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Category: Home Interior Tips

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How to Clean Stove Burner Pans

How to Clean Stove Burner Pans

If you have an electric stove with metal catch pans, here are some ideas on how to clean stove burner pans (how to clean stove element pans and how to clean gas stove burner tops as well) Â and make them shine once more.

how to clean stove element pans, how to clean gas stove burner tops
How to Clean Stove Burner Pans

Throwing them in the dishwasher after a spill is likely the easiest way but if you are moving into a rental unit for example, where the cleaning has been poor and you want to get the stove top cleanliness up to a high standard, here are some ways to do so.

Baked on food on a stove top or element pan is one of the most difficult things to clean. Soaking the pans is really your first and easiest choice for how to clean stove burner pans, using hot water and dish soap. Let soak as long as you can then use a scour pad to remove as much  cooked on food as possible.

An essential item to have in your kitchen is a kitchen scraper (hard plastic scraper – See below) that can be used to remove any cooked on food from cookie sheets to pots and pans. You can use the scraper on practically any surface with food gunk stuck on it. It is a good first choice before bringing out the heavy chemicals. Using oven cleaners or strong chemicals like ammonia should be your last resort.

kitchen scrapers
Kitchen Scrapers

Typically, oven cleaners contain lye (sodium hydroxide) which is corrosive and will damage exposed skin so always wear gloves when using these products.

Ammonia can also be used for heavy duty burnt on food removal. However, ammonia is toxic to aquatic animals and it is classified as dangerous for the environment. Always try to use good old fashioned elbow grease and less toxic chemicals first before bringing out the heavy guns.

That being said, sometimes just plain effort is just not enough. If that is the case for your element pans, try this for a speed cleaning tip, but only use one cleaning chemical or the other, NOT both:

  • Put your element pans in a plastic bag and put a little ammonia OR oven cleaner (never use both) in the bag and seat it.
  • Leave overnight.
  • In a well ventilated area and wearing gloves, remove pans from bag and rinse well.
  • Scrub any remaining stuck on food with the kichen scrubber or plastic kitchen scraper.

Learning how to clean stove burner pans can help you keep your kitchen clean. It is easy to do if you just follow the above steps.

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How to Clean a Toilet

How to Clean a Toilet

It is important to know how to clean a toilet properly.

Start with getting your cleaning supplies together.

Supplies:

how to clean a toilet
How to Clean a Toilet
  • Clean, dry cloths/rags
  • Glass or multi-surface cleaner
  • Toilet bowl cleanser (liquid or powder)
  • Toilet bowl brush

Steps for how to clean a toilet:

  1. Fold your cleaning cloth in quarters so you can rotate the cloth to a clean dry surface after you clean each area.
  2. Start with the handle and tank. Spray your glass or multi-surface cleaner on the surface and wipe with your dry cloth, cleaning the surface but being sure the surface isn’t too wet since you want to be able to polish the surface dry. Do not clean the lid, seat or any other area of the toilet before cleaning the handle and tank or you will be spreading around germs from the dirtier areas to the areas that typically aren’t as dirty.
  3. Move to the lid and seat. Apply your cleaner and use a clean, dry surface of your cloth to clean and polish dry. The seat is likely the most dirty surface and often you will have to use more cleaner and/or more cleaning cloths than with other parts of the toilet.
  4. On to the toilet bowl. Sprinkle cleanser in the bowl, making sure you cover the entire bowl, sides of the bowl included. Dip your brush in the toilet water to wet it then sprinkle cleanser on it as well. Scrub in a circular motion starting at the top of the bowl and working your way down to the bottom of the water in the bowl. Once done, shake the excess water off of your brush and flush the toilet afterwards to rid yourself of germs that could crawl back up onto the toilet. Remember to scrub under the rim of the bowl. Many people miss this area and as a result, it becomes an area for unpleasant guests to thrive. Also, scrubbing from top to bottom of the bowl is a more effective way of cleaning because the toilet water becomes cloudy and dirt-filled if you start at the bottom. Contaminated water is not a good way to remove germs.
  5. Finish by applying cleaner to the outside of the bowl and clean the front and sides of the bowl using the same technique.
  6. Using a clean, dry cloth, you can touch up and polish dry any area of the toilet where there is excess cleaner which should leave you with a sparkling fresh toilet.

