Spray Bottle With Diluted Dish SoapTo save on dish soap, fill a spray bottle one-quarter full of soap and top it off with water, give the mixture a good shake to mix well, and close the bottle. Spraying this on dishes cuts grease and saves a little money.
Removing Burned on Food from PansIf you have burned on gunk in a pan, soak the pan or burner ring in dishwasher detergent. Just put some in the pan, add hot water, and let sit for a few hours or overnight. Stuff will come right off.
Cleaning Stuck Food Off CookwareWhen cleaning a mucky frying pan, put water and a squeeze of dish washing liquid into it and bring to a boil. After the water has boiled for a few minutes, it will be easy to clean without much scrubbing.
Rubber Bands To Secure Items in DishwasherUse rubber bands to help hold down lightweight items in the dishwasher.
Use Dish Soap on Outside Of Campfire PansWhen camping and cooking over the campfire, rub liquid dish soap on the outside of the pans. During cleanup, the soot from the fire will wipe right off and not ruin your pans.
Are the Dishes Clean or Dirty?Here is a simple way to make a tag for your dishwasher to end the confusion of dishes that are "clean" or "dirty". I picked up free paint sample cards, taped them back to back with double stick tape, and clipped them on the front of the dishwasher with a magnetic clip.
Dishwasher DeodorizingI decided to add a little bit of vinegar to the machine after I unloaded it. Sure it would smell pretty strong for a while but then the smell would dissipate. Voila! For two weeks now my dishes have not smelled whatsoever.
Clean Pots and Pans with Glass BrushThe easiest way to clean pots and plans with dried stuck on gravy or pans with ridges in them is to fill them with water, take a glass brush, and scrub. Poof! All uck is gone in seconds. Make sure it is a glass brush and not a bottle brush.
Cleaning Your Garlic PressAfter using a garlic press, clean it out using your vegetable scrubber brush. Place the bristles on the part where the garlic comes out and push bristles into the holes several times while holding under running water.
Use Splatter Guard to Secure Light DishesWhen washing dishes in a dishwasher I got tired of the lighter weight items (Glad ware, etc.) flipping over and filling with water only to have to be washed 1 more time. So I started using anti-spatter frying shield over the top of the top rack items.
Salt Paste for Stains on PorcelainCoffee cups stained with coffee? Make a thick paste with simple table salt and warm water and use a soft rag and wipe the coffee cup inside and out with the salt paste. Sparking new!
Cleaning a Burnt Coffee CarafeAlmost everyone I know has forgotten to turn off the coffee pot from time to time. We tend to think a cleanser will get the grime out but, in reality, it scratches the carafe and it will break easier.
Removing Glue Residue From Pots and PansRemoving glue used for labels from cooking pans. I tried everything. WD40, mineral spirits, nail polish remover, dish detergent poured directly on the glue, nothing worked.
Olive Oil Bottle For Dish SoapThis started out as a treat for myself but has really turned into a money saver. The kitchen sink area became more "elegant" once I purchased a bottle with spout designed for use with cooking oil.
Using Less Dishwasher DetergentDo not fill the two compartments full with dish washer soap. The heat and the movement of the water will clean the dishes before the soap is released. So only fill the first compartment half full.
Denture Cleaning Tablets for Coffee and Tea Cup StainsClean coffee or tea stains from cups using denture cleaning tablets, can also be used in other ceramic containers.
Use Stovetop Glass Cleaner on Baking DishesI have a lot of glass baking dishes and I also have a glass top range. I recently found a glass top spray cleaner out by "Easy Off", It can also be used on glass dishes too. You just spray it on and let it set for a short time then wipe it off.
Add Small Amount of Bleach to Dish WaterAdd just a small amount of bleach to your dishwater. It's a great germ killer and it helps remove stubborn stains from your Tupperware and the like.
Use Your Dishwasher as a Drying RackOur dishwasher recently went out, until we get it fixed, we are using it as a double drying rack for hand washing dishes. Everything is self contained and there's no need to use up counter space.
