QUESTION: The house we live in is 17 years old. The cupboards are lacquered and I have noticed that below the handles on my kitchen cupboards the doors feel slippery. I can see no grime, but I assume that there must be some oil that is not coming off with my regular cleaning. I guess I push them shut below the handles (bad habit). Can you tell me how to clean my cupboards without damaging the finish? Thank you. Valerie (Rosenort, MB)
ANSWER: You may have worn off the finish under the handles, but let's start with a good cleaning. When it comes to wooden kitchen cupboards, use plain old dish soap and water for regular cleaning. Scrub with a nylon scrubby pad. For a mild cupboard scrub, a little baking soda or cornstarch and water are other options. Depending on the finish of your cupboards, you may want to conclude with a light coating of orange, lemon or mineral oil so the entire cupboard collection gleams. If the stains remain, the cupboards may need gentle refinishing.
-- BLEACH -- Using vinegar, borax, washing soda and even lemons are practical products for whitening clothing. For the best benefits of these products consider boiling one cup of one of the above in 10 cups water. Boil socks, T-shirts etc. for 10 mins. Allow to cool and toss the entire contents into the washing machine. Wash as usual.
-- POTATOES -- Store potatoes in a cool dark place in perforated plastic bags or buckets between 38-40 degrees Fahrenheit with high humidity. If storage temperatures are too cold, the starch in potatoes converts to sugar and potatoes will end up discolored with a sweet taste. Never wash potatoes until ready to use.
-- CHEAP CUTLERY -- Get a baking pan and loosely lay crumpled aluminium foil onto the bottom. Into the pan drop one-quarter cup Arm and Hammer So Clean washing soda and enough hot water to cover the bottom of the pan. Put your stainless steel into the mixture for about five mins. If anything is going to get rid of spots, this is it! Before company arrives, take time to soak cutlery in white vinegar for a few minutes and then polish each piece with a soft cloth, this is customary in many high end restaurants.
Fabulous Buttery Tips:
-- My mother always used to make fancy designs on a soft pound of butter. She would pattern a design using a fork or by cutting a design such as a rose into a raw potato and then pressing the potato into the butter.
Submitted By: Margret
-- Make your own butter using whip cream. Slowly whip cream until it moves past the crumbly wet stage. As you beat the cream, it eventually becomes butter. Drain and add a pinch of salt and whip once more. Voila! Homemade butter, just like Grandma used to make.
-- Rub butter onto the end of a cut onion to prevent the onion edge from drying out. Wrap with plastic wrap.
Submitted By: Courtney
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