Tips for 4-H and Youth
Cleaning on a shoestring
BYNORMAFLANAGAN 4-H DIRECTOR

Cleaning products can be expensive. To save money, try the following suggestions.

Vinegar will clean the coffee pot. Fill coffee pot with half white vinegar and half water and run through coffee maker. Empty the pot and run through another cycle with plain water.

Save money by using cheap dish detergent. Add a few drops of vinegar. It will cut grease and leave dishes sparkling clean.

To remove tarnish from copper or brass, mix equal amounts of salt, vinegar and flour. Apply the paste with a damp sponge, until the metal is shiny. Rinse and gently dry.

Sponge pet spills with a half cup of white vinegar in 1 quart of warm water. Let stand a few minutes and wipe clean. Be sure and test an area first to see if it will turn the color of the carpet.

Sprinkle pots with burned on foods with baking soda. Add a few drops of water and make a paste. Allow to stand for about 12 hour. Add 1 cup water and simmer for 15 minutes. Add more water if needed so pot doesn't boil dry. Turn off and let stand for a few hours. This will usually lift the burned food out of the pan.

Remember, never mix chlorine bleach and ammonia. The fumes are toxic.

Cleaning the kitchen

Sanitize cutting boards frequently with bleach and water. (1 tablespoon bleach in each gallon of water)

Air drying of dishes and utensils is best.

Clean stove often with warm soapy water. Clean below drip pan and around metal rim. To clean greasy over, fill a bowl with a half cup of ammonia, put bowl of ammonia in the oven and let set over night. The next morning wipe the oven clean. If necessary, use fine steel wool to scrub up dirt.

Refrigerator

Food lasts longer and stays fresher in a clean refrigerator. To clean inside, mix two tablespoons of baking soda with one quart of warm water. Wash inside walls, top and bottom drawers with soda solution, and outside walls. Put a hot damp cloth on dried foods so they will be easier to remove. Rinse everything with warm water and dry with a clean cloth. Do not use soap inside the refrigerator. Soap leaves an odor.

Plan Ahead

Every day: Wash dishes, wipe surfaces, empty trash, sweep floor

Once a week: Check refrigerator and throw out bad food, mop floor, wash and rinse trash can

Now and Then:Wash cupboards, wash walls and woodwork, wash curtains, clean light fixtures, clean oven, clean and defrost refrigerator

Remember; Measuring utensils used for cleaners should not be used for food!

Keep homemade cleaners in tightly closed containers and accurately label them.

Keep cleaning products out of the reach of children.