The kitchen may be the heart of the home, but many of the tools inside it can do far more than help you cook dinner. With a little creativity, everyday kitchen items can be repurposed to solve household problems, save money, and simplify your routines.

Here are ten clever and unexpected ways to use the items you already have sitting in your drawers and cabinets.

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1. Muffin Tins: Junk-Drawer Organizers

A muffin tin makes organizing your chaotic junk drawer almost effortless. Place it inside the drawer and use the cups to separate small items like paper clips, screws, rubber bands, and safety pins. The 12 evenly sized compartments keep everything tidy and easy to find—no more digging.

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2. Tongs: The Easiest Blind Cleaner

Dusting blinds is tedious, but kitchen tongs can make the process quick. Wrap microfiber cloths around each tong end, secure them with rubber bands, and glide them between slats. The tongs grab dust on both sides at once, even on tall windows.

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3. Chopsticks: Simple Plant Stakes

Have a leaning houseplant or young seedling? Spare chopsticks make perfect mini stakes. Push one into the soil and gently tie the plant to it with soft string. It’s a sturdy, easy, and free support system.

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4. Coffee Filters: Streak-Free Dusting Cloths

Coffee filters are lint-free, making them ideal for dusting screens, windows, and glossy surfaces. Use them dry or with cleaning spray—they won’t scratch and won’t leave fibers behind.

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5. Ice Cube Trays: Jewelry Storage

Turn an ice cube tray into a jewelry organizer. Each compartment fits earrings, rings, and small bracelets individually, preventing tangles and lost pieces. Store it in a drawer or keep it on a vanity for easy access.

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6. Baking Soda: A Natural Deodorizer

Baking soda absorbs odors better than many store-bought fresheners. Place an open box or small dish in the fridge, pantry, or shoe cabinet. You can also refresh carpets by sprinkling baking soda, letting it sit 15 minutes, then vacuuming.

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7. Rubber Bands: Grip for Stubborn Jars

Struggling with a tight lid? Wrap a thick rubber band around the lid to give your hands more friction and a stronger grip. It works especially well for smooth metal lids.

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8. Aluminum Foil: Quick Scissor Sharpener

If your scissors feel dull, fold a piece of aluminum foil several times and cut through it 10–12 times. This simple trick helps hone the blades and extend their life.

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9. Vinegar: A Reliable Carpet Stain Remover

White vinegar is a gentle but powerful cleaner. Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle, spritz the stain, let it sit a few minutes, and blot with a clean cloth. It works on most common stains, including coffee and wine.

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10. Egg Cartons: Seed-Starting Pods

Cardboard egg cartons make great biodegradable planters. Fill each cup with soil, plant your seeds, and water as usual. When ready to transplant, simply cut the cups apart and plant them directly into the ground—they’ll break down naturally.

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11. Mason Jars: Portable Salad Containers

Mason jars are perfect for meal-prep salads. Add dressing at the bottom, heavier vegetables in the middle, and greens on top. When ready to eat, shake and enjoy. It’s a simple, reusable, and spill-proof lunch solution.