Some of our favorite tips in the kitchen are for getting it sparkling clean; these are their stories.Â
1. How to cut oily, dusty kitchen grime:Â
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To easily clean "the layer of sticking cooking-oil infused dust that accumulates on high surfaces in the kitchen," as Kristen so aptly calls it, our Senior Software Engineer Alp Aker suggested using "a microfiber cloth dipped constantly in very hot water. The idea is basically to use heat to soften the caked-on oil, so the hotter the water the better."Â
2. How to get gunk out of kitchen crevices:
  
To clean out all of those nasty dry bits (flour! dried egg! cocoa powder!) that get stuck in the crevices of stand mixers, I use a toothpick or pointy-ended skewer. It's satisfying to excavate all of the materials of baking projects past and then wipe them up with a damp cloth. I also make sure to unscrew the little knob where you can affix attachments to the mixer; there's always a lot of gunk hiding under there. —Contributors Editor, Sarah Jampel
3. How to banish lingering kitchen smells, faster:Â
The internet told me that that you can simmer white vinegar on the stovetop to disipate an unwanted kitchen smell, like bacon air or seared flank steak smoke. I tried it after cooking a big vat of soup with sausage in it, which smells actually very good but gets old after a whole day of smelling it, and I absolutely think the bubbling vinegar helped clear out the air more quickly. When I needed to leave the house, I just turned the burner off and let it sit, then came home to an apartment that smelled, wonderfully, like nothing. —Design & Home Editor, Amanda Sims
4. How to get your cooktop spankin' clean:
Easy-off oven cleaner is the answer to the burnt-on spills around burners! —Executive Editor & Resident Genius, Kristen MigloreÂ
5. How to get rid of all the fruit flies:
Â
Halve two to three pieces of citrus and place them in your oven directly on the rack. Leave the oven door propped open for a few hours (or up to overnight). In the morning, close the oven door and turn the broiler on. Let the oven cool, toss the citrus, and wipe out the base of the oven. The flies are gone and your kitchen smells good to boot! —Test Kitchen Manager, Derek Laughren
6. How to make your white sink white again:
I'm all about lemon + baking soda to clean my sink. Anytime I have leftover lemon from cooking or juicing, before tossing it I sprinkle some baking soda in the sink and use the lemon half as a scrubber. It saves my sponge from nasty sink germs a little longer! —Events Manager, Heather Wautelet
7. How to clean grout:
I can't remember where I heard about this trick to basically reimagine every elementary school science fair volcano as a tile and grout cleaner. If your tiles are flat (maybe on a shower shelf or kitchen counter), sprinkle baking soda along the grout lines, and then pour or spray white vinegar over the baking soda and watch it fizz! If the tiles are vertical, make a thick paste of baking soda and a little water; apply it to the grout, let sit, and then spray with vinegar. After letting it sit for a few minutes, use a toothbrush to scrub it clean. It may not remove deep stains, but it's become part of my regular shower cleaning routine. —Assistant Editor, Caroline Lange
This post originally ran on September 21st; we're bringing it back to celebrate a new year (and all the grime-tackling that entails).Â
How do you keep your kitchen sparkling clean? Let us know in the comments!
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165 Comments
Fran M.
May 11, 2017
Just borax & hot water will melt all the dusty grease off of anything in the kitchen plus your pipes will be squeaky clean.
Annie
May 11, 2017
I never thought of that. So if I place my oven range filters in the sink with borax and hot water - that grease is safe to go down the sink through the pipes?
Steven W.
March 7, 2017
Number 5 is kinda gross. If you are going todeal with dead fruit flies, just wash them down the sink after they've drowned. Fill a shallow dish with apple cider vinegar, about 1/3 full. Add a drop of dish soap--just a drop and mix it up. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and poke a few holes with a skewer--not too big. Set itout and soon you will them all flowting in the bottom of the dish...when it's more than you can stand, rinse it out and set out a fresh dish. In high summer, mine sits out about a week.
Lazyretirementgirl
February 23, 2017
Easy off took the finish off the grates of my range, so beware...
Arion
February 23, 2017
I have found Easy-Off on the cooktop is practically useless for those dark colored burnt grease spots. I use baking soda with a moistened paper towel and lots of elbow grease.
KOJohnson
September 28, 2016
Sorry, ladies, but any advice about combining baking soda and vinegar or lemon juice defeats the purpose. The satisfying bubbly fizz cleans nothing: it's just the acid in the liquid neutralizing the alkali in the sodium bicarbonate. You end up with nothing worth anything. You'll get better results with one or the other. Use baking soda as a scratch-free abrasive, and vinegar or lemon juice as a mild acidic wash, but combining them neutralizes all of their cleaning power. Basic chemistry. Basic, basic, basic--or basic and acidic!--chemistry.
Deborah J.
September 9, 2016
I use lemon juice to dissolve hard water scale buildup. I just put lemon juice from the bottle in a small cup and paint the lemon juice on scaly areas with a q-tip and let it stand for a few minutes. I then use a plastic spoon or bamboo skewer to gently scrub the softened scale away.
JB
July 13, 2016
Hello Judy Wing... Watros . Carol has a point regarding the mildew odor, especially if it seems stronger under the sink than above. take a look at the base of the cupboard, under the sink. If the wood, (particle board), seems to be flaking sagging or just damp, you may have a slight leak, making the wood damp and giving mildew a great location to flourish. look for drip points, tracks on pipes, or calcite buildup, on fittings and shutoffs. and good luck.
If it is the disposal, and you eat oranges regularly, save the peels, half a peel once a day, fresh, or hard & dry, with a bit of hot water should be more than enough to eliminate disposal odors.
Dishwashers usually drain through the disposal, so if I happen to be in the kitchen when dishwasher is pumping out its water, I will turn on the disposal for about 30 sec, for a freebee flush! You will be able to hear the water splashing off the blades, if not you either have a separate drain point, or bad timing. lol and I do hope it is not plumbing issue.
KOJohnson is totally correct about combining soda and vinegar, the fizzle is just its way of saying "I am now incapable of cleaning any better than plain water"
Keep cooking:)
JB
If it is the disposal, and you eat oranges regularly, save the peels, half a peel once a day, fresh, or hard & dry, with a bit of hot water should be more than enough to eliminate disposal odors.