Fill Detergent Cup at End of Dishwasher CycleImmediately upon emptying my dishwasher I put the detergent in the cup. That way if the cup is closed, the dishes are dirty. I use the little packets and they don't dry out. Saves a lot of "are the dishes clean or dirty".
Use Two Dish Drainers for Handwashed DishesLiving with a house full of guys who all are allergic to dish washing and lacking an automatic dishwasher, I find myself daily washing mountains of dishes by hand.
Discolored Stainless Steel PansI find that using liquid bleach on the inside of my stainless steel pans removes tea stains immediately.
Cleaning Tomato Sauce Stains from PlasticEver use a rubber spatula on food items like spaghetti or tomato sauce and have the spatula get stained? Or ever use a plastic food container for leftovers which stained the container? I dreaded using my Pampered Chef white spatulas when I needed them for spaghetti.
Use Hand Soap Pump for Dish Washing LiquidWhen my kids were little they liked to help with the dishes and it seemed that they always used too much dish soap. Well I finally solved the problem.
Use Baking Soda for Coffee and Tea CupsI keep a saucer with baking soda in it by my kitchen sink. That way, when I have a cup which is stained, I can get rid of those stains right away with no fuss or bother.
Frugal Substitute Dishwashing LiquidI have seen tips on using baking soda as a substitute for dish washing liquid or powder but they usually involved adding some other cleaning element as well, and I have seen the use of vinegar for many cleaning uses but I have not yet seen these two in combination.
Use a Denture Brush for Kitchen ScrubbingKeep a denture brush in the kitchen for when you wash dishes. The stiffer bristles help clean in between spatulas and hard to get at places.
Save Spaghetti Cooking Water to Wash Greasy DishesSave your spaghetti water and wash your greasy dishes with it. The flour in the water somehow causes oil and grease to get trapped, and you don't have to scrub as much.
Use Lemon Drink Mix In Your DishwasherFor your dishes to come out if the dishwasher spotless, try lemon flavored drink mix. The kind with no sugar. I put my detergent in the first wash cup and half a packet of the lemon drink powder in the cup that closes. This way I use less soap AND no spots:)
Use Dishwasher Detergent For Baked On FoodI find the best way to remove any baked on or burned residue in pans or casseroles, or burner rings is to sprinkle on some dry dishwasher detergent, cover with hot tap water and allow to sit overnight. In the AM, the stuff will come off with a wipe of the sponge. I don't find that any other method that works without scrubbing.
Refilling Dawn Direct FoamI was curious about Dawn Direct Foam so I bought a bottle with a coupon. The product is awesome, one foamy pump of soap goes on forever! Dawn has always been wonderful at cutting grease immediately.
Add Baking Soda to Dish WaterPlace a tablespoon of baking soda in your dish water when washing dishes by hand. It helps take off hard water stains and makes your soap last longer
Toothbrushes for a Cleaning ToolI use a toothbrush as a pot scrubber/scraper. It works like a charm, and I've never had it scratch surfaces. I use the brush part for scrubbing and the hard, plastic back for scraping.
Water Down Dish Detergent To Save MoneyI keep a dish detergent dispenser on the sink. When I refill it, I fill it with about 1/3 water and the rest with soap. I shake a little to mix. I find it works just as well as full strength detergent.
Add Baking Soda to Your Sink When Washing DishesAdd about a teaspoon of baking soda with your dish detergent when filling the sink to wash dishes. It softens the water, helps the detergent clean better and makes the suds last a lot longer. I do this all the time and found it makes cleaning the dishes easier and helps reduce and remove hard water stains.
Removing Coffee Stains from the Rim of Coffee CupsCoffee stains on the inside of the rim of your coffee cups? Turn them upside down in 1/2 inch of half and half white vinegar and water for at least 30 minutes and then wash as usual.