With the proper supplies and technique, it should take no more than two to three minutes to clean a toilet.

how to clean a toilet
Pumice stone

If you have troublesome bowl stains that your standard cleaner cannot remove, using a commercial acid based bowl cleaner will usually do the trick. This can be found at any janitorial supply store. You can also use a pumice stone designed for toilet bowls if you don’t want to use harsh chemicals on tough stains.

Following the above steps on how to clean a toilet will keep it fresh and clean!

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How to Clean Fruits and Vegetables

How to Clean Fruits and Vegetables

When thinking about how to clean fruits and vegetables, buying a bottle of cleaner that you see in the produce area of the grocery store may be an option. However, you can easily make your own mixture for a fraction of the cost.

Edible Exteriors

Fruits and vegetables have either edible outsides or not. The benefit of eating the skins of apples, potatoes, zucchini and cucumber, for example, are that you get fiber in your diet. However, the downfall is some fruits and vegetables skins may have been exposed to pesticides. Even if you wash the outside of the fruit or vegetable reallly well, you may not be able to completely get rid of the residual pesiticides. Not good!

This is why it is recommended that you buy organic fruits and vegetables if you plan to eat the skin. It is not as big a deal when you are not eating the outsides like on a banana or an onion.

Instructions

You will need:

cleaning fruits and vegetables
How to clean fruits and vegetables

1 spray bottle (clean and never used with chemicals)

2 cups water

2 tbsp lemon juice

2 tbsp baking soda

Mix the ingredients in the spray bottle. The liquid will appear a bit foamy.

To clean fruits and vegetables, simply spray the liquid on the food. Let sit for 5 minutes. Rinse under cold, running water, using a soft scrub brush on the food if desired. And that’s how to clean fruits and vegetables.

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How to Clean a Keurig

How to Clean a Keurig

Learning how to clean a keurig will prolong the life of the brewer and ensure it is operating properly.

How to Clean a Keurig Brewer

how to clean a keurig
How to Clean a Keurig

The external components of a Keurig can be cleaned with a soapy, damp, non-abrasive cloth. Do not immerse the brewer in water or any other liquid. The K-Cup holder, funnel, drip plate and drip tray are all dishwasher safe. The removable water reservoir and lid are NOT dishwasher safe so you should wash them by hand with warm, soapy water and a non-abrasive cloth. In order to ensure you don’t contaminate your water supply, ensure that no cleaning solutions or cleaners are in or near the water reservoir.

Be sure to perform a cleansing brew to ensure that the K-Cup holder is clean and clear of residue after brewing hot cocoa, Cafe Escapes or Perfect Iced Tea K-Cup varieties.

How to Clean a Keurig K-Cup Holder

Remove the K-Cup assembly. The K-Cup holder can be washed in the dishwasher. The funnel is also dishwasher safe. To clean the exit needle of coffee grounds or cocoa mix, insert a paper clip into the tube and move it around to loosen the clog and remove debris.

Descale your Brewer

Every 3-6 months, you should descale your Keurig. Although scale is harmless, it can hinder the operation of the brewer. Please see your Keurig instructions applicable to your particular unit.

Learning how to clean a Keurig brewing systems will allow you years of optimal use.

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How to Clean Pampered Chef Stoneware

How to Clean Pampered Chef Stoneware

Learning how to clean pampered chef stoneware properly is important because it keeps your stoneware in the best condition possible, allowing you many years of cooking enjoyment. Pampered Chef Stoneware is a natural clay product. It does not require any special cleaning methods or products. In fact, cleaning Pampered Chef Stoneware is the complete opposite! You only need clean, hot water and a nylon scraper. Do not use dishsoap or put your stoneware in the dishwasher with dishwasher detergent. Soap and detergent will cause the food you cook in the stoneware to taste like soap. Yuck.

how to clean pampered chef stoneware
How to Clean Pampered Chef Stoneware

Here’s How to Clean Pampered Chef Stoneware:

General Cleaning

Hand wash your stoneware.