Dishwashers usually drain through the disposal, so if I happen to be in the kitchen when dishwasher is pumping out its water, I will turn on the disposal for about 30 sec, for a freebee flush! You will be able to hear the water splashing off the blades, if not you either have a separate drain point, or bad timing. lol and I do hope it is not plumbing issue.
KOJohnson is totally correct about combining soda and vinegar, the fizzle is just its way of saying "I am now incapable of cleaning any better than plain water"
Keep cooking:)
JB
carol
June 30, 2016
Actually, if there is a mildew smell, might that indicate some pipes that need cleaning (rather than disposal)?
Judy W.
June 30, 2016
I have tried everything to get the mildew smell out of my garbage disposal if you have a suggestion i would love to try it
catalinalacruz
June 30, 2016
Allow vinegar to set in it overnight? (A question mark, because I have not had this problem, therefore, have not tried this.)Then run cut up lemon or lime through it.
Or put 1/4 cup baking soda in, then enough vinegar to get it bubbling up. Let it sit 20 minutes. Then pour very hot water through it -- the remedy to keep drains fresh and unblocked.
Or put 1/4 cup baking soda in, then enough vinegar to get it bubbling up. Let it sit 20 minutes. Then pour very hot water through it -- the remedy to keep drains fresh and unblocked.
Kathleen K.
July 10, 2016
Many times the problem is built up "gunk" under the rubber sink guard. We forget that food splashes up and stays there. Use soapy hot water on a sponge or cloth. You'll be surprised how nasty it get under there!
KOJohnson
September 28, 2016
The only thing that will remove mildew and its odor is chlorine bleach. A good coat of impermeable enamel paint on wood, once you've eliminated the mildew, helps prevent recurrence and makes it easier to clean. However, some of the cheaper enamels these days contain certain oils that actually host mildew. I had to repaint newly repainted woodwork because of that. So buy the best!
Maurina R.
May 11, 2017
Using a muffin tin, I freeze vinegar and cut up citrus into "muffins" and put one down the disposal when needed. The vinegar and citrus deodorize, and in a frozen state, sharpen the blades by knocking any burrs off.
Practically E.
June 28, 2016
You can use left over coffee grounds as an abrasive to clean pots with burned on stuff. I use it on our roasting pan after roasting chickens.
foodlets
June 22, 2016
Love the idea about boiling vinegar to eliminate leftover food smells! (And in about 1 month's time, aka The Annual Fruit Fly Invasion, I'm sure I'll be slicing a lemon and placing directly in my oven.) Thanks! Charity, from Foodlets.com
Amanda S.
June 20, 2016
For anyone who's interested in eco-friendly cleaning tricks, here are 17 others: https://food52.com/blog/16360-17-all-natural-spring-cleaning-tricks-for-the-kitchen. I also wanted to note that since we published this piece, a new law was signed banning the production of microbeads (it goes into effect Jan 1, 2017); in the meantime, if you're worried about them, a cotton cloth will work just as well for tip #1!
Annie
May 27, 2016
To get rid of the oily dusty grime on my range hood - I have a container of DIY wipes (vinegar, boiled water, dish soap and rubbing alcohol). I cleaned it several months ago and it's still shiny. When my wipes are gone but still some vinegar solution - I unscrew the shower head and toss it in the container to get rid of any hard water stains and that icky pink slime.
But as someone else mentioned vinegar can dissolve grout - so this isn't for everything.
But as someone else mentioned vinegar can dissolve grout - so this isn't for everything.
E
May 26, 2016
I just tried this one yesterday and it works GREAT!: To get rid of gnats and fruit flies half fill a short glass with apple cider vinegar, stretch cling wrap across the top and poke a few holes toward the center of the wrap. I did this yesterday and this morning the glass was full of them and the house is nearly rid of them! Wow to this one!
KOJohnson
May 26, 2016
Baking soda is a great cleanser, and so is vinegar, but any hint that tells you to combine them is defeating itself. Sodium bicarbonate is a base (alkali), and acetic acid is, well, an acid. The fizzing has no cleaning action: it's just the two chemicals neutralizing each other, cancelling out their cleaning properties altogether.
pj_gentry
May 24, 2016
The citrus in the oven for the fruit flies or gnats did not work, Apple cider vinegar draws them but I seem to have 100s not sure what to do any ideas
KOJohnson
May 26, 2016
They're undoubtedly breeding in your house plants and your drains. Boiling water poured down the drain every day for a week or so takes care of that; and use Sevin to treat your houseplants. Follow label instructions. That'll kill the larvae. You may need to repeat if you have another outbreak, because only one can lay hundreds of thousands of eggs. But that's where you have to attack: drains and houseplants.
Marcia J.
June 7, 2016
I had tons of knats I tried all them remedys and nothing. I was raising cactus in my house I used seven dust it worked great. It did take a while just don't put it on the plant itself. Put it on the dirt
Nancy D.
March 6, 2017
Try red wine in place of the vinegar. I was besieged by fruitflies last year and the little bastards were really drawn to the wine and died promptly.
Steve C.
May 23, 2016
#4 Do not let the easy off get on the paint only on the porcelain. It will blister and remove the paint.
tygerstripes
May 22, 2016
Important Note: Vinegar actually dissolves the calcium in bathroom tile grout. Not the right tool for the job.
Karla
May 22, 2016
Peppermint gets rid of pesty mice....get peppermint essential oils; on line...NOW carries it on Amazon. Put it on cotton balls in your car; if that is where they are eatting wires; in your house; or for that matter anywhere..it smells so good ! Oh living in Florida...my dad put moth balls around he house to keep garden snakes away....peppermit oil could be used for this also.
Karla
May 22, 2016
Don't throw away the Bounce sheets !!! After they have been used; use them to dust; and clean mirrors without water or windex !
Debbie
May 22, 2016
I would like help with hints on cleaning the shelves in my oven. I must remove them when I set the electric oven on self clean, and therefore they never get cleaned. Can someone advise me on how to clean them?
Buffy
May 24, 2016
Spray them with oven cleaner put in a lg black bag. An set aside over night. Much easier to cean..
Joan W.
