Cooking in a hurry? These easy kitchen hacks can save time, reduce mess and make everyday cooking hassle-free

Cooking in a hurry can often leave behind a pile of dirty utensils, food spills and cluttered counters. However, a few simple kitchen hacks can make everyday cooking more organised, save time and reduce the mess.

Freeze cheese before grating

Grating soft or mushy cheese can quickly turn messy. To make the process easier, place the cheese in the freezer for some time before grating it. Once it becomes firm, it can be grated smoothly without sticking too much to the grater.

Stop crying while cutting onions

Chopping onions can leave your eyes watering, but a simple trick may help. Freeze the onions and cut them as they begin to thaw. Alternatively, you can soak them in lukewarm water before chopping.

Clean burnt utensils with simple ingredients

Burnt utensils can be difficult to clean, especially when stubborn stains stick to the surface. Mix lemon juice, salt and baking soda and apply a thick layer of the mixture to the affected area. Wash it with dishwashing liquid afterwards to help remove the burnt residue.

Keep cut potatoes fresh

Cut potatoes can quickly lose their colour and texture when exposed to air. One easy way to help keep them fresh is to place the sliced potatoes in cold ice water until they are ready to be cooked.

Clean as you cook

Instead of leaving all the cleaning for the end, use the cooking time to stay on top of the mess. Wash utensils that are no longer needed, wipe spills from the counter and put ingredients away as you go.

This simple habit prevents dishes and clutter from piling up and makes the final kitchen clean-up much quicker and easier.