DIY Kitchen Hacks

It's only logical that a good number of people would consider giving their kitchens a touch of new for the second half of the year. To spice up your kitchen, one needn't break the bank.

Simple DIY hacks would suffice to give the perfect touch. This piece which is in itself practical would cover three facets of kitchen use; storage, cleaning, and lighting.

DIY Hacks for Kitchen Storage:

Storage DIY hacks contain a step by step guide on facelifts and transformation for already existing storage.

»Jar Organizers:

Jar organizers serve to keep the kitchen clutter free. It can be used to store about anything that could be used during the course of cooking, ranging from ingredients to cutlery. Jars can be either glass or tin.

Tools:

• Jars (glass or tin)
• Glue
• Nail polish or sellotape
• Tools box
• Wood
• Wall hangers

Procedure:

• Saw wood into two equal planks of length 20 inches and width 8 inches.
• Nail both ends so it forms the diagonal half of a cuboid.
• Attach hangers to the frame.
• Affix jars to the frame using glue.
• Hang in the cooking area.

»Hanging Shelves:

Hanging shelves are see through shelves that leave the walls exposed while performing the functions of real shelves. These shelves make the kitchen look roomy and makes cleaning easier. Hanging shelves are a judicious use of vertical space and is highly economical.

Tools:

• Wood
• Tool box
• Metal rods
• Screws

Procedure:

• Saw wood into desired size and shapes.
• Drill holes into walls where you want the shelves.
• Drive metal rods into the holes and hold in place with cement if wobbly.
• Place sawed wood on the rods and screw into place.

»Elegant Storage Baskets:

Storage baskets are almost always found in kitchens due to their functionality. As the name implies, they're used to store items such as food items and kitchen towels. Making storage baskets are quite easy to make and would serve for longer if made with quality materials.

Tools:

• Carton
• Piece of cloth
• Rope
• Glue

Procedure:

• Take a carton of desired shape and size. Cut off the flaps on the upper layer.
• Apply glue to the sides of the carton and run the rope about its length in parallel patterns.
• Fit the cloth into the insides of the carton. Glue to place allowing the cloth run over the edges.
• Glue the cloth hem over the edges of the carton, to the rope.
• Apply glue to the bottom of the carton and run the rope over its length.
• Get creative and use ropes of different colours.

DIY for Kitchen Lighting:

Lighting DIY hacks serve the purpose of spicing up the look and feel of the kitchen, maximizing attention drawing techniques to highlight the kitchen space, giving it the right ambiance and glow.

»Pendant Lights:

Lights can be more than just lights with the right design. Pendant lights otherwise known as hanging lights are like centre tables, they become the focal points for surrounding furniture. They could be used for numerous purposes.

Tools:

• Tool box
• Bulbs
• Wire
• Lamp-holder
• DIY design (Bottles)

Procedure:

• Disconnect electric circuits before embarking on this project to avoid risks of shock or electrocution.
• Cut wire to desired length. Strip part of the wire and connect to a power outlet.
• Chip of the bottom of the the bottle. Smoothen with a sandpaper.
• Slip the wire in through the bottle's opening. Strip the loose end of the wire and connect to a lamp-holder.
• Attach bulb to the lamp-holder and slowly let the bottle down to rest on the lamp-holder.
• Get creative, use other diy designs.

DIY Kitchen Cleaning Ideas:

A good number of times, cleaning agents on sale do little or nothing to live up to their names. The DIY guide outlined below is a step by step guide on how to make your own cleaning agents to neaten your kitchen space, dishes, and cutleries.

»Scratch and Discoloration:

One may sometimes feel embarrassed serving guests with plates having scuff marks and discoloration. And try as they may to scrub harder or try new cleaning agents, little is done to avert this problem. Here, however, is a DIY trick to solve this problem.

Tools:

• 1 part cream of tartar
• 1part vinegar
• Sponge
• Water

Procedure:

• Add one part of the cream of tartar to the dish. Spread with a spoon.
• Add one part of vinegar to the cream of tartar and mix thoroughly with a spoon.
• Scrub with a sponge and rinse.

» Burnt-on Food:

This is one major cause of discoloration and scratches when removed wrongly with abrasives. Do not use abrasives on cookware, try the simple method below for an even better solution.

Tools:

• Hydrogen peroxide (liquid)
• Baking soda
• Sponge

Procedure:

• Spread a generous amount of baking soda on the cookware.
• Spray hydrogen peroxide on the baking soda. Leave to soak for one hour.
• Scrub with a sponge and rinse.
• Repeat process until the burn is removed.
• Wash as normal with a soap and sponge.

Porl Bob Jnr

Freelance writer; an overall witty and sarcastic e-thumb.

But for his love for cooking solo, he may yet have believed women belonged to the kitchen