Sprinkle Flour on Your Stovetop? Here’s Why Many Home Cooks Swear by This Kitchen Trick

Flour is best known for baking bread, cakes, and pizza, but it has several surprising uses around the kitchen as well. Thanks to its fine, absorbent texture, it can help tackle greasy messes, polish certain surfaces, and even assist with a few clever household tasks. Here are some practical ways to put ordinary flour to work beyond cooking.

1. Remove Grease from the Stovetop

One of flour’s most useful qualities is its ability to absorb oil.

If your stovetop has greasy splatters after cooking:

1. Allow the surface to cool completely.
2. Sprinkle a light layer of flour over the greasy spots.
3. Let it sit for a minute or two so the flour absorbs the oil.
4. Wipe everything away with a soft cloth or paper towel.
5. Finish by cleaning the surface with warm water and a mild kitchen cleaner.

This simple step can make greasy residue easier to remove before normal cleaning.

2. Brighten Stainless Steel Surfaces

Flour can also help polish stainless steel once the surface has already been cleaned.

To try it:

• Wash and dry the stainless steel completely.
• Sprinkle a small amount of flour onto a soft microfiber cloth.
• Gently buff the surface using circular motions.
• Wipe away any remaining flour with a clean cloth.

Many people use this technique to add extra shine to stainless steel sinks, range hoods, and certain appliances.

3. Make a Simple Homemade Paste

In a pinch, flour can be used to create a basic homemade paste for lightweight craft projects.

You’ll need:

• 100 g (about 3½ oz) all-purpose flour
• 1½ cups of water

Mix the flour with the water over low heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens into a smooth paste. Allow it to cool completely before using it for paper crafts or other light-duty projects.

4. Help Control Ant Trails

Some people sprinkle flour across visible ant trails or around entry points in an attempt to discourage ants from crossing.

While this is a popular home remedy, scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness is limited. For persistent infestations, it’s generally more effective to locate the nest, eliminate food sources, and seal entry points.

5. Absorb Grease from Pots and Pans

Burnt-on grease can be difficult to remove.

Before washing:

• Sprinkle flour over oily residue.
• Let it absorb the grease for several minutes.
• Wipe away the flour.
• Wash the cookware with dish soap and warm water as usual.

This can reduce the amount of grease that spreads while scrubbing.

6. Make Dishwashing Easier

For cookware with heavy grease buildup, flour can serve as a pre-treatment.

Simply:

• Sprinkle a small amount over greasy dishes or pans.
• Allow it to absorb the oil.
• Wipe away the excess.
• Wash normally using dish soap.

This helps remove excess grease before the actual washing begins.

Tips for Best Results

When using flour for household cleaning:

• Always use dry flour.
• Apply only a thin layer.
• Wipe away all flour residue after use.
• Avoid using flour on hot surfaces.
• Test delicate finishes in an inconspicuous area first.

A Simple Ingredient with Many Uses

A bag of flour can do much more than help bake bread. Whether you’re absorbing grease from the stovetop, polishing stainless steel, or making cleanup easier after cooking, this inexpensive pantry staple can be a surprisingly useful addition to your household cleaning routine. While it isn’t a replacement for dedicated cleaning products, it can be a handy trick for everyday kitchen maintenance.