In many kitchens there is an amazing collection of chemical concoctions, which promise to clean, deodorise, polish and disinfect. This clutter of expensive and harsh products can be discarded and savings made by the use of what is commonly available. Simple and cheap substances, such as bicarbonate of soda, will adequately take care of kitchen chores.
Recently, I received an email me requesting an environmentally safe substitute to use in a dishwasher. Since a dishwasher is not an item that is found in my home I did not have an answer. However, I did promise her I would endeavour to find a solution. Informing my sister-in-law that her dishwasher would become the testing ground for my research I began my experimentation. After a few disastrous results a solution was found that was simplicity in itself. All you need to do is to put bicarbonate of soda in the soap container of the dishwasher and vinegar in the rinse aid. My sister-in-law was very pleased with the results. The only drawback was that the inside surface of cups and mugs needed the occasional scrub with bicarbonate of soda. A very small price for an environmentally safe solution.
Bicarbonate of soda also makes an effective cleaner for dirty and greasy ovens. Mix sufficient bicarbonate of soda and water to form a stiff paste and spread it over the inside surface of the oven, then heat for 30 minutes. When the oven has cooled brush the bicarbonate of soda off - it will remove all traces of burnt fat and grease. To loosen foods, which have become baked on, place four tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda in the bottom of an enamel, ovenproof glass or ceramic baking dish and add just enough water to cover the bottom of the dish. Heat for 30 minutes, switch off, and leave the dish of bicarbonate of soda in overnight.
To clean the glass on an oven door wipe over with a clean cloth dipped in bicarbonate of soda, then sponge off with clean water. Wipe the outside surface of the oven, around hot plates and enamel stove surfaces with a solution of four tablespoons of borax dissolved in five litres of hot water. Store excess cleaner in a suitable container with a tight fitting lid. Label the container clearly and store where in cannot be accessed by children. Bicarbonate soda on a wet sponge is also an economical cleaner for windows, stainless steel and chrome and laminate surfaces. Apply and then polish off with a soft cloth. When mixed with warm water it makes a gentle but effective cleaner for refrigerator and freezer surfaces. It will also remove burnt-on, fatty food from saucepans. Just spread a sloppy paste of bicarbonate of soda over the burnt food, leave the pan to soak overnight, then wipe off.
