Kitchen & Household Tips Part 1

Salt as a Cleaning Agent

Salt is an excellent cleaning agent, by itself or in combination with other substances. A solution of salt and turpentine restores the whiteness to yellowed enameled bathtubs and lavatories.

A paste of salt and vinegar cleans tarnished brass or copper. a strong brine poured down the kitchen sink prevents grease from collecting and eliminates odors.

Brightening Cutting Boards

After washing them with soap and water, rub cutting boards with a damp cloth dipped in salt; the boards will become lighter and brighter.

 

Cutting Boards and Lemon Juice

Lemon juice can help clean and restore wood cutting boards. Let juice soak into the entire board and let sit for 30-45 minutes. Add a little bit of baking soda and scrub clean with a cloth. Allow to completely dry before using.

Marinating Tips

Make sure you marinate raw meat, fish, and poultry in a glass dish in the refrigerator--not on the counter.

If you plan to use some of the marinate as a dip or basting sauce later, set aside a portion before adding raw meat or poultry to it.

Don't re-use the marinade from raw meat unless you boil it for several minutes to destroy any bacteria from the raw meat.

Making Smooth Hard Boiled Eggs

To ensure the shells on your hard-cooked eggs are smooth, add a little salt to the water before hard-boiling. This helps prevent the shell from cracking or splitting. It can also help the eggs peel more easily.

Restoring Sponges

Give sponges new life by soaking them in cold saltwater after they are washed.

 

Ripening Avocados

To help avocados ripen more quickly, stick them in a paper or plastic bag and add a banana peel

Tip for Cleaning Ovens

Salt and cinnamon take the "burned food" odor away from ovens and stove burners. Sprinkle spills while oven and burners are still hot; when dry, remove the salted spots with a stiff brush or cloth