A quick cleaning tip for cleaning a cast iron frying pan is to simply put it in your self-cleaning oven during the cleaning cycle.
Cast Iron Stove Top Grids
Here is a question submited recently…
My stove has cast iron grids over the burners and they are very difficult to clean. No matter how often I clean them I cannot get all the grease off. Is there a better way to do this than the old-fashioned way of boiling them in ammonia?
Boiling ammonia???? please don’t do that.
I have NEVER heard of any benefits derived from increasing the temperature of ammonia for cleaning. In fact it sounds downright hazardous to be ingesting the resulting fumes.
The best way to clean any cast iron kitchen wear is to stick them in the oven during the self cleaning cycle, or allow them to sit in a sink, sprayed with oven cleaner overnight. Place the grids in a plastic bag overnight for good results. A light scrub should remove any residue, rinse and they should be like new. If they are not painted, a light coat of cooking oil will prevent rust from appearing.
Always use caution when using caustic chemicals like oven cleaner. Wear gloves, safety glasses, and follow all the manufacturers instructions.
Dishwasher Build Up
“How can I clean soap residue from the inside of my dishwasher ? ”
The most likely cause of this problem is hard water scale and/or over-using dishwasher detergent.
Try these techniques :
First, try not filling the soap reservoir all the way. You’d be surprised at how clean dishes can get using less soap. This will help to avoid deposits.
Second, to get rid of the current deposits try using a damp sponge sprinkled with a little dishwashing powder. Remember, never clean the inside of any dishwasher with anything but dishwasher soap or else you will create excess suds.
Finally, to get rid of hard water deposits, place a bowl of vinegar in the top rack and put it through a normal wash cycle. This should get rid of any mineral deposits. Repeat if necessary.
Crayon off Cupboards and Counters
This question was submitted from Tracy…
My son colored several of our kitchen cupboards with crayons. We tried window cleaner, but now the wax is smeared all over. What will remove this mess?
Think of how Rembrandt or Monet got started! Did their mom’s have to clean oil paints off the walls?
The best solution is likely in your basement or garage. It is WD-40, a spray lubricant used for tons of things including cleaning. Spray some on a clean, dry, cotton cloth and wipe the stain. It is that simple.
This works on most hard surfaces, including tables, counters, walls, and televisions. Avoid spraying the lubricant directly on the surface if possible, and test a small area to be sure it does not damage the finish.
Cutting Boards
General Information:
Wood or synthetic cutting boards can be a breeding ground for germs and bacteria such as E. Coli. When a board has too many cuts and scratches to clean effectively it should be replaced. Small pieces of food caught in deep cuts can easily generate enough bacteria to make anyone seriously ill.
Technique:
Always clean immediately after use with detergent rinse with clean water. If used for meat, fish or poultry then it is recommended to disinfect afterward. Soak the cutting board in bleach and water solution for a minimum of three minutes, then rinse with clean water. Washing with soap and water immediately after use is the best way to insure the spread of bacteria.
Moldy Basket
I was ripening some tomatoes and they got moldy in my wicker fruit basket. How can I clean it?
The first thing to do is brush off as much of the mold as possible. Then mix a sink of warm water with half a cup of chlorine bleach. Do NOT immerse the basket, but using a nylon scrub brush dipped in the water, scrub the affected area. Once it is clean, rinse with the bleach mixture, then with fresh water. Allow the basket to dry in the sun to be sure the mold is gone.
Pewter
General Info:
Modern pewter has a higher tin content and as a result it does not tarnish as quickly as antique pewter.
Tools & Chemicals:
- Dish soap
- soft clean cloth
- pewter or silver polish.
Technique:
- Modern pewter comes in two different finishes. The first is a brushed finish that gives more of an antique look. The second is a polished high sheen.
- For both types, after using wash in warm soapy water. Dry and buff with a soft clean cloth .
- DO NOT put pewter in the dishwasher. The high heat and harsh chemicals will damage the finish beyond restoration.
- Acids can also damage the finish on pewter so avoid using pewter dishes or cutlery with salads containing lemon or vinegar, pickles, sauces, or other citric acids.
- Using pewter or silver polish occasionally will help remove light scratches, or tarnish due to exposure of sea air, that is typical of this soft metal.
Smells From Plastic Containers
General Info:
This happens more often than you might imagine, and the smell lingers and tends to be absorbed by other foods being stored.
Tools & Chemicals:
- cotton cleaning rag or paper towels
- 1 cup of water
- 4 tbsp baking soda
- 1 lemon or lemon juice.
Technique:
- Mix the water, baking soda & lemon juice together
- Wipe the interior of the container with the above mixture removing all spatters
- Rinse with fresh water
- Take the balance of the solution and boil in a shallow microwave safe dish for two minutes
- The microwave should be very steamy, use caution when opening the door
- Wipe down the container with a dry rag or paper towel
Another solution is to wipe the container with a 50:50 mixture of distilled white vinegar and water. Vinegar is an effective cleaning agent. If the smells are very strong, let the container sit overnight in the solution as this may help as well.
Silver polishing quick tip
When polishing silver forks, use pipe cleaners dipped in silver polish to polish between the tines.
Pyrex
General Information:
Pyrex is a very durable type of glass cook ware. It can be used in microwaves, on stove tops, and in the oven.
Tools & Technique:
Pyrex is dishwasher safe, however to remove baked on food, soak the pyrex in hot soapy water for half an hour. Scrub with a scrubbing pad. For badly burnt on food use a tablespoon of detergent for your dishwasher instead of dishwashing liquid.
