8 Brilliant Ways to Use Boiling Water Around the Home

8 brilliant ways to use boiling water around the home

Boiling water has been used for centuries to cook food. It's also an effective way to kill bacteria and clean surfaces.

But did you know that you can use boiling water for other purposes too? Here are eight brilliant ways to use boiling hot water around the house.

#1- Clean your microwave oven

Microwaves can get very messy, so it's essential to keep them clean. To do this, fill a bowl with lukewarm or cold tap water and pour in some dish soap. Soak a soft cloth in the solution, then wipe down the inside of the microwave until all traces of grease have gone. You could even add lemon juice if you want!

Alternatively, you can pour a few cups of water into a microwave-friendly bowl and heat it at a high temperature. Allow it to cool down. Then take the bowl out of the oven and wipe the inside of the microwave. The boiling water helps to soften any grime on the walls.

#2- Keep Your Drains Clean

You may not be able to use boiling water to handle serious situations. However, when you face minor problems like clogged drains, there is no better tool than boiling water. Okay, so maybe you may not get good results 100% of the time. But it's worth at least trying before you seek professional help. First, boil water for about 10 minutes. Once done, ensure that the sink has no standing water left in it. Then pour the water down the drain at a slow pace. You can also allow the water to sit overnight. And then, in the morning, you can run warm water through the pipes again. This process should work for minor clogs. However, if the problem persists, call a plumber.

#3- Take Off Lime Scales From Kettles

If you own a kettle, chances are you've noticed lime scales building up over time. These hard deposits form as calcium carbonate builds up from minerals found in tap water. They're usually harmless, but they can make kettles look unappealing. Fortunately, these deposits aren't challenging to remove. Start by boiling a lot more water, adding some lemon juice or vinegar. For measurement, fill the kettle halfway with water and to the brim with lemon juice or vinegar. Allow the water to boil, and then let it sit for a few minutes. Once the water has cooled down, wipe the inside of the kettle. After that, boil plain water to take out the taste of vinegar or lemon juice.

#4- Shine Your Silverware

Silverware gets tarnished after regular usage. If you don't want to spend money buying new silver now and then, try boiling water instead. Simply dipping your silverware in boiling water can restore its shine. To begin, put a layer of aluminum foil at the base of a big glass pan. Put your spoon or fork on top of the foil. Sprinkle baking soda. Take your time to pour the boiling water on the foil, making sure to cover the silverware with it. Allow the water to cool, and then wipe your silver with a clean piece of cloth.

#5- Say Goodbye To Unpleasant Smells

Boil water to kill off unpleasant smells. It works great for eliminating odors caused by mold, mildew, bacteria, and other microbes. All you need to do is place an open container filled with hot water near the source of the smell. Let the steam dissipate naturally. After a while, the odor will disappear.

You're also probably familiar with how a pot of stew can fill the house with the smell of garlic and ginger. Boiling something can enhance its odor. So if you're trying to mask the smell of smoked fish, for instance, you can first boil water with some lemon peels, cinnamon, and nutmegs. Then allow the mixture to simmer (you can leave it a bit for now) until the water has almost evaporated.

#6- Hot-Water Bottles Are Great

A hot-water bottle is one of those things we all have lying around our homes. We keep them handy because they provide warmth during cold nights. The best part? A hot-water bottle doesn't require electricity to heat up. Just add enough hot water into the bottle and wait for the bottle to become heated. This method is even safer than anything electric since you won't risk burning yourself accidentally.

After you fill the hot-water bottle, you can now enjoy using it throughout the night. You'll be able to sleep comfortably without having to worry about getting too cold.

#7- Get A Home Facial

The skin on our faces needs constant care. But when was the last time you gave yours a facial? Well, there's no better way to give your skin a deep cleaning than through boiling water. Fill a bowl half full of warm water. Add two tablespoons each of salt and sugar. Stir well so that everything mixes evenly. Now dip your hands into this solution and massage your entire face. Make sure not to get any of the liquid onto your eyes. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Repeat once every week.

Alternatively, you can follow the example of professional facials. They usually use steam to hydrate the surface of your skin. This process allows your skin to absorb products easily. You can recreate this experience at home. Start with a bowl of boiled water. Then as the steam appears, place a towel over your head and bring your face closer to the bowl. Enjoy the experience for the next ten minutes, and use moisturizer when complete.

8- Clean Up Messy Dishes With Steam

When you're cooking dinner, sometimes dishes end up being messy. And although washing them isn't difficult, it does involve lots of elbow grease. Instead, why not just throw them in the sink and run some hot water? That should help loosen up whatever's stuck to the bottom of the dish. When done, rinse away the dirt.

In conclusion, boiling water is a simple yet effective tool that everyone should know. Whether you want to clean or cook, boiling water offers many benefits.