Lorraine Hall from the Cleaning Corporation is this week offering hints and tips on keeping and maintaining a healthy home.
Scouring saucepans — this was a necessary chore before non-stick finishes. In grand houses it was usually delegated to the kitchen maid, whose hands would become raw from working with soda and salt; thank heavens for rubber gloves! Many people still prefer the traditional finish of steel, aluminium, or cast iron pan and these often need more than a quick wash to remove burnt on food.
Here are some traditional remedies to try:
Remember always test on a hidden area first to check for damage, for safety wear rubber gloves when cleaning, always ventilate your home when you are cleaning by leaving a window open, never mix cleaning agents, and store out of reach of young children.
Fill the pan with water and add a sliced onion and one dessertspoon of salt. Boil and leave to soak overnight; the residue should wash away easily. Add hot water to the pan with two teaspoons of cream of tartar; simmer for 20 minutes and leave to cool. Rinse and wipe clean.
Rub a little baking powder into the pan and leave overnight. The pan should come clean when washed the next morning. Rinse saucepans that have been used for milk or potatoes immediately after use, to prevent staining
For further advice on a healthy home contact Lorraine on 094 928 9000.
