The kitchen is the heart of most homes, and is the place we spend most of our cleaning time. Stove tops, ovens and appliances are constantly in need of cleaning. Here are some tips for making this job easier.
The stove area:
If you are like most of us, you hate the yellow film that collects on the sides of the stove, on the fridge next to it and on other surfaces like the oven and toaster oven glass doors. It is the dried on grease that can accumulate and seem impossible to get rid of.
I say fight the grease with oil. That's right. Oil. Not soap. Pour some vegetable oil on a cloth or paper towel and apply to the caked on grease. Use a green scrubbing pad to work the oil into the crevices and let it stand for a while. It will liquefy the residue, which can then be washed away with dish soap. You may have to scrub a bit. I like to use a small brush on the refrigerator surface which is usually dimpled, but use a cloth on painted surfaces so as not to damage them.
And remember that if you have stainless steel, to always rub with the grain.
For tougher build up, the black burnt on stuff, I have another environmentally safe solution:
Wood ash. You can collect a coffee can of wood ash from your fireplace, barbecue or burn pile. Also collect some of the charcoal. Or you can use briquettes, (not the self starters!) Remember to use rubber gloves or you will stain your nails. A paste of wood ash and water will quickly remove the film from your oven, your oven door, your fireplace doors, etc. The larger charcoal pieces you can use to scour off the tough areas. The charcoal will scratch however if used on metal or plastic surfaces. It is a bit messy, but an alternative to the toxic commercial oven cleaning products that can burn your skin, eyes and lungs.
I hope this information has been useful to you, and as always if you need help
contact Merry for cleaning services and carpet shampoo.
608-444-9204
I have openings available on Monday's.
