Quick Kitchen Cleaning Tips

Between taking care of your family, work, and having a social life, who really has hours to spend cleaning their kitchen?  Here are a few cleaning tips that are both quick and easy.

1.  Microwave cleaning shortcuts:  The easiest way to clean a microwave is to place a handful of wet paper towels inside and run the microwave for 3-5 minutes.  The steam from the towels will soften the grime and make clean up a breeze.  To deodorize your microwave, combine 1 cup of water with 1/2 cup of lemon juice and heat it on high for about 3 minutes.  Let it stand in the microwave for 5-10 minutes before removing.

2.  Cleaning a cast iron pan:  Did you know that you should never use liquid soap on a cast iron pan and never rub it with anything abrasive?  So what is the best way to clean it?  Use salt.  Rub the pan with a few tablespoons of salt and a paper towel, then rinse.

3.  Cleaning a cheese grater:  Getting a cheese grater clean can be an almost impossible task.  Keep a clean pastry brush handy, it works like a charm on both sides.

4.  Disinfect the garbage disposal:  Deep clean and deodorize a waste disposal unit by grinding ice cubes made with 1/2 vinegar and 1/2 water.

5.  Coffee cup saver:  Remove coffee stains from china cups by scrubbing them with equal parts vinegar and salt.