Double Duty: Clean With These Foods

Cleaning products are expensive and sometimes leave a chemical smell that could irritate small children.  The good news is that common household foods you have in your pantry can also be used as kitchen cleaners and they will save you a bundle.

White Vinegar on Glasses

Have you ever washed your glasses but they still look dirty?  You’re not alone.  Just grab a wet dishrag, add a touch of vinegar and rub down the entire glass.  This will remove fingerprints and smudges because the acid will cut through grease and eliminate minerals.  Then rinse the entire glass with hot water.

You can also use the same procedure to remove coffee stains in mugs.

Stains on Cutting Boards

Wooden cutting boards can be tough to clean, but we’ve got a secret solution.  Rub a lemon over the stain.  Lemon juice is a natural bleach on wood.  Once the stain is out let the board dry and then rub olive or lemon oil over the surface to protect it.

Clean a Cast Iron Skillet

Food stuck to your favorite skillet?  Not to worry.  While your skillet is still warm pour enough club soda on it to cover the bottom.  The sodium bicarbonate lifts caked on food from the skillet while preserving the non-stick coating.  Dry the skillet well to prevent rust.

Eliminate Old Food Smells

We’ve all forgotten about a container of food in the fridge and then thought we’d never get the smell out.  Just rinse the container with hot water and baking soda.  If the smell persists soak the container overnight.