to remove cleaner from cabinet surfaces

Once you are done with all the cleaning work on your wooden surfaces, wipe them down with a towel dipped in plain water. This gets any remainder of the chemicals off the surfaces and reduces the smell of detergent in the kitchen.

15. Use an old toothbrush for tough stains

If wooden surfaces around the kitchen have stains that won’t come out no matter how many times you wipe them with a sponge or wet towel, try using an old toothbrush. Once you apply your stain removal mixture and it has sat for a while, scrub the areas softly with a toothbrush.

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admin <![CDATA[How to Clean Kitchen Tiles]]> https://citchen.co/?p=1713 2018-09-19T14:45:06Z 2017-12-12T16:19:23Z Keeping kitchen tiles clean is the most essential for the hygiene and for having a beautiful kitchen. This short guide will help you to keep your kitchen tiles clean! If you…

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Keeping kitchen tiles clean is the most essential for the hygiene and for having a beautiful kitchen. This short guide will help you to keep your kitchen tiles clean!

Keeping kitchen tiles clean is the most essential for the hygiene and for having a beautiful kitchen. This short guide will help you to keep your kitchen tiles clean!

If you clean messes as soon as it occurs, then you probably have an effortless time keeping your house clean. Though this is excellent advice, it is not always applicable in the kitchen. Sometimes you get caught up in the rush of cooking and serving meals that you forget to clean up the greasy stains of food that land on the kitchen tiles as soon as they occur. To get your kitchen sparkling again it is important to set time apart specifically for cleaning it. Here is how to clean your kitchen tiles effectively.

To start you off, you have to prepare the kitchen area you plan to work on. Sweep the kitchen floor to remove any loose dust and dirt particles. If you are not a fan of sweeping, you can use a vacuum cleaner on a low setting to get rid of the surface dirt.

Once you get rid of the surface dirt, then you can now scrub your kitchen tiles. In a bowl, mix a generous amount of soap with warm water. The warm water will soften the grime and grease to make it come off quickly. You can use a sponge, washcloth or even the rough side of a non-scratch pan cleaner to scrub your tiles until they are clean. However, if you have stubborn stains that won’t come out with the soapy warm water scrub. Worry not, we will tell you how to remove them!

We all have had that patch on our kitchen tiles that never really clean up even when every other section is squeaky clean. So, what to do? Well, for the stubborn stains, readily available home products such as baking soda or vinegar can get the job done. To use vinegar, mix distilled vinegar and water of equal measure in an all-purpose spray bottle. Spray the mix over the stubborn stains. Let it sit for a few minutes then scrub off. With baking soda, you need to dip a damp sponge or cloth into a bowl of pure baking soda then use it to scrub off the stubborn stains.

The kitchen won’t be spotless if you do not clean the grout of the tiles. Grout can harbor stubborn dirt. An old toothbrush is an ideal tool to use, but you can also use a cloth or sponge. When cleaning the grout, you can choose between using bleach or natural products such as baking soda and vinegar to scrub off the grime. Once you are done cleaning the kitchen tiles and grout, give them a thorough rinse to eliminate any product residues wipe them dry.

If you are not too trusting of natural products to get your kitchen tiles clean, you can also use a store-bought cleaning product. Ensure your cleaning product does not harm your tiles. If you are not sure, test the tile cleaner first on a small patch of your tile to see its effects on the tiles color and texture. When cleaning your tiles and grout, follow the instruction on the label of the product to get the best results.

Whether you use natural products, bleach or store-bought cleaning products for cleaning your kitchen tiles what matters most is that you do a thorough job of cleaning the kitchen tiles.

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admin <![CDATA[How to Get Rid of Foul Fridge Odors]]> https://citchen.co/?p=1715 2018-06-07T09:01:21Z 2017-12-12T16:06:19Z This informative guide will help get rid of bad odors in fridge and keep if odor free! Have you ever opened your fridge and the smell that hits you is…

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This informative guide will help get rid of bad odors in fridge and keep if odor free!