Be sure stoneware is cool.

Soak stoneware in clean, hot water to loosen any stuck-on food.

Using the nylon scraper that came with your stoneware, scrape off any food.

Rinse and thoroughly dry stoneware before putting it away.

Deep Cleaning

To deep clean your stoneware, make a paste of 1/2 cup baking soda and 3 tbsp of water.

Apply the paste to the areas of the stoneware you want to deep clean. Let sit for 15-20 minutes.

Scrape off paste and rinse really well. Dry stoneware thoroughly before putting it away.

 

Pampered Chef stoneware comes in many different shapes and sizes. These cleaning tips on how to clean Pampered Chef stoneware are applicable to all stoneware dishes.

 

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How to Clean a Cast Iron Skillet

How to Clean a Cast Iron Skillet

There are do’s and don’ts when it comes to how to clean a cast iron skillet. It is important that you pay attention to these simple instructions so as not to damage your cast iron skillet. If you follow these steps on how to clean a cast iron skillet, you will be able to keep your pan clean, rust-free and well-seasoned.

how to clean a cast iron skillet
How to clean a cast iron skillet

Supplies

– Clean warm water
– Small plastic scraper
– Sponge, stiff brush and plastic scrubbie
– Clean dry cloth or paper towel
– Vegetable oil or shortening
– Kosher salt (optional)

Instructions on how to clean a cast iron skillet:

It is best to clean your cast iron skillet when after use, when it is still a bit warm. Put the skillet in clean, warm water. Use a small plastic scraper, stiff brush or sponge to remove stuck on food. You can also make a paste of salt and water, then scrub the paste on the bottom of the pan to remove stuck on food. If you have stubborn food residue that won’t come off the skillet, try boiling some water in the pan to loosen the food.

Once the skillet is clean, towel dry the inside. You can also put the skillet on a stove burner on low, but do not leave the pan unattended.

After the skillet is dry, pour a small amount of vegetable oil or melted shortening in the skillet and rub it around with a clean paper towel. This is to re-season the pan.

If you have rust in your cast iron skillet, you can use a bit of steel wool, but you will have to re-season the pan afterwards. You can also clean the rust by rubbing the cut side of a potato and a sprinkle of baking soda on the bottom of the skillet. Rinse well with warm water the re-season the pan.

Do’s and Don’ts on how to clean a cast iron skillet:

Do wash your cast iron skillet after use, when it is still warm.

Do store your skillet in a dry place.

Do re-season your cast iron skillet as needed.

Don’t use dishsoap.

Don’t soak your cast iron pan in water. (This may cause the skillet to rust.)

Don’t put your cast iron skillet in the dishwasher.

Don’t use steel wool as this may strip the seasoning from the skillet.

Now that you know how to clean a cast iron skillet, you can treat yours properly to ensure cooking (and eating) enjoyment for many years!

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How to Clean a Yoga Mat

Here’s how to clean a yoga mat:

There are three ways on how to clean a yoga mat: by lightly hand washing, submerging it in a tub and hand washing, or washing it in the washing machine.

how to clean a yoga mat
How to clean a yoga mat

How to clean a yoga mat by handwashing

If your mat is only slightly soiled, spray it with a solution of water and a very small bit of mild dish soap. Use a clean, damp sponge or clean terry cloth rag. Wash the entire mat. Use a clean cloth, only dampened with clean water, to wipe the mat. Dry with a towel, then let air dry.

How to clean a yoga mat by handwashing in bathtub

If you haven’t washed your mat in a long time or it is particularly soiled, you may want to do a more heavy duty cleaning of your yoga mat. Fill your bathtub with warm water and a bit of mild detergent. Submerge the yoga mat and hand wash it using a clean cloth. Rinse with clean water. Towel dry then let air dry.

How to clean a yoga mat by machine washing

Put the yoga mat by itself into the washing machine and using a mild detergent for delicates, run it through the gentle or delicates cycle. Let air dry.

It is important to keep your yoga mat clean, but do not over wash your your yoga mat.

