No trick - these tips eliminate messes with ease, efficiency

This week's article is a continuation of last weeks “Tricks of the Trade” article.

9. Overflowing coffee makers — Often coffeemakers 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 not overflow.

10. Blender cleaning — Add 1/2 teaspoon of dish soap to your blender. Fill halfway with hot water, 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 in a couple denture tablets. Let it set over night and wipe off the debris the next day.

12. Copper bottom pans — 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 may take several applications.

13. Glass baking dishes — Baking soda on a damp rag will 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 boards — 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 bowels.

15. Remove candle wax from wood — Candle-wax spills on wood furniture can be a real pain. To remove the wax, first soften the wax with your 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 of the wax deposit has been removed, wipe the area with solution of 50 percent white vinegar and 50 percent water. Once the 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.

Thomas from Cocolalla sent me an e-mail with a great idea. He said to exterminate bees and stink bugs. Mix 1 part of Dawn dish soap to 8 parts of water in a spray bottle. Stand back 20 to 50 feet from the intended victim and spray generously. He said they will spread their wings to fly off but can't, within 15 to 20 seconds they will drop dead with no smell or sting.

Next week, I’ll have 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), email them to madan@surf1.ws or send them to Bonner County Daily Bee, 310 Church street, Sandpoint, ID 83864, Attn: What would Ed do? For more information about Ed, check him out at NWEES.COM

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