This informative guide will help get rid of bad odors in fridge and keep if odor free!

Have you ever opened your fridge and the smell that hits you is foul enough to knock you out? Worse off is when you can’t tell the source of the odor. To keep enjoying your meals, you need to clean your fridge to get rid of that foul smell and prevent it from coming back. Let’s see how to Get Rid of Foul Fridge Odors.

What are the prerequisites for cleaning your fridge?

First, find a cooler for storing and preserving your foodstuffs as you clean your fridge. When clearing out your fridge sniff every item; throw away any item that has an odor. Any item with mold or fruits and vegetables that have rotted will go to the bin as well. Put every foodstuff that is still fresh in the cooler then cover with ice. Now unplug your fridge from power to begin the cleaning process.

Well, now that your fridge is empty and switched off, cleaning it should be a breeze!

How to Clean

Though there are cleaning solutions available in stores that can be used to clean the fridge components, it is advisable not to use chemicals around your foodstuffs. For your cleaning solution, you can use either baking soda or vinegar. In a sink, mix half a cup of pure baking soda and warm water or 50/50 amounts of white vinegar and water. Take out all the shelves and drawers from your fridge and soak them in the solution for a few minutes then scrub them clean, rinse and leave to dry.

Using the same mixture of your cleaning solution, dip a clean cloth, wring it out and use it to wipe the interiors of the fridge. Remember to swab the seal of the refrigerator as well and wipe the outside with your cleaning cloth.

If after cleaning, your refrigerator is still smelly, you can still get rid of the stubborn smells. You will need at least one household ingredient from the following: baking soda, white vinegar, oats, coffee grounds or activated charcoal.

With the baking soda spread it on a baking sheet, place it in the fridge then close the refrigerator for at least 24 hours or until the smell disappears. If you choose to use vinegar, put an open full cup of it in the refrigerator then keep the fridge unopened until the smell disappears.

When using coffee grounds or oats, you will need to put them in a bowl or two then leave them in the closed fridge for at least a day so that they can absorb all the bad odor in your fridge. Coffee grounds and oats are excellent smell absorbers.

Activated charcoal works in the same way as coffee grounds or oats but takes longer. Put the activated charcoal in shallow bowls, place them on different shelves in the fridge, set the fridge to low temperatures then shut the refrigerator for a few days until the odor disappears.

How to maintain fridge odorless?

Once your fridge is clean and odor free, it is essential to make sure the problem does not recur. To help you achieve this make a habit of labeling and dating your leftovers to help you keep track of the time, they stay in the fridge to avoid them going bad. Also, store fresh foods on the visible shelves so that you can be aware of their condition easily before rotting.

It really is that simple, so block out some time this weekend and Get Rid of Foul Fridge Odors.

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admin <![CDATA[10 Kitchen Layout Guidelines for Space Design]]> https://citchen.co/?p=1679 2018-06-07T09:02:07Z 2017-12-08T17:21:54Z If you are planning or remodeling your kitchen, these guidelines are surely going to help you in doing it the best way! The kitchen is the heart of every home,…

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If you are planning or remodeling your kitchen, these guidelines are surely going to help you in doing it the best way!

If you are planning or remodeling your kitchen, these guidelines are surely going to help you in doing it the best way!

The kitchen is the heart of every home, and in it, beautiful memories are born. You not only eat there but also relax, talk and plan. Besides being the most complex area to design, the cabinets, appliances, and workspaces must be accommodated within the limited space for proper functionality while at the same time striving to create an aesthetically appealing environment.

Below is a list of kitchen layout guidelines for space design that you need to put into use at the drop of a hat to create the kitchen of your dreams.

1. Entry Space

The recommended entry space should be at least 34 inches wide. In the event you decide to install a door, it need not interfere with other elements such as the cabinets and appliances during opening and closing. Walkways must be at least 36 inches wide while passageways in work areas should be 42 and 48 inches for one cook and multiple cooks respectively.

