Five Ways To Improve Your Kitchen For Under $20

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Hello to my people who are making cooking resolutions?!? Oh there you are! Regardless of what those resolutions may be (meal prep, trying your hand at a big baking project, sneaking more vegetables into your diet, whatevs!) it’s not a bad idea to make some small — and inexpensive! — but impactful upgrades to your kitchen.

Rest in Grease Spoon Rest, $17
Rest in Grease Spoon Rest, $17
Photo: Amazon

This spoon rest is a great size for kitchens with limited counter space, because it’s narrow rather than bulbous in the way that many spoon holders are. Also, it’s kind of cheeky and delightful, right? Bonus: It’s very easy to wipe off, wash by hand AND it’s dishwasher safe.

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Sponge Holder, $13
Sponge Holder, $13
Photo: Amazon
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Friendly reminder that you should be sure to wring your sponge out well before putting it back in a sponge holder AND ALSO that from time to time you should also wash your sponge holder from time to time. Metal sponge holders, however, are less prone to developing mold and mildew — this one is a great choice because it can accommodate a dish wand or long-handled scrub brush in addition to a sponge.

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Magnetic Dish Rag Hooks, $8
Magnetic Dish Rag Hooks, $8
Graphic: Ana Luisa Suarez

Having dish rags handy isn’t always easy — not all kitchens are configured in a way that makes stashing them in arm’s reach possible. But most kitchen’s have metal surfaces to which these handy magnetic hooks can adhere. They’re just the right thing for hanging dish rags, as well as pot holders and oven mitts.

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Flour Sack Dish Towels, $16
Flour Sack Dish Towels, $16
Photo: Amazon

While you’re at it, how about buying a new set of dish rags?!? Not all dish towels are created equally — some just, like, don’t absorb water! But flour sack dish towels are great for lots of uses, from drying dishes to wiping surfaces off and cleaning up spills. Plus, they dry fast.

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All-Purpose Cleaner, $4
All-Purpose Cleaner, $4
Graphic: Ana Luisa Suarez
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One of the problems with cooking more often is that means you’ll be cleaning more often too. A small bottle of all-purpose spray left on the sink ledge right next to the dish soap, however, makes it easier to wipe counters and stovetops down after you make that week’s worth of lunches, or try your hand at baking a three-layer cake.