A few weeks ago, I was trying to get a stubborn lid off a jar. I tapped it, twisted it, handed it to someone else and tried again. Then I spotted the rubber shelf liner tucked in a kitchen drawer. One small square gave me the grip I needed, and the lid popped right off. It reminded me that some of the handiest problem-solvers in the house are already sitting in our kitchen drawers — we just need to give them a different job.
Tongs can reach where hands cannot. Kitchen tongs are perfect for retrieving something that has rolled behind a heavy appliance or fallen into a narrow space. Wrap a soft cloth around the ends with a rubber band if you are trying to grab something delicate.
A muffin tin makes a great organizer. Use the individual cups to sort small items while working on a project — screws, nails, buttons, beads, jewelry or even batteries. Everything stays visible instead of disappearing into a pile.
A pizza cutter is not just for pizza. It can quickly cut sandwiches, quesadillas, pancakes, waffles and homemade dough. It also works well for slicing craft clay or trimming paper for casual projects. Just keep a separate cutter for nonfood uses.
A colander can help with more than draining pasta. Set one near the door to collect wet gloves or small garden tools so dirt and moisture can fall through instead of collecting at the bottom of a container. An old colander also makes a handy basket for washing freshly picked vegetables outside.
A wooden spoon can prevent boil-overs. Lay a dry wooden spoon across the top of a pot while pasta or potatoes are boiling. It can help break the bubbles before they spill over — although it is still no substitute for keeping an eye on the stove.
Ice cube trays tame tiny clutter. Old trays are useful for sorting earrings, pushpins, small hardware, craft supplies or desk odds and ends. Label the compartments if several people share the supplies.
The Everyday Genius lesson is simple: Before buying another gadget or organizer, open a kitchen drawer and look around. That tool you use for dinner may already have a second career waiting for it.
Everyday Genius will provide little tricks every week. Big wins.
Enjoyed this article. Read more Everyday Genius by KnoxTNToday.
Follow KnoxTNToday on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn. Get all KnoxTNToday articles in one place with our free newsletter. Comments may be sent to news@knoxtntoday.com.
