* Easily remove burnt on food from a skillet by adding a drop or two of liquid dish soap and enough water to cover bottom of pan, and bring to a boil on the stove top. Allow to cool and clean should be a breeze!
* Spray plastic-ware with nonstick cooking spray before pouring in tomato-based sauces. No more stains!
* To aid in washing dishes, add a tablespoon of baking soda to your soapy water. It softens hands while cutting through grease.
* To remove the odor of garlic from hands, wet hands with water and then rub them with a spoonful of salt and rinse. Repeat, if needed .
* When stacking non-stick skillets on cupboard shelves, place a paper plate between each to prevent scratches. This prolongs the life of the skillet.
* Never put a cover on anything that is cooked in milk, unless you want to spend time cleaning up the stove when it boils over!
* After chopping garlic or onions, rub a fresh lemon wedge over both the knife blade and the cutting board to help remove the odor.
* For quick wipe-ups of small spills, keep a box of plain white tissues near the stove and use them instead of paper towels.
* Never wash a rolling pin, or it may warp...and never let dough dry on it. Immediately after rolling out dough, wipe the rolling pin clean with a towel.
* To safely clean coffee makers, enameled cast-iron pots, and similar equipment, put 1 to 2 teaspoons of baking soda in the pot and pour
boiling water over it. A baking powder solution is also great for scrubbing butcher blocks.
* After zesting and juicing an orange, lemon or lime, grind the remains in your garbage disposal for their refreshing scent.
* For easy cleanup, fill your blender container with warm water, add a few drops of liquid detergent, and blend 30 seconds; rinse well.
* To deodorize plastic storage containers in which onions or garlic were stored, wash thoroughly, then stuff a crumpled piece of newspaper in the container, and snap on the lid. In a few days the smell will disappear.
* If something spills over in your oven, first sprinkle it with salt and remove with a metal spatula, then wipe with a damp sponge.
* You can remove burnt-on food in pans by filling with a solution of water and a scant teaspoon of dishwashing detergent. Bring to a boil then simmer until the residue loosens.
* Never pour water on flaming fat or oil — you'll spread the fire. If the fire's inside a pan, slap on the lid. If outside, turn off the heat and
douse the flames by tossing on a handful of baking soda or salt. It's easier to clean a grill right after you've used it. While still hot, scrape off food bits with a metal bristle brush to keep them from
hardening and charring next time you cook out. A little work a head of time saves a lot of work later!
