Cleaning Tips

I thought it would be fun to write a post on the cleaning tips I've learned over the years. 

Recently I had lunch with a friend who said, "I think of you every time I wash a pot that I cooked rice or potatoes in."  I'm going to take that as a compliment since I told her how to get the crusted potato out of her pot.

• To get any starchy food out of a pot such as rice or potatoes, use cold water.  Soak the pot in cold water then as the starch loosens just rub it right out.
• Use dawn (or any other dish liquid that's good on grease) to remove grease spots from clothing.  Add a squirt to the spot and let soak for an hour or two before throwing it into the wash with warm water. (As long as warm water won't damage material)
• If clothing gets blood on it rinse article in cold water immediately.  Keep rinsing until all blood is out.  If any discoloration remains, try the dawn.
• Cold water will also remove stuck on egg from a pan.  Just soak in cold water and then scrape excess egg out with a spatula.
• Lemon oil will make dried discolored wood shine like new.
• To get rid of gnats or fruit flies make a solution of vinegar and sugar in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap.  Make a few slits in the wrap.  The gnats go in after the mixture and can't get out.
• I saw this on Pinterest but it really does work.  A mixture of dawn and vinegar in a spray bottle will get rid of soap scum and grime in showers and tubs.  Spray on and let sit for several hours and wipe off.  This does make the shower quite soapy so I always do it right before I plan to shower.  I spray, let soak, wipe off as much as I can, then I get in to shower letting the water rinse away the remaining soap. BE CAREFUL as the shower will be slippery.  But, this method is so worth it as it makes cleaning the shower so easy.
• Rubbing alcohol will shine faucets like brand new.
• When frying bacon, burgers, sausage, or anything that may leave browned/burned bits in the pan.  Once you're finished cooking drain all grease then return the pan to the heat and heat until smoking hot.  Once hot pour enough water in pan to cover the bottom.  It will violently bubble up.  Immediately use a spatula to start loosening and scraping burned bits.  The pan will come clean.

This is all I have for now.  Maybe I'll do another tips post as some point.  I hope you find these helpful!

Disclaimer:  These are methods that I have personally tried and they have worked for me.  I am not responsible for any damage that may occur from using these methods.