Cleaning Pots and Pans

First, you can make your own scratchless scrubbers from the nylon mesh bags that onions and other produce come in.

If you need a little scrubbing powder, try a mix of baking soda and water.

If you want to get the bottoms of your copper lined pans clean, spread a bit of vinegar on the bottom and then sprinkle with salt.

Last Chance for Cleaning Burned on Foods

If you've really burned a mess, try this. It takes 2 days but it hasn't failed me yet.

1. First, scrub off whatever you can using your normal methods. Remember, cold water works best for eggs, chocolate, potatoes, and rice.
2. Fill the pot with hot water and add a squirt of liquid dish soap. Bring to a boil, then turn down the heat and simmer for 5-10 minutes. Cover the pot and let it sit at least half an hour.
3. Use a wooden spoon or one of those plastic pot scrapers (I love those!) to get off as much as possible. Sometimes this is enough and you can be done.
4. If you've still got burned on gunk to deal with, sprinkle baking soda in the pan and add just enough water to make a thick paste and spread it all around. Let it sit overnight.
5. Do NOT rinse the pan of the baking soda paste. Add 3 parts water and 1 part vinegar to the pan making sure there's enough liquid to cover all the burned parts, but at least 2" of liquid. Bring to a boil and simmer 10 minutes. The cool and let sit overnight.
6. Scrub out the pot. If there are still burned on bits but you've made good progress, go back to step 2 and repeat.

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BASICS OF CLEANING

• Pots and Pans
• Carpet Spills
• Cloth Diapers