2. Work Center

A typical work center, also known as the work triangle, comprises of the sink, refrigerator, and stove. These parts are used repetitively with constant movements between them and hence you ought to ensure they are all in the right place. The sum of the three distances should not exceed 26 feet, with a single stretch ranging from between 4 to 9 feet. The latter also applies to kitchens with more than three work centers.

In separating the work centers, using a tall obstacle that obstructs the view from one station to another is not recommended.

3. Sink and Dishwasher

If you plan to have only one sink, place it across the refrigerator or adjacent to the cooking surface. If you choose to include a landing area, provide 24 inches on one side and 18 inches on the other. For an auxiliary sink, ensure to have at least 3 inches of countertop frontage on one side, and 18 inches on the other both installed at the same height as the sink.

The recommended distance between the closest edge of the dishwasher and the primary sink should not exceed 36 inches. Provide at least 21 inches between the dishwasher and other obstacles.

4. Countertop

Designers and design codes recommend that you should have a minimum of 158 inches long, 34 inches-wide span countertops available for use, having a depth of at least 24 inches and a clearance of at least 15 inches. Include at least a 24-inch wide countertop adjacent to a sink for prep work.

5. Refrigerator

Where you have the refrigerator, there are two options for the landing area: on the handle side of the fridge or both sides. Whichever you choose, provide at least 15 inches of the landing area.

6. Cooking Surface

12 inches and 15 inches of landing area on either side of the cooking surface is adequate. However, for an island situation, provide an extra countertop of at least 9 inches beyond the burner but with an elevation level equal to that of the cooking surface.

7. Separation

Provide a separation of 24 inches and 30 inches between your cooking surface and the surface above it for a protected noncombustible surface and unprotected surface respectively.

8. Ventilation

Ducted Ventilation is essential for cooking appliances, and designers recommend you use a minimum of 150 CFM.

9. Microwave

More often than not, a kitchen is considered incomplete if you do not have a microwave and an oven. Codes recommend proper placement of these two appliances depending on the user’s height; preferably 3 inches below the shoulder and at maximum 54 inches above the kitchen floor.

Additionally, provide at least 15 inches landing area adjacent, above or below the handle side of the microwave and at least 15-inch landing area above or next to the oven. The preferred location would be a section where the opening the appliance does not obstruct a walkway.

10. Seating Space

If there is no passageway behind the seated dinner, leave at least a 32 inches space between the table edge and the obstruction behind the seat. If not, allow a 36 inches and 44 inches clearance to edge past and walk past respectively.

Bottom Line

Incorporating these kitchen layout guidelines for space design will result into a kitchen that delights your sense of appeal. But no matter how stunning your kitchen is, safety is still of the essence. Remember to install as well a fire extinguisher that is visible and quickly accessible. Have it tested twice a year and teach everybody in your household how to use it.

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admin <![CDATA[Organizing Your Kitchen Cabinet for Beauty and Function]]> https://citchen.co/?p=1678 2018-06-07T09:04:05Z 2017-12-06T16:38:24Z Organizing your kitchen cabinets is the most important thing you can do to keep your kitchen organized. These ideas will surely help you and organizing it and keeping it organized!…

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Organizing your kitchen cabinets is the most important thing you can do to keep your kitchen organized. These ideas will surely help you and organizing it and keeping it organized!

You know it’s time to reorganize your kitchen cabinet if you always run into a tumbling mess every time you need to access and retrieve kitchenware and ingredients. The way you choose to arrange your kitchen cabinets should be decided by how you use the kitchen on a regular basis. The following tips will ensure your kitchen is organized in a beautiful and functional way.