May 25, 2016
You can also put them in a large black bag and pour in some ammonia and leave over night. By morning they clean up easily.
KOJohnson
May 26, 2016
Wrap them in layers of wet newspaper and put them out in direct sunlight for a day.
Ellise
September 1, 2016
I also read recently to DO leave them in the oven during the clean cycle. Then put some vegetable cooking oil on a rag and rub them down. Said it would get the black stuff off and they would look great. I'm trying this the next time I clean my oven. What could it hurt?
Jim W.
April 8, 2016
instead of doing vinegar on stovetop, do a flush of your coffee pot . . add the vinegar to it and run it thru a few times ran thru a filter to reuse the vinegar in the pot and when done, drop shower head in it to clean . . from that you can pour down the sink drain with bakong soda to clean pipes . . i use vinegar to clean dish drain mat to clean off the hard water buildup too
carma
March 9, 2016
Carma
I use hydrogyn peroxide and Blue dawn for many cleaning and sanitizing problems. 1 part dawn and 3 parts peroxide. If you get a large bottle (16 oz,) and add the dawn., a sprayer off of most bottles will fit well. It works awesome for set in clothing stains and will remove almost all stains ,Sometimes you may have to try several times. I love this for my ceiling fans and my stove and kitchen cabinets. It is a great sanitizer and cleans almost everything. and is not toxic.
I use hydrogyn peroxide and Blue dawn for many cleaning and sanitizing problems. 1 part dawn and 3 parts peroxide. If you get a large bottle (16 oz,) and add the dawn., a sprayer off of most bottles will fit well. It works awesome for set in clothing stains and will remove almost all stains ,Sometimes you may have to try several times. I love this for my ceiling fans and my stove and kitchen cabinets. It is a great sanitizer and cleans almost everything. and is not toxic.
MaryAnn R.
May 25, 2016
I use this mixture when I give my dog a bath. You could also add the peroxide to your favorite dog shampoo. It will stretch the amount of soap you use, it lathers up nicely and rinses out a lot easier!
Nancy L.
December 3, 2016
Just make sure your peroxide is still fizzy. It loses its efficacy after a bit.
JB
March 7, 2016
I love the idea of using the oven for a fruit fly trap! If you put a fresh sheet of tinfoil in the bottom you can get a count of how bad the infestation was, or use them for a chia seed substitute. (Not!) kudos to RLJ for the catch & release stance, But Mediterranean Fruit fly's should not be given a second chance. I tend to side with Carol, her concerns are valid, it's just that microfiber cloths shed microfiber, as well as many other petro based fabrics ,and they have been detected in cells. The use of micro beads in cosmetics is supposed to be declining. I do use oven cleaner occasionally on my stove-top when elbow grease doesn't cut it. Amanda, Bless you just found the site, and love it! Mike S. "sigh" I hear your bridge calling you.
Regarding mice. it doesn't hurt to take the bottom drawers out underneath the counter to place the bay-leaves, or mint oil, or repellent packs, down there, stuff any holes bigger than your pinky with steel wool, and remove any of the numerous, "so that's where it went" items you find.
Keep cook'n. ;-)
Regarding mice. it doesn't hurt to take the bottom drawers out underneath the counter to place the bay-leaves, or mint oil, or repellent packs, down there, stuff any holes bigger than your pinky with steel wool, and remove any of the numerous, "so that's where it went" items you find.
Keep cook'n. ;-)
R. L.
March 5, 2016
I have put my old fruit that is attracting fruit flies into a deep bowl before going to bed. The next morning I take a dish towel and carefully toss it over the bowl trapping the flies inside. Then I carry it outside and release them.
Amanda H.
March 2, 2016
Hi All -- we'd love for you to keep this conversation respectful and friendly. It's about cleaning, after all, something we could all use support with! There have been lots of excellent ideas and advice on this thread, and not everyone has to agree. Thanks for contributing, and for keeping this community welcoming and helpful! - Amanda
mike S.
March 2, 2016
carol, it seems that you are one that fall for the "pull my finger",or if you swallow a watermelon seed a plant will grow in you . By the way The Easter bunny and tooth fairy NOT REAL.
carol
February 27, 2016
To the incorrect and abrasive comment that microfiber cloths do not have microbeads, I would refer you online for more info. "For many years companies have been adding tiny spheres made of polyethylene and polypropylene (plastics) to toothpaste, hand soap, exfoliating facial scrubs, etc that go down the drain when used. Because of their tiny size, wastewater treatment plants cannot completely filter them out and they pass through to local waters. Microfibers are minuscule filaments from clothing made of petroleum-based synthetic materials (plastics) such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic. When washed in a machine, a single garment, such as a fleece jacket, can release nearly 2,000 micro plastic fibers per wash. Down the drain and into local waters."
mike S.
February 25, 2016
what about getting rid of mice with a 5 gal. bucket 3" of water plastic wrap over the top with slit in center with bait (peanut butter )on the edges of the slit... they can't tread water for ever..screw Peta !!!
Dan E.
February 28, 2016
a little dish soap in the water breaks surface tension, the don;t swim long
mike S.
February 25, 2016
this is worth a try ,But the poor fruit flies! Peta is going to get you . Too bad you can't use it on other pest
carol
February 21, 2016
Lots of good cleaning tips -- but some folks are forgetting we are looking for nontoxic, green cleaning solutions in this "thread". Above article still preaching use of microfiber cloths (which add microbeads to water system overtime they are washed -- microbeads are deadly to environment). Also still suggesting use of retails oven cleaners when there are so many nontoxic alternatives. Come folks, we can clean well and still do it without toxins!
