You could be fooled into thinking your dishwasher, rice cooker, slow cooker and microwave were used for what it says on the box, but in reality these four appliances are so useful.
From peeling garlic, to sanitising dog toys, to making risotto and play dough, there’s a lot more to these appliances than meets the eye.
Here’s our favourite ways to use them:
1. Sponges and dishcloths
Instead of chucking them out or leaving them to get even more germs, put your kitchen cloths and sponges in the cutlery basket and put on a quick cycle.
2. Cleaning tools
Plastic broom heads, dust pans, vacuum attachments and floor brushes can all go in the dishwasher, however remember to remove excess dust and hair first.
3. Dog toys
Many pet toys are dishwasher-safe and can be run through a regular cycle! Rinse off the hair before you wash.
4. Hairbrushes and combs
Plastic hairbrushes and combs can be cleaned in the dishwasher – make sure you remove any excess hair first so it doesn’t clog your drain. Don’t try this with natural bristles or wooden handles as the water and heat can damage them.
5. Makeup brushes
Regularly sanitise any brushes that touch your eyes and face by placing them in the cutlery basket, and let the dishwasher blast away dried makeup and dust.
6. Canvas shoes
Had a big day on the green? Your canvas shoes will be cleaned in no time if you pop them in the dishwasher.
7. Toothbrush
Is your toothbrush smelling a bit or needs a freshen up? Pop it in the dishwasher’s cutlery basket.
1. Make breakfast
Because a slow cooker reduces the possibility of burning your food (it heats up to a certain point and then decreases the heat), it is ideal for cooking breakfast! You can put oats in it just as you would in the microwave, but the ‘warm’ setting will stop the oats from curdling.
2. Make risotto
The best part of making a risotto in a rice cooker is that you don’t need to stir it. Simply added 1 part rico and 4 parts liquid, then press ‘cook’!
3. Make bread
Yes, you heard that right: you can make bread in your rice cooker. All you need is:
Simply add these into your rice cooker and hit ‘cook’. It is a very plain bread but is good for eating with soups or pasta dishes.
4. Make vanilla cake
Even cakes can be made in this 10-in-1 appliance. All you need is:
Mix cake ingredients according to package instructions then add the cake mix to rice cooker and press ‘cook’. Cake will bake for approximately 45 minutes.
While it cooks, heat a pan to medium and add peaches. Cook until they start to brown on the edges then add the butter and brown sugar. Stir butter and brown sugar into peaches and continue to cook for another few minutes. Turn off heat and set aside.
Once cake is ready, allow to cool slightly then slice into wedges and serve with peaches and cream.
1. Make crayons
What you need:
Steps:
1. Sort crayons by colour. Remove paper and break into pieces, 2cm or smaller.
2. Cover bottom of crock pot with whatever colours you like, about 2cm deep
3. Turn crock pot onto low setting and allow crayons to melt for approximately 30 minutes. Wait 20 minutes before you stir and check periodically to see if completely melted.
4. Use ladles to carefully pour melted crayon into molds.
5. Cool crayons in freezer for approximately 10 minutes.
2. Dye yarn
What you need:
Steps:
3. Play dough
What you need:
4. Candles
What you need:
Steps:
1.Tear free onions – pop them in the mic with the ends cut off for 30 seconds and you won’t cry when you cut them!
2. Reuse stamps – Put a couple of drops of water on the stamp and pop the letter in the microwave. It’ll come right off!
3. Get more juice out of lemons or limes – Heat your citrus fruits on high for a minute and you will get 30 per cent more juice out of them.
4. Peel garlic fast – Put a single clove on high heat for 15 seconds and it will peel super easily.
5. Poach an egg – Wet the inside of a mug and crack an egg, making sure you don’t break the yolk. Put a damp paper towel on top of the mug, covering the egg. Microwave on high for 1 and a half minutes and voila!