DIY Network

Basic Kitchen Clean-Up Basic Kitchen Clean-Up From "Talking Dirty With the Queen of Clean" episode DQOC-131

Just because a stain is stubborn, you don't necessarily need to use harsh chemicals to remove it. Many times you can find precisely the cleaning product you need right in your own kitchen cupboard or pantry.

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D

• Stained plastic containers Sprinkle baking soda in the container and work into the stain with a moistened paper towel or cloth (figure A). The stain should lift off immediately. Tougher stains can be removed by pouring lemon juice on the area and placing the container in the sun until the stain dissolves.

• Odors in plastic Fill the container with warm water and add 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard. Mix and let the solution sit in the container up to overnight.

• Countertop stains Pour lemon juice on the stain, sprinkle on cream of tartar and work into the area with a paper towel. Works on light stains immediately; let mixture sit on heavy stains. Rinse and dry. Works on all countertops and cutting boards.

• Tarnished copper pots Apply ketchup or Worcestershire sauce to the copper (figure B). Rub over the surface; then let it soak on the pot for faster clean-up. Rub until clean, rinse and buff dry.

• Brass Dip a paper towel in lemon juice, sprinkle salt on the lemon juice, rub on the brass, let it soak, then rub off the tarnish.

• Wooden bowls Dip a paper towel in cooking oil, rub over the bowl and buff (figure C). The oil shines and preserves the bowl. Never immerse wooden bowls in water for more than a few seconds if necessary for cleaning.

• Removing rust on knives Stick the blade in an onion and wiggle back and forth several times, then leave in the onion for several hours (figure D). The highly acidic onion juice will eat the rust.

• Cast-iron pans Clean the inside by simmering a solution of water and 2 tablespoons white vinegar or lemon juice in the pan. Pour out, reseason with cooking oil and store with a piece of waxed paper inside the skillet after each use. Never wash with soap.

• Preserving new and partially used steel-wool pads Place in a sealed plastic bag and freeze. Freezing keeps the steel wool from oxidizing, which causes rust.