Open Cabinets

Make use of the vertical wall space in your kitchen by installing open shelves that go all the way up to the ceiling. Shelves like these allow you to showcase the best-looking kitchenware while making them easy to store and find when needed. In case replacing your current kitchen cabinets is too much of a hassle, just remove the doors and paint the interior of the cabinet to match or complement the color of your kitchenware.

Don’t leave the sink cabinet unused

It can be quite challenging to use the space under the kitchen sink because of the pullout hoses, protruding sink bottom, and obstructive plumbing pipes. You can, however, look for wire shelving and acrylic stacking trays of the appropriate sizes to maximize use of the space beneath the sink. Items at the back of wire bins can be easily taken out by sliding out the bins.

For additional storage, set up hooks, shelves, and bins inside the doors of the sink cabinet. Also think about adding specialty storage, such as a grocery bag holder. Increase the amount of storage by using a kit that converts the front of the sink into a tilt-out bin for keeping your scrubbers and sponges.

Deep drawers

Pots and pans can be safely stowed in a deep drawer close the top of your stove. Moreover, installing dish divider dowels can allow you to use drawers to store saucers, bowls, plates, etc. in neatly arranged stacks. It is important to ensure that sliding hardware of good quality is set up in your drawers to hold the weight of the drawer’s contents when it is fully extended.

Stacks and tiers

Are you met with a landslide of falling food containers whenever you open the doors of your kitchen cabinets? Avoid this by nesting your plastic containers and lids into each other and keeping them in larger trays that together fit snugly in the cabinet. You can also corral the lids in other containers.

Once this is done, you may find that the single shelf provided in typical kitchen cabinets is not enough. In this case, add tiers in which you can fit you’re the stacked containers and lids, as well as other items such as skillets, pots, and pans. Store all the pot lids together and nest the posts inside each other to maximize space.

Slide and spin

Make use of narrow spaces to store spices and other flavoring ingredients by making use of slim pullout racks. If space allows, set up a turntable on one of the shelves in the cabinet for items such as vinegar or oil bottles and spin them into view. Decant other spices and foods into labeled or clear containers to easy stacking and inventory.

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admin <![CDATA[Simple and Effective Ways to Organize a Tiny Kitchen]]> https://citchen.co/?p=1203 2018-06-07T09:03:21Z 2017-11-30T19:05:05Z Organizing a tiny kitchen is a difficult task, but these tips and ideas will make sure you use every inch of space to the fullest. 1. Install a pocket organizer…

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Organizing a tiny kitchen is a difficult task, but these tips and ideas will make sure you use every inch of space to the fullest.

1. Install a pocket organizer under the sink

A pocket organizer on the door of sink cabinet can hide away all the small items that you don’t use so often in the kitchen. Simply cut it down to the size and install it on the door to keep all your kitchen cleaning supplies organized. Here’s more on it.

2. Use the space under the cabinets

Under cabinet space shouldn’t go to waste. Hang a basket on two command hooks and keep some items there. Scrubbers and sponges could go here. You could also throw in any small cleaning items that fit in the basket. Although this DIY tutorial is not for the kitchen, still it will work the same way.

3. Put items close to the places they are used

It saves you the trouble of having to move a lot in an already crowded kitchen. You’ll also enjoy being in a kitchen where you don’t have to look for things too long.

4. Use the bear sides of cabinets

The sides of cabinets around the kitchen should have some purpose. Add hooks and use this space to hang a few things. The sides have plenty of free space that could be beneficial in many ways. Check this article to learn the ways you can use the sides of your cabinets.

5. Use a magnetic spice rack

Your spices can stay behind a cabinet door. Hang a sheet of tin where the jars can hang, and your problem is solved. Here’s the DIY.

6. Use an over the sink counter

This creates more counter space and can also be used for some beautiful additions. The counter is small and fits just enough things to de-clutter the sink. Here’s more on it.

7. Keep plastic bags contained

If you find that you have too many plastic bags and you have to collect them from all over the kitchen again and again, just put them in empty tissue boxes. They will stay compact and easy to find.