One way to speed up the drying process is to roll up your mat with a towel and squeeze excess water out.

Whatever method you choose to clean a yoga mat, be sure your yoga mat is completely dry before rolling it up. In between classes, it is actually a good idea to hang your mat rather than leave it rolled up.

And that is how to clean a yoga mat!

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Cleaning up the Clutter

Cleaning up the Clutter

cleaning up the clutter
Cleaning up the Clutter

When trying to keep your home neat and tidy, cleaning up the clutter is the first thing to do. Better yet, don’t let clutter accumulate in the first place! The best way to reduce or avoid clutter altogether is to handle each thing only once. Instead of dropping dirty clothes on the floor only to have to pick it up later and put it in the laundry hamper, put them directly into the laundry basket. Put things away the first time. It takes you less time to do it right the first time than having to come back and put clutter away later.

If you find putting stuff away in the first place is too tough for you, you may want to have a designated clutter area – perhaps a bin in a closet or a specific place on the kitchen counter. Be sure to periodically put away the things at your clutter spot. Once you are in the habit of putting your clutter in your designated place, you may find it easier to gradually start putting things away instead of in the clutter spot.

In many cases, once you start eliminating clutter, you will find it easier to keep your house clean, as a sense of pride in a clean home can be encouraging for everyone in the home.

Have fun cleaning up the clutter!

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How to Clean an Iron

Here’s how to clean an iron:

How to Clean an Iron
How to Clean an Iron

Keeping your iron clean is important so you don’t transfer dirt or gunk from the hot iron to the material you are ironing. To keep your iron in good working condition, you should read the manufacturer’s manual that came with your iron.

Be sure to start with a cool iron. Trying to clean a warm or hot iron is not only dangerous, but your cleaning efforts would be ineffective on the hot surface.

If the surface of the iron plate is oily, use a clean cloth dampened with ammonia or window cleaner then use another clean cloth dampened with water to wipe off the iron plate. A clean cloth dampened with vinegar can also be used instead of window cleaner.

If the iron plate has wax-like dirt on it, you can turn the iron into a hot settling and use a scrunched up newspaper to wipe the iron plate. Let the iron cool then wipe it with a clean cloth dampened with water.

To clean in the holes on the iron plate, use a cotton swab dampened with ammonia or window cleaner then wipe holes again with cotton swabs dampened with water. Do not use any sharp objects to scrape or clean the holes in the iron plate. The surface may get scratched.

To clean the water reservoir in your iron, fill it with one part vinegar and one part water. Turn on the iron to get it hot. Let it steam for a few minutes, and use the spray feature. Turn the iron off and let it cool. Empty any remaining liquid from the reservoir. Add water to the reservoir and turn the iron back on. Let it steam for a few minutes and use the spray feature. Turn off the iron and let it cool. Empty the reservoir. You can repeat the water steps if you want to be completely sure there is no vinegar left in your iron.

To clean the rest of your iron, use a clean cloth dampened with ammonia, window cleaner, general purpose cleaner or vinegar. Wipe all surfaces.

And that’s how to clean an iron!

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How to clean thermal paste off a CPU

Here’s how to clean thermal paste off a CPU:

clean thermal paste
Use a coffee filter and isopropyl alcohol to clean thermal paste off a CPU

The best way to clean thermal paste off a CPU is to use isopropyl alcohol (as high a percent as possible like 90%) and a coffee filter. Using something like Q-tips or tissues can leave behind small hairs or fibers. Coffee filters leave nothing behind. Get the coffee filter damp with solution and wipe the thermal paste. Alcohol prep pads (for site injections) can be used as well. They are convenient and perfectly sized.

If you are having a tough time cleaning the thermal paste from a CPU, try using fingernail polish remover and a Q-tip. The fingernail polish remover should be the basic acetone kind with no additives or fragrances. Once you have cleaned the thermal paste off a CPU, wipe the area with the isopropyl alcohol and coffee filter, or with the alcohol prep pad. Dry the area with a quick spray of canned air which will dry any dampness and blow away any fibers that may be left from the Q-tip. And that is how to clean thermal paste off a CPU.

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