8 Cleaning Tips: Trash Can Little Tricks

A. Here’s a clever way to save both time and space while changing trash bags: Store the container of trash bags in the bottom of the trash can; when a full bag is removed, all you have to do is reach down and grab a fresh bag to replace it.
B. Recycle plastic shopping bags by using them to line small trash cans. Keep them from sliding to the bottom of the can by attaching small adhesive coat hooks (with the hooks facing downwards) on either side of the can, about 4 inches from the top. To secure the bag, simply slip the bag handles around the hooks.

Most kitchen garbage bags tend to slip down inside the trash can, inviting an unpleasant mess to clean up later. Try securing the bag to the receptacle with a lightweight bungee cord. Just make sure you don’t throw out the cord along with the trash when you change the bag!

To fix garbage and compost bags that are too wide for a narrow pail, gather and twist the excess to one side and fasten it in place with a bread bag clip to keep the top secure and open.

Save plastic produce bags from the supermarket and use them to clean up kitchen scraps. Spread a bag on the counter next to your cutting board or in one half of the sink and sweep scraps such as vegetable peelings and onion skins onto it as you prep. When you’re done, just gather up the bag and toss it away.

Instead of pouring a small amount of used frying oil into an empty bottle or can, try sopping up the mess with the leftover flour, egg, and bread crumbs that were used to coat pan-fried foods.
1. Off the heat, add leftover flour, egg, and bread crumbs to the hot oil; stir.
2. Once the oil has been absorbed by the flour mixture, let cool and discard.

Minor spills are a frequent occurrence in most kitchens. Here’s a trick for keeping counters tidy: Use the small rimmed baking sheet from a toaster oven as a miniature dust pan, holding the pan under the edge of the counter and sweeping spilled food onto it for disposal.

Whether they have built-in disposals or not, many cooks peel and pare fruits and vegetables directly into the sink. Those without disposals are then left with the task of fishing all of the scraps out of the sink and rinsing it out.
Make this chore much simpler by lining the empty sink with newspaper before you begin any prep work. That way, when you’re done prepping all you have to do is gather up the newspaper and its contents and put them in the trash (or the compost heap) in one fell swoop.

Take a tip from hotel maids, who have been using this cleaning trick for years. Keep extra trash bags in the bottom of the can, so you can simply pull a fresh bag into place after you remove the old one.