Automatic Dishwashers Save WaterMany people don't realize that dishwashers actually save hot water and save money. You will notice that a dishwasher cannot hold much water. Washing dishes by hand uses much more hot water that what can be held in the bottom of the dishwasher.
Hand Wash Stained Coffee Carafe With Dishwasher DetergentIf you have a stained glass coffee maker carafe with the plastic top (pour spout area), resist the urge to clean it in the dishwasher. Instead, just put in a spoon of dry dishwasher detergent and fill the carafe with water to below the plastic section.
Use Self Cleaning Oven for Hard to Clean BakewareDo you have broiler pans or cookie sheets that have build up on them so bad that no matter how hard you scrub them it will not come off? Don't worry, my husband showed me a way to clean them where I don't even have to touch them.
Tip for Knowing Whether the Dishwasher Has Been RunMy DH suggested this one and it makes a lot of sense to me. Instead of trying to remember whether or not the dishwasher is "clean", when he's here alone and has a load too small to run right away, he will put the bottle of dishwasher liquid in the rack with the dishes.
Rinse Dishes In Bleach SolutionIf you want your dishes disinfected (especially if you don't have a dishwasher and someone in your household is sick), after washing them in dishwashing detergent, run them through a rinse of 1 gallon of water with 1 tablespoon of Chlorox added to it.
Dishwasher Soap for Cleaning PansThe best cleaner for dirty pans, crock pots, etc. is dishwasher soap! Just put about a tablespoon full into the pan with some hot water ...
Dishwasher - Bleach and VinegarTo the person who asked about where I put the bleach and vinegar in the dishwasher. I poured 1/8 bleach in the detergent slot, actually just fill the detergent slot, then pour the 1/8 cup vinegar into the rinse portal.
Dishwasher Knife Safety TipWhen loading knives in to your dishwasher silverware tray, please put your knives point side down. This will prevent any accidents from happening.
Bottle Brush Makes Dishes EasierBottle Brush Makes Dishes Easier. I don't like to wash dishes, and when I had to switch my son over to bottles, my dish-washing chore grew. However, I have found that by using my bottle brush. . .
Corn Flour To Clean Greasy PotsCorn Flour To Clean Greasy Pots. To clean greasy pots try throwing some corn flour, or any other flour and rub it. . .
Reducing Suds When Doing DishesReducing Suds When Doing Dishes. When washing dishes and you have too many suds in the sink after draining wash water. . .
Vinegar for Whitening Corelle DishesWhen we moved 5 years ago, my Corelle dishes were all white. However, after time using the dishwasher that was in the house, my dishes have turned dingy gray, especially on the bottom and around the edges.
Set the Table While Unloading Your DishwasherOne way to save time is to set the table for your next meal as you are emptying your dishwasher. . .
Dishwasher Detergent Tabs and Hazing of GlasswareDishwasher Detergent Tabs and Hazing of Glassware. Had the dishwasher repair guy here again this AM. He told me that the little blocks of dishwasher detergent (tabs) have Jet Dry already added to them. . .
Preventing Tomato Stains in Plastic ContainersSpray plastic container with am or any non stick spray before pouring in any tomato based sauce, this will prevent staining of the container.
Saving SOS PadsAfter using a SOS (soapy steel wool) pad, lay it on a piece of tin foil. It will not rust and can be used again.
Cleaning Rusty Tin Pie PansRemove rust from a tin pie pans using a raw slice of potato. Dip the potato in a some scouring powder and scrub away.
Make Your Own Foaming Dish DetergentUse any type of foaming soap dispenser - (hand soap, shampoo, body wash, dish soap, etc.) I personally use a recycled kid's foaming body wash dispenser. . .
Cleaning Black Burnt-on Stuff from Stainless SteelFor burned-on black yuk in a stainless steel pot or a glass one, use bleach (like Clorox). Pour in enough to cover. Usually by the next morning, the black will be gone. Even if the charred part is thick, the bleach will loosen it enough that your pot can be saved, and with no strenuous scrubbing. Some pots will require more than one overnight (don't ask how I know).
