Clean up with these handy household hints

This week’s article is a continuation of last week’s “Tricks of the trade” article.

9. Overflowing coffee makers — Often, coffee makers overflow because the filter is not sitting properly in the basket. To prevent those overflows, simply wet the filter with a few drops of water and place it in the basket. The weight of the filter will hold it in the basket and keep it from overflowing.

10. Blender cleaning — Add 1/2 teaspoon of dish soap to your blender. Fill halfway with hot water and turn it on high. The vortex will clean the blender.

11. Cleaning pans — For an effortless way to remove caked-on food from pans and baking sheets, pour in a little hot water and drop a couple of denture tablets. Let it sit over night and wipe off the debris the next day.

12. Copper bottom pan — A little salt and vinegar or salt and lemon juice will clean copper bottoms on pots and pans. Simply sprinkle on, rub lightly and wash as usual. If the bottom is really dark, it might take several applications.

13. Glass baking dishes — Baking soda on a damp rag usually does the trick. However, for more stubborn residue, add a little salt to the rag. When finished, rinse the item thoroughly.

14. Wood cutting board — Slice a lemon or lime and rub the board vigorously. Rinse the board with cold water. It will smell fresh and clean. Treat unfinished cutting boards with a coating of mineral oil once a year. This works well with unfinished wooden bowls.

15. Remove candle wax from wood — Spilling candle wax on wood furniture can be a real pain. To remove the wax, first soften the wax with a hair dryer, set on medium heat. When it starts to melt, wipe off excessive wax with a soft cloth or paper towel immediately and continue to heat the affected area. Once all the wax deposit has been removed, wipe the area with a solution of 50 percent white vinegar and 50 percent water. Once area is clean, polish as usual.

16. Label removal — Most paper and porous labels can be removed by rubbing them with baby oil. Let the oil soak into the label, then scrape off with a plastic spatula or spoon.

Next week I will continue this article with another eight “tricks of the trade.”

When cleaning with any cleaning product, always wear eye protection and rubber gloves to protect your hands. If you would like to share a cleaning idea or concept with the reading audience, call Ed at NWES (255-2266), e-mail them to madan@surf1.ws, or send them to Bonner County Daily Bee, 310 Church St., Sandpoint, Idaho, 83864, Attn: What would Ed do? For more information about Ed, check him out at NWEES.com.

Written by Edmond E. Madan, certified forensic, fire, flood, mold inspection and remediation/restoration contractor. Ed is the president of Northwest Environmental Services, Inc.