Denim in the freezer, Ramen noodles in the coffee pot and jumbo ice in a baking tray — here are a few pointers on how you can turn an average household appliance or utensil into a jack of all trades from the master of one it was initially intended to be.
Coffee makers and kettles
Besides brewing your favourite hot beverages, coffee pots and kettles can also be used for a variety of things. For starters, you can prepare hard-boiled eggs and cook sausages in your kettle. And if you are feeling adventurous, why not instant noodles too.
The waffle iron
Pancakes and waffles are the obvious choice, but why stop there. Since your waffle iron is basically a chequered grill, get creative. Some suggestions are burgers and hash browns — even calzones to a certain extent. With your main meal taken care of, throw on some cookie dough or cake batter for dessert.
The microwave
Microwaves are commonly used to disinfect washing sponges and kitchen equipment such as chopping boards and dish towels. But besides being handy as a pretty good disinfectant, these can also cook potatoes and roast garlic. Last but not the least, for the creative sorts, you can also use your microwave to dye fabric.
The freezer
Charging batteries and the temporary rescue of crashed hard disk drives are two common alternative uses for your freezer. And another interesting feature is its ability to clean your denim. Since jeans tend to fade with repeated washes, stick them into a sealable bag and leave them in the freezer for a week. They will be as good as new.
The mixer/blender
If you need your chicken shredded finely, your blender can do the job. Though I still stand by my opinion on men and blenders, this does seem like a pretty good alternative use for this appliance.
The ice-cube tray
Ice-cube trays can be used to serve limited portions of sauces and dips at parties. Unless such parties require ice in the first place.
The muffin tray
If your ice-cube trays are filled with honey mustard and mayonnaise, and the party is about to begin and you need ice, do not fret. You can always prepare ice in muffin trays and serve your guests one jumbo ice ball instead of the usual boring ice cubes.
The steam Iron
Instead of purchasing a separate window steam cleaner, use your iron. If its cable or the extension cords in your home allow you to do so, you can use it as an effective window glass or surface cleaner.
The coffee mug
Baking cakes in coffee mugs is very easy, extremely quick and virtually painless — especially for singles and couples who do not need to bake an entire cake. Instead of experimenting with an entire cake and the slight chance that you could mess it up, throw your ingredients into a mug, mix well and microwave for three minutes.
The hair dryer
Again, extension cords and cable lengths play an important part in this suggestion. If you do host a barbecue and find yourself struggling to get a proper fire going, with hungry onlookers judging your cooking skills, there is nothing wrong with using a hair dryer to stoke the flames. I’m kidding. You can if you like, but I’m serious… don’t do it.
