02 Aug How to Clean Everything in Your Kitchen with Baking Soda, Lemon Juice and Salt

DISHES:

It goes without saying that we highly recommend that you use organic liquid or powdered soap instead of petroleum-based detergents, but did you know that you can also clean your dishes with a mix of baking soda and a basic biodegradable liquid soap?

In dishwashers, you can use equal parts borax and washing soda in place of your detergent and for a spot free rinse, just add 1 cup of white vinegar to the rinse compartment of your dishwasher.

DRINKING GLASSES :

For really clean and sparkling drinking glasses, soak them in a mix of vinegar and water for a few minutes.

CRYSTAL GLASSWARE, COFFEE MAKERS & THERMOS JUGS:

Prepare a mix of baking soda in lukewarm water (1 level teaspoon to a litre) and brush the delicate ware with a soft toothbrush.

COFFEE & TEA STAINS:

To remove coffee stains from cups or counters, rub with baking soda paste.

POTS & PANS:

Whether damaged from grease, heat or from crusted foods baking soda will reduce your pots and pans cringe-worthiness. Just soak or boil 2 tablespoons of baking soda, wait until the particles are loosened and wash as usual.

COPPER PANS:

Salt and lemon is all you need to get copper pans shining new. Just sprinkle some salt into the surface of the pan and rub the affected areas with the cut half of a fresh lemon.

NO-STICK COOKWARE :

To remove stains from non-stick surfaces, simply pour a mix of 1 cup water and two tablespoons baking soda into a pan and allow it all to simmer for 5 to 10 minutes, being careful to not let the mixture boil. Then wash the cookware in hot soapy water, rinse and dry. To finish and keep apply a light layer of organic cooking oil.

ENAMEL, CERAMIC OR GLASS BAKING DISHES:

Simple soak the affected items in hot soapy water, then scour with salt or baking soda and rinse the dishes thoroughly.

DRAIN CLEANER:

For slow drains, use this effective but simple drain cleaner once a week to keep drains fresh and clog-free.

• 1/2 to 1 cup baking soda
• 1 cup white vinegar
• 3½ litre boiling water
• 1/2 a lemon

Pour the baking soda down the drain and follow with vinegar. Allow the mixture to foam for several minutes before flushing the drain with boiling water.

EMERGENCY FIRE EXTINGUISHER:

Don’t suppose you ever considered that baking soda could save lives? It might serve you well to remember that if a greasy pan catches alight, you should sprinkle some baking soda over the fire after you have turned the heat off. It is probably a good idea, in this case, to always keep a jar of baking soda close to your stove.