Making Dishwashing Soap Last LongerFor making your dishwashing soap last longer: Take a separate plastic bottle with a pump and fill about one third of dishwashing liquid of your choice.
Cleaning Enamel Drip Pans and Burnt-on GunkI have enamel drip pans or trays under my burners on my gas stove and occasionally normal cleaning methods don't remove all the burned-on gunk if I have been careless while cooking.
Cleaning Cheese GratersActually this is an after cooking tip. When washing the cheese grater use a bottle brush such as for baby bottles (they are sold at dollar stores.) Just add soap to the brush rub a little with your hand to create a lather scrub your grater inside and out rinse as usual.
Raising the DishpanSave your back by raising your dishpan. Depending on the depth of your sink, place something under your dishpan to raise it high enough that you can stand up straight while doing the dishes...
Using it All, Dishwasher DetergentHere's a great handy hint: When I am finished with my dishwashing detergent, I turn it upside down on one of the prongs in the dishwasher and there is plenty of detergent in the bottle to do one more load of dishes...
Add Vinegar to DishwaterA little white vinegar added to your dish water improves your soap's grease fighting performance.
Dealing with Burned (Burnt) PansI know two tips for burnt pans. The first one is to boil rhubarb in the pan - it works! The second is to boil a small amount of bio washing powder in the burnt pan - it also works!
Cleaning Cast Iron Pots and PansI put them in a plastic garbage bag, soaked a towel with ammonia, and left it tied in bag for several days (maybe 4 days.) As I took each one out to wash and clean, I left the others in the bag. They clean well with a little elbow "grease". They looked almost new.
Getting Dishes UnstuckWhen two dishes are stuck, one nested in the other, pour cold water in the top dish while dipping the bottom dish in warm water. The warm water will make the bottom dish expand while the top dish contracts. Works with glasses and bowls.
Cleaning Dishes and Wooden Cutting BoardsWhen visiting my elderly father recently, I noticed that his dishes, glasses and everything in his kitchen were covered with a grimy film. He explained that to save money he was cutting his dishwashing liquid with water and using much less than the recommended amount of dishwasher detergent.
Clean It With CoffeeThe best way to remove ugly coffee stains in your favorite coffee cup is to take a paper towel or cloth, dip it in coffee, (cold coffee works just as good) and wipe the stains away with ease.
Discolored Coffee CupsI have trouble with my coffee cups and mugs becoming discolored because my husband drinks lots of coffee. All I have to do to take out the stains is to let them soak in a a sink full of water with a about 1/4 cup bleach added. Just be sure to rinse them well.
Sanitizing DishesI love clean dishes! I use a little bleach in my dish water. Not only does it help sanitize them, the dishes actually dry faster!
Doily Dish ClothInstead of my usual dish cloth, I use a crocheted doily to wash dishes with. The roughness of the material helps "scrub". When I'm done, I lay the doily in the bottom of the sink and it looks pretty there.
Dishwasher Soap For Hand WashingAlthough, I don't have a dishwasher, I do buy a liquid dishwasher detergent for handwashing dishes. I put a squirt (between the size of a dime & nickel) of dishwasher detergent in my hot dishwater & swish it around before adding my regular liquid dish soap.
Hand Washing SilverwareTo save time scrubbing the silverware and other utensils I take a bowl or cup, one that's already dirty and fill half way with hot water and a tiny bit of dish soap. I let them soak till I'm ready to do the dishes.
Baking Soda for Burnt PotsSprinkle powdered cleanser or baking soda liberally over the burned portion of the pot, then add only enough water to moisten the powder or soda well.
Soapy Smelling Plastic Coffee MugsDo your plastic coffee mugs have a soapy smell to them? Just soak them in vinegar overnight. If there is a leftover smell of vinegar re-soak in a sink full of hot water and baking soda.
By Kat
Dishes Made SimpleWe don't use the dishwasher that came with our house because it uses 9-16 gallons of water per wash and runs for hours! I can wash dishes by hand in 2-3 gallons of water. . .