Grandma
February 21, 2016
I have been reading all the suggestions and I don't see anyone mentioning sealing the tiles in the bathroom to keep the grout white. There are many sealers out there but look for one that lasts 20 years - yes it is available at home depot and a little goes a long way ! I have used one small bottle on 3 showers and it still is about 1/4 full. probably costs around $25.00 . We squeegee the shower after using and we NEVER have to do anything else - 18 years and counting. now for the stove tops - if it is a glass stove top I use salt and a heavy spritz of water let it soak for a while then rub with the scratchy side (green) of a sponge and notice I said rub not scrub. done weekly or after a spill (canning and sugar = problems if left clean immediately ) and it is as good as new probably only 8 years now but the surface will outlast the electronics. Kitchen grime I keep a piece of sturdy cotton fabric on the top of my refrigerator - swap it out and wash it regularly - works like your newspapers but leaves no ink marks and no I don't iron it. get a heavy weight fabric and it stays in place with no issue. I like the comment about Fa breeze you can squirt it in the air like a room freshener to get rid of those cooking odors or I put vanilla or cinnamon oil in its empty container with a little rubbing alcohol and use that because I like the smell - works great. The foam bed smoking smell wow that is a hard one - we are non smokers and don't deal with that but once when giving medical rides we had a smoker in the car (not actively smoking just phew could not do that again.) and the smell stayed on the seat belt so we sprayed it hard with Fa-breeze and it took a couple of times but it did go away . good luck with that - If it is sunny and a hot day and your still dealing with it put it out in the hot sun and fresh air maybe ?? or can you put a cover (hypoallergenic type) over the foam? don't know if they make them for that size but they do for pillows. different issue - a product you might want to try is at the dollar store and it's name is "Amazing" yes really that is its name. I wanted the squeeze bottle and so I got it and tried the stuff it cuts kitchen 'sticky' like no tomorrow and has no odor.. I went back and got more just to use for cleaning - that stuff is great... also a product for heavy grease - shop type grease think about using an orange solvent product also at home depot - a contractor used it on his equipment after doing some renovations for us. Impressive and smells great too. more another day - Grandma
Skye M.
February 10, 2016
The grout in the bathroom at my folks house was just terribly dingy and made the beautiful room look awful. Mom and Dad were in their 80s and just couldn't do anything about it. On a visit there, I tried everything and nothing worked. Had a brainstorm one day.... I went out and bought several Clorox bleach pens. I rubbed it in really well and let it sit overnight. Wiped it up the next day with a warm cloth. I tried plain bleach and it didn't work like the bleach pens. This was in 2007 and the grout is still sparkling white. :)
Sue
February 7, 2016
I have a " how to keep it clean after its cleaned tip ". After moving into a new house (and unable to afford a new kitchen straight away) ..... I scrubbed the tops of all the upper kitchen cabinets of all the previous owners grime grease etc, and once clean I laid folded newspapers on top.... No one sees the newspapers as they are on top of the high surfaces only. Every few months I change out the papers and the tops stay grease free !! Cuts down the cleaning time overall considerably. Cleaning with very hot water and dish soap, cutting grease with white vinegar and any abrasive with bicarbonate of soda are my go to green tips ....little bit of effort and there is a great sense of achievement!!
Sharon J.
January 29, 2016
I bought a double reclining love seat from a couple chain smokers. It took nearly a gallon of extra strength Fabreeze and a month of patiently reapplying the spray every day or so. The smell is now completely gone, though. It certainly is cheaper to buy a gallon of fabric deodorizer than to replace the mattress. Try the Fabreeze first.
Alice
January 25, 2016
Disciardi and buy a new one..the only way to get rid of cigarette smell.
Make the person who smoked pay for it
Make the person who smoked pay for it
laurie
January 25, 2016
i am looking for a way to remove cigarette smell from my memory foam . any good ideas? it is for putting on top of the mattress so i am not able to wash it.
Tonya M.
January 29, 2016
I had horrible smoke smell in a van I purchased. Someone told me to take charcoal briquettes put them in a bowl and put underneath the seat of the van it actually helped immensely. I wonder if there's a way that you could put them on the mattress pad for a while?
Nancy R.
January 31, 2016
I've heard you can cut an apple in half, and leave in car. It will absorb the smell.
connie M.
January 25, 2016
For mold or mildew in bathroom tub, all I do is put clorox on it, leave on and it takes it away..
Joanne S.
January 13, 2016
My favorite trick is to use vinegar to clean my coffeemaker then taking the hot vinegar to the bathroom where I pour baking soda down the drain followed by the hot vinegar. My drains all run fast from this treatment.
Tonna R.
December 27, 2015
#4-Easy Off? Really? Not everyone wants to use a canned chemical to clean a surface, nor has accessibility to these kinds of products. I just use hot soapy water with a finely abrasive scrubbing sponge.
Kim
November 30, 2015
Solved the white-sink problem by ripping it out and installing stainless. Voila.
carol
November 21, 2015
This is a great discussion trail and gives me hope for the future of mankind and the Earth. We must try to go green whenever, however possible. Even if it takes longer, requires more 'elbow-grease', isn't the easiest way. Just wanted to say thanks to all of you who've added great green tips! You rock.
Frank
October 27, 2015
I don't if this has been mentioned on how to clean a ceramic stove top easily, but I spray it with mild oven cleaner and leave it overnight and wipe it clean in the morning. Doing this for 5 years with no problems.
Tonya M.
January 29, 2016
I do it the same way Frank, the only thing different is I put a warm wet towel on mine and by morning everything wipes off like a dream!
carol
October 4, 2015
Monika H? You've tried the baking soda/vinegar approach given in this article? Might have to use it many times to break it down but it should work. Just google the problem and you'll find lots of suggestions from others who've had the same problem and wanted green solutions.
Monika H.
October 4, 2015
there's nothing like "instant gratification", which only TILEX can give. How many times do I want to repeat cleaning the tiles...this is THE problem. I'd like to find a quick fix that doesn't include toxic fumes. But I will google it. THX.
Monika H.
October 3, 2015
No matter what I've tried, getting the black mold out of bathroom tub tiles is impossible w/o using TILEX, which is as vile as Easy Off. I hold my breath applying it and then run out and shut the door. If ANYONE knows of a green method that gets grout really clean, please share it!
Laura H.
January 12, 2016
You might need to put a bigger ceiling vent in your bathroom if your having trouble with black mold. We had to and then replaced the calling and that took care of the black mold.
carol
October 3, 2015
Amazing right? Green cleaning is easy, effective, and better for everyone and everything. Thanks everyone! I am surprised we have not heard from the Easy Off writer. Like so many others on this thread, I really enjoy Food 52, too!!
[email protected]
October 2, 2015
I am the one who said "fire her" in jest! I admire Food 52.