8. Use spaces that might have forgotten

There are many areas in the kitchen that you might be missing out. Use areas like the back of the door to store small stuff, the front of the fridge to store spices, bottoms of cabinets to hang utensils. Hang the cutting boards and colanders here to free up some space.

9. Use magazine holders in a new way

Mount a magazine holder on the inside of your cabinet doors and have them hold aluminum foil and plastic wraps neatly.

10. Get a lazy Susan

It is the perfect place to keep items that can spill. A lazy Susan is easy to clean and keeps such things in view. Check out the DIY here.

11. Keeps lids apart from the pots

Lids have large handles that take up space and make for very awkward storing of your pots. Install a tension rod across one of the drawers and keep the lids upright. Keep them as such so that you have an easier time taking them out to use them.

12. Bring the toe kick back

This is an excellent idea for hidden space for flat items that you don’t use too often. You can keep your baking pans here.

13. Focus on vertical storage

The whole idea is to free up as much space as you can having kept everything in the kitchen in order. Therefore install a vertical storage unit with shelves, a metal strip, and hooks. You can have your jars, serving spoons, and knives all in one place. Check the DIY tutorial here.

14. Use an island

The kitchen island is a good storage place for things that are used on a daily basis in the kitchen. You could have your recipe books at the top and a few spices and utensils underneath them. Here are some DIYs to try.

15. A shelf for all your jars and tins

These are usually the first things that congest a small kitchen. You can have one shelf for all of them. Put the bins and tins at the top and have the mason jars hang at the bottom so that you don’t have to deal with the exasperating scenario where they are lying all over.  Check the DIY’s here.

16. Baskets can store a lot of things

The top shelf can be dedicated to holding baskets with similar items. Such baskets can carry a lot of things that would otherwise clutter the sink and kitchen tops. Tins, cans, vegetables, and fruits are all suitable for a good basket. Here are some smart ways to use space above cabinets.

17. Use even the narrow spaces

There is a narrow space between the side of the fridge and the wall that, more often than not, goes unused. You can build a roll-out pantry that fits in that space. It can be an excellent place to keep all the cans that you have around the kitchen. Keep the canned food in it and pull it out whenever you need something.

18. Place a rod with hooks over the stove

All the pots and pans can hang here or at least the ones that are most frequently used. The thing with this simple hack is that the pots and the stove are close to each other. The bigger pots might create a little clutter so watch out for that. Check out more inspiring ideas to hang pots and pans on thekitchn.

19. A plate rack

If you have a lot of platters, you can position a rack on one side of the cabinet. Aside from helping you handle the sizable platters in a simple way it also adds some aesthetic value if you have colorful platters. Step by step tutorial on Instructables.

20. A shelf that folds

If you sometimes need recipe book in the kitchen, make this shelf that folds when you don’t need it. This rack could hold your beverage and cookbook as you prepare something different.

21. Crockery drawers

Crockery drawers can be economical with space and safe too. You won’t have to take a stack of delicate china from the top shelf and run the risk of dropping them. Besides, such drawers come with pegs that can be moved to hold different-sized dishes.

22. How about a pull-out cutting board

The cutting board is wide and has a lot of use in the kitchen. Instead of having to take it out from somewhere, install a pull-out cutting board that can stay conveniently hidden when it is not needed. Check out the video on the DIY network.

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admin <![CDATA[Best Ways to Clean Different Types of Kitchen Countertops]]> https://citchen.co/?p=1472 2018-06-07T09:04:51Z 2017-11-30T15:49:53Z Cleaning the kitchen countertop can be a difficult task, but these tips and tricks will help you get your countertop super clean in no time. 1. Concrete countertops Concrete kitchen…

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Cleaning the kitchen countertop can be a difficult task, but these tips and tricks will help you get your countertop super clean in no time.

