knives that stay sharp<\/a> for longer rather than electric knives where suited.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTurn Off Lights on Leaving the Room<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Make turning off lights, when not in use, a habit in your kitchen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wait Until the Dishwasher is Full Before Running<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
It’s more water-efficient to run a full load rather than multiple smaller ones. Keep your dishwasher in good working order to save having to redo the load and also to conserve energy usage.
Clean the filter of the dishwasher regularly, is another tip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Use Timers on Appliances<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Use timers to save burning your stuff and having to do it again! darn. You will not only avoid overcooking but also save on energy use by using timers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Saving on cleaners<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Keep your kitchen sparkling using ways to clean that are more budget friendly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are a few cleaning tips I’ve accrued from sources with this in mind:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Microwave<\/strong> steam clean: Squeeze a little bit of lemon juice into a cup or two of water in a microwavable bowl. Place it in the microwave. Heat to bring the water to boil. Let sit so the steam goes to work. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the inside walls (Source: Woman’s Day Home Hacks). <\/p>\n\n\n\nDe-gunk a sponge<\/strong>: Place it beside the bowl in the microwave when you do the above treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\nOven:<\/strong> Use distilled white vinegar and baking soda instead of those harsh cleaners. First, remove racks, trays, and all else that’s removable. Make a paste of the baking soda and water (just a few tablespoons and about 1\/2 cup of water). Use rubber gloves. Coat the oven interior with this paste working around the heating elements. Leave to dry overnight or several hours at least. Then wipe the gunk away with a damp cloth. Use a rubber spatula if you need to scrape any stubborn bits. Then spray down with the vinegar. Continue wiping and spraying until the cleaning shows no more signs of grime. You’re done! (Source: Woman’s Day Home Hacks).<\/p>\n\n\n\nDishwasher:<\/strong> Once again using vinegar and baking soda, we’re giving the dishwasher a regular clean to get rid of odors and grime. Use a dishwasher safe bowl and place it in the top rack facing upwards. Fill it with plain white vinegar and then run the dishwasher on the hottest setting. After you’re done, sprinkle baking soda inside over the bottom of the dishwasher. Then run it on a short cycle. (Source: Woman’s Day Home Hacks).<\/p>\n\n\n\nRefrigerator<\/strong>: To rid odors, place a small container with baking soda on one of the shelves. The baking soda absorbs odors, so you don’t get that tainted taste in other foods or unpleasant whiff on opening the door. <\/p>\n\n\n\nPlan ahead and avoid food wastage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Save money and avoid food wastage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Plan meals<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nUse both a shopping list and a meal list and you’ll find you’ll avoid food spoiling in your refrigerator and food going to waste. This helps the budget conscious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Left overs<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nFreeze left overs for later or repurpose them for the next meal. There are recipe books devoted purely to using left overs that might inspire you here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Compost organic waste<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nOne of the ways to make savings is to compost your kitchen scraps (fruit and vegetable scraps only) and use them to grow your own herbs or vegetables. A small ceramic compost bin for the kitchen bench is a perfect solution for collecting compostable scraps as you prepare fruit and vegetables for your family meal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you’re worried about odors, look for an indoor compost bin that has a charcoal filter, which will eliminate this problem. I list options in my article comparing kitchen compost bins<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nReuse<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Avoiding single-use plastic containers and utensils to reduce spending. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A better alternative is to use containers made of ceramic or stainless steel or products made from bamboo that you can reuse. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Final Thoughts on Budget Friendly Kitchen Ideas<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
For one reason or another, our kitchens become a place of sharing wisdom and stories \u2013 sometimes over a cup of tea<\/a>, coffee, or a glass of wine. Taking steps to reduce consumption, even small ones, and making them everyday habits can contribute overall to not only your budget but the wellbeing of the planet for tomorrow.<\/p>\n\n\n\nFAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n