I am an older cook, and a person who cares about what everyone uses to clean. I look to blogs like these to teach young people how to clean green.
Anyone writing for a blog with such stature as this, should KNOW the products they recommend, and KNOW that Easy Off is Easy Kill!!!
I am an older cook, and a person who cares about what everyone uses to clean. I look to blogs like these to teach young people how to clean green.
Anyone writing for a blog with such stature as this, should KNOW the products they recommend, and KNOW that Easy Off is Easy Kill!!!
Tonya M.
January 29, 2016
I'm sorry not butting in but I'm curious what does easy off kill?. I'm afraid I've been using it on my flat top stove for years. I spray a mist on put a warm towel on top of it leave it overnight and in the morning everything wiped clean like a dream? I've never had anything die? What am I missing? :-(
ellyelly
October 2, 2015
I find the "boiling vinegar" smell hard to deal with, but I love the trick of starting it right before leaving the house and just leaving the pot on the stove. Thanks!
Heather V.
September 29, 2015
I AGREE!!!! I was like easy off ARE YOU KIDDING!! The smell alone will you. I use my clothes steamer on really baked on grease and funk. I cook all the time and my stove takes a beating but a steam cleaner is magic and will also make your air smell natural/neutral. For fruit flies I keep a tall shot glass of unfiltered apple cider vinegar or kombutcha, few drops of dish soap and just like that poof! Gone. I get those deep stains in my vintage claw foot tub out with baking soda and hydrogen proxcide. The vinegar works ok but proxcide is AMAZING!!! No scrubbing either...make a paste, wipe off with warm cloth 5 minutes later.
[email protected]
September 28, 2015
I cannot believe that one of your staff recommended using one of the most
dangerous kitchen chemicals ever invented--Easy OFF!!!!! Toxic, Noxious,
Nothing better for this than vinegar and baking soda ...fire her!!!
She probably also uses Round UP in the garden.. Please........
dangerous kitchen chemicals ever invented--Easy OFF!!!!! Toxic, Noxious,
Nothing better for this than vinegar and baking soda ...fire her!!!
She probably also uses Round UP in the garden.. Please........
ellyelly
October 2, 2015
Yikes, "fire her!" is a pretty extreme way to show your disappointment in a bad recommendation.
Lainie S.
September 28, 2015
For greasy cabinets, I use Finish Line Citrus Degreaser. Sure, it's meant to remove the grease from your bicycle chain but it's bio-degradable and non-toxic and works like a charm at removing that layer of grease-dust that builds up in the kitchen. A little goes a long way!
Bonus if you use it after cooking something smelly - your kitchen will smell like an orange grove after using!
Bonus if you use it after cooking something smelly - your kitchen will smell like an orange grove after using!
carol
September 28, 2015
Nice! Now we're talking like people who care about human health and our planet, too! Nice work, green cleaners! What an incredible thing it is to discover that green ways actually work!
Nance
September 28, 2015
A wad of nylon net, used with baking soda, is great for cleaning pans, dishes, and most flat surfaces, as well as with solvent in stripping furniture. If the holes get loaded, the net can be shaken out.
Fran
September 28, 2015
My sister told me years ago how to clean my stove top. Baking Soda. just plain baking soda as a scrub. Fantastic cleaner!!!
Donna R.
September 28, 2015
if you have fruit flies an old German remedy is to take water and some cider vinegar with a few drops of dawn dish soap in a bowl sit it in the place of flies. it catches and drowns the flies. my friends mother who is German thought me this when i was in high school.
DMStenlake
September 28, 2015
My mother always put a saucer of white vinegar out when she cooked fish, it works to dissipate the odors! I do this with any odiferous cooking! You may use the baking soda and vinegar trick for whitening and also peroxide. I use lemon and salt to clean my wood cutting boards, but you must leave it on for approx 10 minutes to sanitize. This will not kill pathogens,/bacteria but will definitely sanitize. Only bleach will kill the bacteria. Best to use compound or plastic cutting boards that may be cleaned in the dishwasher. Thanks to everyone for their tips! Also, I've found using one of those "scratchy" kitchen pads, you know the flat ones, worked very well to remove the icky sticky greased stuff in the kitchen. Also, I like the Method products for cleaning.
carol
September 27, 2015
Gracious, haven't you heard about the polyester microbeads released into water supply when you wash microfiber cloths? Might not want to promote their use. And Easy Off oven-cleaner? There's a toxic toxic piece of work! Hmm...can we all try for a little greener, safer cleaning methods?
tamater S.
December 26, 2015
I didn't know about the polyester microbes, and I have several of those cloths; my MIL often gives them to me. We'll put a stop to that. Thanks!
Jennifer D.
February 21, 2016
I had no idea microfiber cloths had polyester microbeads in them! We've all heard about them in facial scrubs, but not a word about them in microfiber cloths. Thanks for this valuable info.
Joanne D.
September 27, 2015
Thank you for the fruit fly solutions that don't include slow incineration!
My trick is for keeping the dishwasher fresh. After making lemon water every morning I have half a squeezed lemon to use. I put it in the dishwasher's cutlery basket - this helps to keep the dishwasher clean and fresh and has the added bonus that I invert my small sharp knives into the lemon to keep them from poking through the basket and from cutting me! It covers a hole in the basket too!
My trick is for keeping the dishwasher fresh. After making lemon water every morning I have half a squeezed lemon to use. I put it in the dishwasher's cutlery basket - this helps to keep the dishwasher clean and fresh and has the added bonus that I invert my small sharp knives into the lemon to keep them from poking through the basket and from cutting me! It covers a hole in the basket too!
Monika H.
September 27, 2015
What is a safe way to remove coffee and tea stains from white porcelain cups w/o removing the glaze...baking soda/vinegar paste or is that too abrasive?
Marian
September 28, 2015
Salt. Just rub copious amounts of salt directly onto slightly dampened surface of the cup. It works like magic.
Pisanella
September 28, 2015
Steradent - you know those tablets for cleaning dentures.? They work. Actually, I use bleach.
Kelly
September 28, 2015
Try a paste of white vinegar and salt. Gently scrub until the stain is gone. I've heard others use toothpaste. I haven't tried this yet so I couldn't tell you the results.