Cleaning Cookie CuttersThrow dirty cookie cutters in a mesh laundry bag before putting in the dish washer to keep them contained while washing.
I Love to Cook and Hate the Dishes!Always keep a fresh dish pan of sudsy water to clean your cooking dishes while you cook, incorporate your style of cooking and cleaning at the same time, then when your baking is done so are your dishes! Multitasking can be multi-relaxing!
Presoaking Silverware and UtensilsWhen cleaning up the kitchen, I put all the silverware and cooking utensils in a jar or bowl with hot soapy water. By the time I'm ready to wash dishes, caked on gunk has softened and cleaning is easy.
By Lynn
Washing Knives in the DishwasherNever get stuck by a knife again! When loading your dishwasher, place your sharp knives in the very back silverware space. This way you'll always know where they are and never reach in and get cut again.
By Harm0ny
Cleaning Spatulas and Slotted SpoonsTo easily clean stuck food out of the grooves of spatulas and slotted spoons, cut a small U shape piece out of the end of a drinking straw. It is the perfect width to fit the slots, the straight edges will scrape the food and it is flexible.
By Jennifer Dark
Lemon Juice and Vinegar for Soap ScumWhen your dishes have soap scum on them from the dishwasher, use lemon juice on a sponge to wipe them off. Vinegar also works.
Cleaning a Turkey Pan EasilyWith Thanksgiving and Christmas around the corner (It really will come fast!). I want to share a tip for cleaning the turkey pan.
Alternative to Cascade Plastic BoosterI really like using Cascade Plastic Booster in my dishwasher. It does an excellent job at removing red stains like tomato sauce. I was wondering if any one had any ideas for a homeade version?
Cleaning Cookware With Oven CleanerTry using an oven cleaner on cooked-on, burnt messes in the bottom of stainless cookware. It works better than scrubbing with SOS pads!
Wipe Off Tea Kettle When HotWipe your stainless tea kettle shortly after it has boiled. It's easier to wipe kitchen grease off it while it's still hot. Just be careful not to burn yourself.
Reduce Dishwashing Water Use with Three Sinks or TubsDishwashers use from 9 to 16 gallons of (very) hot water. You can wash your dishes using three sinks/tubs and 3 to 5 gallons of water.
Dish Soap and Boiling Water for Pans If you are having trouble getting off tough, dry, crusty food stains off of pots and pans, I have an easy, quick solution for you! Take the troublesome pot/pan and fill it with hot water.
Soaking Pans With Cold WaterIf your in the habit of "soaking" cooked on food in your pots or bowls, in "hot water"! Stop immediately! Never, never use "hot" water! The food thinks it is still cooking and will just about stay "stuck on".
For Really Greasy DishesPut a 1/4 cup of vinegar in your dishwater or a 1/2 cup of vinegar in your dishwasher when you have really greasy dishes. Vinegar cuts through the grease.
Inexpensive Rinse AgentDon't waste money on expensive rinse agents for the dishwasher. Just fill the reservoir with plain old vinegar for spot-free dishes!
Keeping Bowls Upside Down in DishwasherIn the top section of our dishwasher we were having trouble with the plastic bowls turning right side up and filling with dish water.
Stretch Dishwashing LiquidWhen you buy dish washing liquid, pour half in an empty bottle you've saved, and fill each bottle with warm water. Turn upside down a few times to mix. Works just as well and you get double for your money.
Saving Water: Hand Dishwashing TipHere's a water saving idea I have used over the years. Rather than filling the sink to the top with water, put in only a couple inches of water, and then rinse your dishes with a small stream of hot water, over your sink of suds.
Cleaning Your Pyrex PanDo you have crusted stuff you want off the bottom of a Pyrex pan? Just fill it halfway full of water, put in about 1/4 cup baking soda, let come to a boil on the stove. Turn it off, forget about it for about 2 hours. Go back, and voila, it's clean!
