Bring that lustre back to stainless steel pots
Q I can’t seem to bring that shine back to my stainless steel pots. Even though I scrub them, the bottom has a cover on it that only seems clean when wet not dry.
A Here are a few tricks to brighten a stainless steel pot. Soak tomato juice, sauce, purée, ketchup, any tomato acid base in the pot. Add a little water and boil for five minutes. Or boil rhubarb leaves in water to bring shine back to old pots, the oxalic acid found in rhubarb cleaner is a strong cleaner. Or scrub pots with an SOS pad, water and Bar Keepers Friend to rejuvenate pots.
Q What solutions can you recommend to clean cast-iron grills on a gas cooktop? Also, can you please share tips on how to clean my oven without using the self-cleaning feature?
A To clean cast iron grills on a gas cooktop, check your manufacturer’s manual for the recommended cleaning procedure. I myself either scrub them with an SOS pad and dish soap and water or clean them in the dishwasher. While many people advise against full submersion, I have never found a problem with my own grills. For that once a year really intense spring cleaning many people opt to clean their grates with ammonia. Place grate into a plastic bag; add onequartercup (60 mL) to one-half (125 mL) household ammonia, depending on the size of the grate. Seal bag and leave for eight hours. Remove grates from bag, scrub with water and an SOS pad.
For people who do not own a self-cleaning oven, the oven mess does not need to become a dreaded chore. The world’s easiest way to clean an oven is to sprinkle the bottom of the oven with baking soda. Pour white vinegar over the baking soda, let bubble and soak for 30 minutes. Wipe and rinse with water. In the meantime, put an old towel on the bottom of your bathtub, fill it with hot water and 1 cup (250 mL) of washing soda. Let oven racks soak overnight and in the morning (while wearing gloves) rinse the racks and wipe with vinegar. Clean as a whistle! Note: Do not leave water in the tub if small children live in the home.
FANTASTIC TIP OF THE WEEK
Next time you sit on a piece of chewing gum, place your pants into the freezer for a couple of hours, peel gum off. Remember to remove your pants before placing them in the freezer. Reena Nerbas is a motivational presenter for large and small groups. Check out her website reena.ca, to ask a question or share a tip. Disclaimer: Every user assumes all risks of injury or damage resulting from the implementation of any suggestions in this column. Test all products on an inconspicuous area first.