Kelly
September 27, 2015
Granny's tried and true recipe for grease, grime, and all things dirty: 1 cup white vinegar, 1/2 cup baking soda, 1 Tablespoon dish soap, 1 gallon warm/hot water. Sponge it on your walls and watch the grease, dirt, and even yellowing smoker's residue drip off. Ice been using this recipe for nearly 20 years and rarely do I have to "scrub" or use any elbow grease. Can be used in a spray bottle, adjust your measurements accordingly. I prefer the sponge method for deep cleaning.
Alana J.
September 27, 2015
Easy Off is not a healthy non-toxic product. Here's a better way to clean the stove. Take some dish towels that are ready to go in the wash. Soak them in very hot water and a little dish soap. Lay them across the stove top and give the stove "a facial" for 15 minutes or so. Wipe up with the towels. Presto cleano.
Jennifer D.
February 21, 2016
I've tried this on my white gas stovetop where there are a number of burnt-on, blackened spots. It didn't budge them. I've also tried gently scrubbing with baking soda and leaving a baking soda paste on them. Nothing has worked so far. I haven't tried baking soda and vinegar on them (although I use it just about everywhere else), which I'll try today. I absolutely won't use toxic cleaners. Any other thoughts on what might work?
catalinalacruz
September 27, 2015
I really, REALLY don't like the fumes from Easy Off oven cleaner. Is there no safer alternative?
Karen R.
September 27, 2015
To clean floor tile grout, we have successfully used the product Tide with Bleach (a laundry powder), and a Libman small scrub brush (with not too stiff bristles) -- cleans all the lineal feet of grout a lot faster than a toothbrush. Mount the brush on a broomstick, using rubber bands or a hose clamp, so you don't have to bend over to scrub the grout. Rinse with a lot of water and a mop and the grout will be sparkling clean. Reseal with grout sealer after it's clean so the clean state lasts longer.
ustabahippie
September 27, 2015
I have fallen heir to an older waffle iron that is VERY greasy. Having a hard time getting it clean enough to use, I'll try the toothpick but could use some suggestions.
Rhonda A.
September 28, 2015
If your waffle iron is cast iron without handles, you can put it in the oven and set the oven to oven clean. If it's an appliance type, mix 1/2 cup white vinegar, 2 cups water, 1 teaspoon Dawn and a few drops of orange oil (a natural degreaser) into a spray bottle. Spray and let set a few minutes then clean, the grease should come off fairly easily..
Mary L.
September 27, 2015
A Scrub Daddy smiley face scrubber cleans the stuck on food in stainless steel pans like a miracle!
Kenn
September 27, 2015
Mineral oil works way better than hot water and a microfiber cloth for cleaning that dusty, oily film off vent hoods. It's also the best way to erase fingerprints and get a streak-free shine on your stainless steel appliances. Much cheaper than those ridiculous stainless steel spray cleaners too!
Tonna R.
December 27, 2015
Microfibre cloths release micro particles into the water. Not good for the environment whatsoever!!
10 L.
September 27, 2015
These are all great kitchen cleaning tid bits, thanks everyone! I have a limestone shower and wonder if anyone has tried the baking soda/vinegar to clean that type of surface?
As for cleaning stainless steel pans, I used to use Barkeeper's Friend but found it to be far too much effort to get the whole pan clean. I discovered that using steel wool scrubbers (I found a good one at Wholefoods) cleans them effortlessly without scratching the pan. I finally have shiny stainless steel pans again.
As for cleaning stainless steel pans, I used to use Barkeeper's Friend but found it to be far too much effort to get the whole pan clean. I discovered that using steel wool scrubbers (I found a good one at Wholefoods) cleans them effortlessly without scratching the pan. I finally have shiny stainless steel pans again.
Paula
September 29, 2015
You should not use acid on natural stone - Limestone in particular. Please see link for instructions on care for limestone :)
http://www.howtocleanthings.com/surfaces/how-to-clean-limestone/
Paula
http://www.howtocleanthings.com/surfaces/how-to-clean-limestone/
Paula
Carol
September 27, 2015
Surprised no one has mentioned Bon Ami. It is less abrasive than Barkeeper's Friend so it is safe for almost any surface. Barkeeper's Friend is great for really dirty pots and pans.
For that greasy layer that clings to hard to reach surfaces Murphy's Oil Soap is great. I also use it for cleaning walls.
For that greasy layer that clings to hard to reach surfaces Murphy's Oil Soap is great. I also use it for cleaning walls.
Linda H.
September 27, 2015
They are similar products but I have always thought Barkeeper's Friend was more effective. But if Bon Ami is less abrasive and less expensive then maybe it's the best choice after all. Both are good.
Jennifer D.
February 21, 2016
I've used Bon Ami for years. It's great for getting off the discoloration that builds up on the outside of both brushed and shiny stainless pots with no scratching. I even use it on my expensive stainless-coated copper English tea kettle; after 20 years of use it still looks like new. It easily cleans sinks, metals, and removes stubborn mineral stains on faucets.
Also, for cleaning neglected, heavily discolored copper cookware regular ketchup works wonders. Working in small areas at a time, just apply a coat of ketchup, let sit a couple of minutes, then wipe with a damp cotton cloth or rag. Once the ketchup is removed, move on to the next area (I once made the mistake of covering an entire lid with ketchup and let it sit too long...it was incredibly hard to wipe off, so I resorted to washing it off but was left with a lid in various stages of being cleaned. Will go back to it soon, just don't have it in me to do so now) You may need to put some elbow grease into it or repeat a couple of times, but it's worked when nothing else has.
Also, for cleaning neglected, heavily discolored copper cookware regular ketchup works wonders. Working in small areas at a time, just apply a coat of ketchup, let sit a couple of minutes, then wipe with a damp cotton cloth or rag. Once the ketchup is removed, move on to the next area (I once made the mistake of covering an entire lid with ketchup and let it sit too long...it was incredibly hard to wipe off, so I resorted to washing it off but was left with a lid in various stages of being cleaned. Will go back to it soon, just don't have it in me to do so now) You may need to put some elbow grease into it or repeat a couple of times, but it's worked when nothing else has.
Candide T.