1. Concrete countertops

Concrete kitchen countertops are attractive and functional. They can either be porous or non-porous. The non-porous type is one that has been treated with a sealer. Porous concrete countertops do not have a sealer and are more prone to deep staining. For both kinds, using a gentle cleaning approach is the way to go. A daily cleaning routine using dish-washing soap and warm water will do the trick. This is how you can go about it. Here are some tips for cleaning concrete countertops that you can check.

2. Marble countertops

Marble makes for gorgeous kitchen countertops. This surface is prone to staining and scratching. In this respect, acidic cleaners like lemon juice and vinegar are too harsh. The key is to use something non-abrasive. The best part is that cleaning the countertop is easy; just employ some mild soap with warm water and some paper towels. This is how you do it.

3. Quartz countertops

These are some of the most appealing non-porous countertops available today. They serve contemporary style and functional needs effectively. To this end, no major staining, cracking or even etching will affect them. However, the normal spills from drinks should be taken care of immediately to retain the natural appeal. From cleaning simple stains to removing grease and erasing permanent marks, this is how you should clean your quartz kitchen countertop.

4. Butcher Block Countertops

There are innumerable merits of having a butcher block kitchen countertop. However, amid the aesthetics, cleaning this surface can prove to be a herculean task. If you want to maintain the integrity of your countertop and have it sparkling every day, you might as well learn how to efficiently clean it using the right materials. Grab your white vinegar, mild soap, sponge and paper towels and follow this guide.

5. Tile countertops

Tile is an excellent material that is easy to clean. However, most tile varieties are grouted. Grout is a cement-based material used to fix the tiles in place. It is the filling between tiles, and this can be a challenge when it comes to cleaning. Mildew, dirt, and stains show easily in the grout, and to this end, you have to utilize a proper cleaning method like this one.

6. Soapstone countertops

These countertops are virtually stain resistant. As if this is not enough, they are resistant to heat; meaning that you can place hot pots directly on them. This non-porous surface is certainly easy to clean. No need for harsh chemicals or other sophisticated cleaning aids. The only demerit is that it dents easily. Check this informative article to learn how to clean it.

7. Stainless steel countertops

These varieties add that metallic appeal to your kitchen. They are sturdy and robust to withstand heat and stains. Cleaning is easy and not doing it regularly will make for dull unsightly surfaces. A microfiber cleaning cloth paired with some water works great. Adding some dish soap will add that appeal and help remove tough messes. Here’s more on it.

8. Laminate countertops

Laminate surfaces are some of the most durable on the market. Also, they are highly versatile and are made to look like granite and even wood. In fact, they are made using composite materials like resin and paper. High-quality laminate will serve you well but not taking good care of it will compromise the appeal. Wiping spills immediately they will help evade tough stains. If you need a deeper cleaning, check this out.

9. Granite countertops

Granite is not as porous as marble, and to this end, granite has become more popular for kitchen countertops. Being less porous means that stains, oils, and even spills will not be as prevalent. You will be glad to know that these countertops are highly resistant to bacteria. Having said all the above, not following a good cleaning regiment will certainly deal your granite countertop a blow.

It is important to clean all the spills properly to keep at bay a bigger problem. Baking soda and water will remove tough stains. Avoid using abrasive products such as vinegar and bleach. These harsh products will weaken the granite sealing to make the countertop porous. Check this article to learn how to clean it.

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admin <![CDATA[Vegetable & Fruit Buying Guide For Selecting The Best Produce From Store]]> https://citchen.co/?p=1470 2017-12-16T17:49:31Z 2017-09-03T09:07:06Z The next time you’ll visit the supermarket remember these basic vegetable and fruit buying tips to select the best produce. 1. Apples Pick the one that is firm and deep…

The post Vegetable & Fruit Buying Guide For Selecting The Best Produce From Store appeared first on Citchen.

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The next time you’ll visit the supermarket remember these basic vegetable and fruit buying tips to select the best produce.

