In today’s fast-paced professional and personal lives, managing household chores efficiently has become a necessity rather than a choice. Tasks such as cooking, cleaning utensils, organising the kitchen and maintaining household items consume significant time every day. In this context, simple and effective household hacks can help save time, energy and effort.

Celebrity chef and MasterChef India winner Pankaj Bhadouria frequently shares practical kitchen and home-care tips that make daily chores easier. Here are some of her useful hacks that can be easily adopted at home.

How to Clean a Blackened Tea Strainer in Minutes

Despite regular washing, steel tea strainers often develop black residue and stubborn crusts along the edges, making them unhygienic and unattractive. According to Chef Pankaj Bhadouria, an easy way to clean such strainers is to place them directly over a gas flame for a few seconds. The accumulated residue burns away quickly. Once cooled, the strainer can be washed normally and will look clean again.

Correct Way to Store Boiled Eggs and Potatoes

Improper storage of boiled eggs and potatoes often leads to early spoilage. Chef Bhadouria advises that if they are not required immediately, they should not be peeled. Boiled eggs and potatoes should be stored in the refrigerator with their peel intact. This method significantly increases their shelf life and keeps them fresh for longer.

Easy Method to Clean Silver Utensils and Jewellery

For dull silver utensils and jewellery, Chef Bhadouria suggests a simple home remedy. Line a large bowl with aluminium foil and fill it with warm water. Add salt and baking soda, then immerse the silver items in the solution. After 20–25 minutes, the utensils and jewellery regain their shine without the need for professional cleaning.

Trick to Fry Onions Faster

Chef Bhadouria explains that adding a small amount of salt while frying onions helps them cook faster and enhances their natural sweetness. For quick caramelisation, sprinkling a pinch of salt allows the onions to release moisture quickly, speeding up the cooking process.

By adopting these smart kitchen hacks, everyday household tasks can be completed more efficiently, leaving more time for rest and personal activities.