Curry leaves are a staple ingredient in Indian kitchens. In India, their versatility allows them to be used to incorporate in a wide range of delectable dishes like curries, rice, dals, chutneys, soups, and stews. But what if you've already used them in your cooking and are left with some leftover curry leaves?
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Leftover curry leaves often end up in the trash, but did you know they can be put to good use in the kitchen? These aromatic leaves not only enhance your dishes but can also serve as effective natural cleaners. Here are the six simple ways to use curry leaves to keep your kitchen clean and fresh.
Best Use Of Leftover Curry Leaves As A Kitchen Cleaner
Keep And Refrigerator Clean And Fresh
In refrigerators, many items result in undesirable odours. So, to get rid of these bad smells, place a few dried curry leaves in an open jar or containers inside your refrigerator to keep it smelling clean and fresh. By doing this, the leaves will take up any bad smells and keep the musty scent out of your refrigerator.
Additionally, to get rid of any odours that may still be there, you may also use a water solution mixed with curry leaves to clean the refrigerator's interior.
Keep The Kitchen Surfaces And The Counters Clean
Kitchen slaps and counters go through a lot during daily cooking activities. So to clean them and keep them disinfected naturally, you need to grind a few curry leaves into a paste with water. Apply this to your kitchen surfaces, let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe it off with a damp cloth. The antibacterial properties of curry leaves will help keep your kitchen slaps and counters clean and hygienic.
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Freshen Up Your Kitchen With Natural Curry Leaf Aromas
If your kitchen is filled with lingering food smells, curry leaves can help restore freshness. Just boil a handful of curry leaves in water and let the steam spread their pleasant aroma throughout your kitchen. However, this technique is especially useful after cooking strong-smelling dishes. The gentle, natural scent of curry leaves will mask any unwanted odours, leaving the space smelling clean and inviting.
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Polish Stainless-Steel Utensils To Restore The Shine
As you know, stainless steel items can lose their shine over time, but you can use curry leaves to bring back their lustre. Make a paste by mixing ground curry leaves with a bit of coconut oil. Rub this mixture onto your utensils and leave it on for about 15 minutes. Then wipe off the paste with a clean cloth to reveal shiny, polished utensils.
Keep Your Pantry Naturally Free Of Pests
Curry leaves can help protect your pantry from pests like ants and cockroaches. Dry some curry leaves and place them in your pantry or storage containers. The strong scent acts as a natural repellent, keeping insects away without the need for harmful chemicals.
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Easily Eliminate Grease From Stovetops
Culinary can leave your stovetop greasy and stained, but curry leaves offer a natural solution. Combine ground curry leaves with baking soda and water to create a cleaning paste. Use this to scrub away stubborn grease from your stovetop and burners, leaving them spotless and grease-free.