The next time you'll visit the supermarket remember these basic vegetable and fruit buying tips to select the best produce. 

1. Apples

Pick the one that is firm and deep colored. You can also check for a sign of rosy tone both in green and yellow varieties. Late summer-early winter is a good season to buy apples. Learn more here!

 

2. Bananas

Choose unscarred bananas that don’t have bruises on the skin. Ripe ones often have yellow skin but are fragile. Avoid grass green bananas. The more of it is here!

3. Watermelon

If you need a whole melon with deeply colored flesh, consider picking a firm and heavy one with a smooth skin. A well-defined yellow part or ripples on one side shows that it is fully ripe. Learn more here!

4. Leafy greens

The surface of your greens should be consistent, firm and evenly colored. Beware that softness in some parts can be a sign of spoilage. Leaves should be green and unbroken. Also, don’t forget to smell it. Learn everything in detail in this vegetable buying guide!

5. Pears

Pick those that look golden and fragrant but not very hard with no dark spots or brown speckles. Learn more here!

6. Kiwi fruit

It should have a smooth and taut skin with no wrinkles, mold, bruises or discoloration. Any sign of discoloration means that the kiwi is overripe and deteriorating. Learn more here!

7. Oranges

For great flavor, pick oranges with firm, thin and smooth skin and sweet scent. Oranges that are soft and flabby must be avoided.

8. Asparagus

Look for those with firm spears with closed, plump and green tips. Avoid asparagus with the tips looking dry or have a brown color.  Here’s a very informative article on picking asparagus to follow!

9. Plums

The best plums often have deep color and semi-soft tip. Those with rock-hard covers are unripe but only takes a few days to ripe. Avoid those with cracked skin. Learn more here!

10. Broccoli

Pick broccoli with firm stalks and tight green florets. It should also feel heavy, and the cut ends looking moist and fresh. Shy away from those with dry and brownish stem ends. Learn more here!

11. Avocados

Pick avocados with slightly soft skin. Firm ones take some time to ripe. Avocados with dents and cracks are not worth buying. Learn more here!

12. Carrots

Try selecting firm and smooth skinned carrots that are brighter in color. Avoid picking carrots with cracks and rubbery feeling.

 

 

 

13. Grapefruits

Look for a yellow skin even if it’s a red or pink grapefruit. Grapefruits don’t need to be stored for long so opt for those that look fresh ones. November to April is the right season to buy grapefruits. Learn more here!

14. Pineapple

Consider choosing pineapples that are heavy for their sizes and come with sweet smell near the stem. Avoid pineapples with dark and soft patches as it can be a sign of damage or overripeness. Visit Wikihow to read the buying guide!

15. Celery

Pick celery with firm and unblemished stalks. Again, both the leaves and stalks should be green and not yellow. Don’t buy those with soft stalks. Read more Celery buying tips at Thrifty Fun!

16. Strawberries

Ensure that your strawberries are fresh. Verify signs of ripeness and avoid moldy or damaged berries, smell the fruity fragrance. Freshness is vital as strawberries have a very short shelf life. Here’s a helpful Strawberry Buying Guide!

17. Beets

When shopping for beets, consider picking small to medium bulbs that look smooth and round. Again, choose those that are still attached to the stems and leaves. Avoid those with soft spots. Visit PopSugar to learn more!

 

 

18. Cauliflower

Select those with firm heavy heads and compact ivory-colored florets. Opt for those with fresh and green leaves. Be sure not to buy cauliflower with brown spotted florets and leaves. Learn more here!

19. Cabbages

Pick those with compact and bright green heads. Cabbages with wilted, loose outer leaves are not fresh. It should have green leaves and firm head. Learn more here!

20. Cucumber

When purchasing cucumbers, pick those that look firm and green (dark green color and firm to touch). Ignore cucumbers with sponges. Regarding shape, opt for small and slender ones. Read everything in detail in this cucumber buying guide!

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