September 27, 2015
Or you can just use a good steamer on all of it except the fruit flies.
Linda H.
September 27, 2015
Easy Off Oven Cleaner won't damage the enamel surface of a cooktop? I have tried EVERYTHING but hadn't thought of this. I'm a little scared to do it.
Candide T.
September 27, 2015
No, it doesn't harm enamel or stainless steel. The inside of the oven is enameled and the racks are stainless steel and it doesn't hurt the inside.
Christina
September 27, 2015
You've left out an important kitchen cleaning bugbear: how to clean the grime off of stainless steel pots and pans without scratching them substantially. I have tried baking soda and vinegar but with little success. Suggestions?
Rick S.
September 27, 2015
I use Bar Keepers Friend (and some dish detergent). It's not 100% non-abrasive, but it is relatively gentle.
Candide T.
September 27, 2015
4 ought steel wool actually polishes it as it cleans. It is super fine grade so it cleans and polishes at the same time. But you can use easy off if it is really bad. You just cant use Easy Off on aluminum or any soft metal. Ovens are made out of enameled and stainless steel parts and Easy Off is made for that.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Homax-4-0-12-Pad-Steel-Wool-Super-Fine-Grade-10120000/100212006
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Homax-4-0-12-Pad-Steel-Wool-Super-Fine-Grade-10120000/100212006
Jennifer D.
February 21, 2016
Yes, Bon Ami! I've used it on all my cookware including stainless steel. It leaves polished pots shiny with no scratches and works just as well on brushed stainless steel pots. All discoloration, burn-spots, etc. easily come off. Rinse pots well after use to get all residue off (I often wash again with a little dish soap and wet cloth, but it's not necessary).
Jillian
September 27, 2015
There is a much better trick for fruit flies that doesn't involve all of those steps, or the oven. Put out a small,shallow dish with a drop (literally) of dish soap and a few tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. They will be attracted to the smell, but drown in the dish soap. It's a very quick death and they'll be gone in a few hours. Replace the mixture as often as needed.
Amanda H.
September 27, 2015
This is the method my family uses -- it is surprisingly quick to take effect.
Linda H.
September 27, 2015
I wonder if this will work for Aphids as well? I have a small indoor hydroponic garden for herbs and salad greens, and REALLY have to battle aphids since the normal checks and balances that exist in outdoor gardens don't exist indoors. It gets pretty bad sometimes.
Candide T.
September 27, 2015
I have been told that some Dawn dish washing liquid and warm water in a spray bottle, sprayed on the underside of the leaves will kill them because it smothers them. I never had them in the house but when I was a teacher, we would order ladybugs for my classroom garden from the catalogs in the office but now you can buy them from Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/300-Live-Ladybugs-Guaranteed-Delivery/dp/B0054QPVGI
I don't know if you would want those in the house though LOL.
http://www.amazon.com/300-Live-Ladybugs-Guaranteed-Delivery/dp/B0054QPVGI
I don't know if you would want those in the house though LOL.
Linda H.
September 27, 2015
Yes, I have tried the Dawn remedy, but I didn't like it. We are growing plants to eat and I could never get the "soapy" last off, no matter how much I washed the greens. This year I am stepping up to Pyrethrin and Neem oil, but I'd love to find something that I don't have to spray directly on the plants. LadyBugs sound great and I don't mind them in the house. I'm giving that a try. Aphids are absolutely terrible because they consume everything in sight. I wouldn't mind sharing a little bit, but once they get established they leave absolutely nothing for us.
Beth
September 27, 2015
The use of a soapy solution will kill aphids, but Dawn is too strong and full of chemicals, thus the residual taste. I use a mild soap like Ivory hand soap or Dr. Bronner's, just a few drops per 8 ounce spray bottle. Mix in 2-3 drops of peppermint essential oil. Rinse off after a few days if you'd like to get rid of aphid bodies and reapply if necessary. I use this on my roses in the garden that attract aphids and whitefly. Completely nontoxic and works like a charm!
Bee
September 27, 2015
Linda: sadly, the fruit fly method will NOT work on aphids. Why? Because they have their food source (your herbs) and unless the aphids are in their once-per-year "flying stage", there's no reason for them to leave the comfort of your herbs. HOWEVER, if you place a drop or two of DAWN dish detergent in a bowl and generate a TON O' SUDS from the DAWN, you can place the suds directly onto the aphids and your plants, allow the soap to dry and then rinse off the dead aphids and suds. Totally organic and natural, this is what we used when I was getting my L.A. degree at Cornell; we used the foaming suds on the greenhouse plants.
Linda H.
September 27, 2015
Thanks! I hadn't thought of mint flavored Dr. Bonner's! That is worth a try. I also have roses outside and might try this for them. Surprisingly the aphids haven't been too bad on the roses, but the deer and elk are a challenge because they LOVE to eat roses.
Linda H.
September 27, 2015
Bee, I have to be careful about rinsing my plants because the wood floors beneath my growing system. I was hoping to find something that isn't necessary to wash off, or will wash off in the sink after harvest. Sadly, Dawn works, but I just can never get the taste off, no matter how much I wash the greens. And they are delicate so that too much handling ruins them. Just looking for something that will keep the aphids at bay and is easy to wash off. I am about to plant my winter crop and I am thinking of incorporating chrysanthemums or marigolds into the planter. I hear that they repel aphids.
catalinalacruz
September 27, 2015
I agree with Candace. One teaspoon of Dawn dishwashing liquid (unscented) in one quart of water beats aphids (and most other pest insects) indoors or outdoors.
Monika H.
September 27, 2015
what works best to eliminate the post-cooking smell of fish? In a kitchen with no exhaust it lingers for a couple of weeks even though I scrub out the sink and wipe down all surfaces except wall tiles to no avail. Hence, no more fish dinners!
Beth
September 27, 2015
Add the juice of a lemon to your cleaning solution (or a drop of lemon essential oil) to eliminate fish or other strong odors. Washing your hands with lemon juice added to whatever soap you're using will neutralize garlic and fish smells on your hands from food preparation.
Candide T.
