Kitchen Dishes, Pots & Pans - Page 2

• Pots / Pans with baked-on deposit (Note: not nonstick) No. 3
  If the pan isn't too bad, soak it in baking soda and water for half an hour before washing normally. Alternatively if your not worried about scratching the pad, use the baking soda dry with a scouring pad. 

• baby bottles
  These can be cleaned with a solution of baking soda and water. Be sure to rinse thoroughly. 

• removing coffee and tea stains
  An equal mixture of salt and white vinegar will clean coffee and tea stains from china cups.  

• Dishwasher powder
  Instead of using a commercial brand of dishwashing detergent, try mixing two tablespoons of baking soda with two tablespoons of borax for a load. 

• rinsing in the dishwasher
  Pour 3 tablespoons vinegar to your dishwasher rinse cycle for streak-free, sparkling dishes every time instead of using a rinse aid. 

• rinsing dishes
  Use white vinegar mixed with water to rinse off dishes after washing. This will take the soap off and leave them squeaky clean. A splash of vinegar added to the rinse water will also keep glasses from water spotting.

• loosening tough stains
  To loosen hard-to-clean stains in glass or porcelain pots or pans, boil 3 tablespoons of white vinegar with 2 1/2 cups (570ml) of water. Wash in hot, soapy water.  

• Wine glass sparkler
  1 quart (1 liter) vinegar
  
  If your wine glasses have taken on a cloudy hue, you can easily revive them with a soak in straight vinegar to the pan to keep them covered (use more or less depending on the number of glasses). Allow to soak for 1 to 2 hours. Rinse carefully, hand wash in warm water as usual, and dry with a lint-free cloth. TIP: To prevent new glasses from fogging up in the first place, add a little vinegar to the dishwater before washing them. 

• cleaning decanters and bottles
  Use 2 teaspoons of salt, moistened with vinegar. Shake well and rinse thoroughly with water. 

• berry and beet stain remover
  1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice
  1 tablespoon (18g) salt
  
  Berries and beets contain natural pigments that enhance their health-promoting virtues, but the downside is that these same pigments can leave stains on your cutting board that are hard to get out. Fortunately, the duo of lemon juice and salt have a strong reputation for being the perfect cleaning team. The salt provides an abrasion while the lemon is a natural bleach and deodorizer. To use, combine equal parts of each, apply the mixture to the board, and scrub with a clean cloth. If you think the stain will be particularly stubborn, let the mixture sit for a few minutes before scrubbing. Rinse thoroughly once the stain has lifted. 

• removing stains from coffee mugs
  Sprinkle a little baking soda into the bottom of the cup and add warm water to make a paste. Let stand for a while before rinsing. 

• cleaner most pots and pans
  1/4 cup (55g) baking soda
  2 to 3 cups (500 to 750ml) water
  
  If you have a dirty pot to contend with, reach for the baking soda. Sprinkle the baking soda on the bottom and add the water. Bring to a boil and simmer for a few minutes; the baking soda will significantly loosen the mess. Let cool, and your scrubbing job will be much easier. Don't however, try this formula on aluminum pots (including the popular anodized aluminum types), as baking soda will react with the metal and could damage the finish.  

• dishwashing boost
  2 tablespoons (30ml) lemon juice
  
  Plenty of dish soaps claim to cut the grease, but if you've happened to pick up a brand that doesn't seem to be living up to its promise, take matters into your hands. Add about 2 tablespoons (30ml) lemon juice to your dishwater for an extra boost of grease-fighting power. 

• cleaning kettles
  If you get lime deposits in your kettle, gently boil 2/3 cups (150ml) of white vinegar with the water, then rinse well. 

• pots and pans with baked-on deposit (Note: not nonstick) No. 2
  After a pan has been baking away in the oven for hours, put a layer of water in the bottom and add a cup of vinegar. Bring this to a boil, remove from the heat, and then sprinkle in two tablespoons of baking soda. Remember to expect the fizzing effect, and stand back unless you fancy the idea of two nostrils' full of the smell of vinegar at close quarters. The remains of the cooking should then loosen off without further resistance.