September 27, 2015
I simmer some water on the stove top with either cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, whole allspice, chunks of ginger, a cracked nutmeg, slices of oranges or lemons or if I have some fresh herbs from the garden. Some times I mix a few different things if I have them on hand and if the stink is really bad and I just keep adding water to keep the smell going.
One time I had used all the lemons on the fish and forgot and threw away the rinds and all I could find was a dried up lime and some fresh basil so I chopped them up threw that in the pot and it was only a matter of minutes and the fish smell was gone. It smelled surprisingly good too so you can experiment with what you have, you might find that you have a favorite.
One time I had used all the lemons on the fish and forgot and threw away the rinds and all I could find was a dried up lime and some fresh basil so I chopped them up threw that in the pot and it was only a matter of minutes and the fish smell was gone. It smelled surprisingly good too so you can experiment with what you have, you might find that you have a favorite.
Monika H.
September 27, 2015
AH, YES, I remember Susan Sarandon in Atlantic City removing fish smell from her arms with lemons at the kitchen while Burt Lancaster watched. Never thought of diffusing it or other herbs and aromatics. I guess yo're never too old to learn new tricks. Thanks Everyone!!!
Rick S.
September 27, 2015
For cooktops and that greasy layer of dust that accumulates on practically everything in the kitchen eventually, I surrender to the (not terribly) toxic and use Goo-Gone. Dissolves most grease instantly and is surprisingly gentle on the underlying surface (check a patch first!) I use it to remove accumulated human oils, etc. from musical instruments, and it has never harmed the finish.
Amanda H.
September 27, 2015
I've used it to remove sticky labels but didn't realize it was helpful for grease -- thanks.
Abigail L.
September 27, 2015
A drop of lemon or orange essential oil does the trick just as well as goo-gone! I don't have access to goo-gone where I live and figured it was the orange oil in the mix that was the main factor anyway, decided to try lemon essential oil which I had on hand - perfect!
Beth
September 27, 2015
The main solvent ingredient in goo-gone, believe it or not, is kerosene, which was present in all households pre- electricity days. Works amazingly well on shoe scuff marks on floors, caused by boot blacking, which were more prevalent during pre-Nike days :). Using a few drops of Dawn dish detergent with a splash of white vinegar added to hot water makes a good soaking solution for grease encrusted ceramic and glassware like storage jars. I use it on antique and vintage pieces I find at yard sales.
Marcy
September 27, 2015
Thanks for using "tricks" in the title instead of "hacks." As well as using toothpicks to clean out crevices, I also use Q-tips.
margreeth
September 27, 2015
I keep an old set up brush and use it for the difficult spots. Just dip it in your bakingsoda/vinegar paste and off you go!
Cyndie R.
September 23, 2015
Not loving the baking fruit flies
Candide T.
September 27, 2015
Yea, that grossed me out too! Yikes!
We always just put some honey on a paper plate and the flies would get stuck in the honey then we would fold up the plate and put it in the outside garbage.
We really have not had those in a long time though.
We always just put some honey on a paper plate and the flies would get stuck in the honey then we would fold up the plate and put it in the outside garbage.
We really have not had those in a long time though.
Anne H.
September 23, 2015
One of the best ways to get rid of fruit flies is to put a little apple cider vinegar in a small tupperware container and cover with a piece of plastic wrap - then poke a bunch of small holes in the plastic wrap. (This also works with a mason jar without the center part of the lid). The flies will be drawn in and get trapped.
Thomas C.
September 23, 2015
A heathy alternative to deal with stains is to use Hydrogen Peroxide. Uber cheap, dilute with water to adjust strength, keep in a small spray bottle and apply wherever needed, kitchen, bath... everywhere.
Also, take a canning jar, fill with Vinegar. Add several lemon zest, maybe some aromatic herbs or essential oils, lid it and let set for about a week or longer if needed. Pour the liquid into a spray bottle, add a little water and a touch of dishwasher soup and BAM..!
You got homemade, non-toxic all-purpose cleaner..!
Also, take a canning jar, fill with Vinegar. Add several lemon zest, maybe some aromatic herbs or essential oils, lid it and let set for about a week or longer if needed. Pour the liquid into a spray bottle, add a little water and a touch of dishwasher soup and BAM..!
You got homemade, non-toxic all-purpose cleaner..!
debspots.com
September 22, 2015
I'm a huge fan of lavender essential oil. I get it from Pelindaba (if you ever get a chance to go there, its's heaven on earth) - http://www.pelindabalavender.com
Straight, it cuts through just about anything, it's a wonderful solvent. And I keep some mixed with water in a spray bottle as a general, organic, kitchen and bath cleaner and deodorizer. Try it and let me know!
Straight, it cuts through just about anything, it's a wonderful solvent. And I keep some mixed with water in a spray bottle as a general, organic, kitchen and bath cleaner and deodorizer. Try it and let me know!
Jennifer D.
February 21, 2016
Pure essential oils are amazing cleaners. Lavender is also an antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antiviral. I put a few drops in with baking soda and vinegar when cleaning the toilet, mix a few drops with white vinegar in a spray bottle for all kitchen and bathroom surfaces, as well as light switches, door knobs, etc. Tee tree is another great antibacterial/antiviral. And if someone in your household gets the flu, put about 10-15 drops of eucalyptus oil in a large pot of water, set it on the stove and bring it to the point of giving off good steam. Keep it steaming for a day or so (refilling as needed). This kills off the flu virus and the rest of the family is less likely to get sick.
AntoniaJames
September 21, 2015
Caroline, are there limits to where you can use the vinegar and baking soda trick? I.e., do you recommend it for marble showers? The common wisdom is that acid ruins marble, and I suspect that even with the baking soda to neutralize the vinegar, you might run some risk.
Your thoughts?
Thank you. ;o)
Your thoughts?
Thank you. ;o)
Elizabeth
September 21, 2015
Back in the days of commonplace smoking (indoors, yet!) I always hid small bowls of vinegar behind foliage, particularly at Christmas. Never walked into the house with lingering smells from increased socializing. Still use this if cooking smells are the kind that turn uglier over the evening, rather than disappear.
Smaug
September 21, 2015
The smell of boiling vinegar is about as foul and penetrating as any kitchen smell you'll come up with, unless maybe you're into pickling pig's feet. Bamboo skewers are good for everything.
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