Household/Gardening Tips
By Suzanne

Cleaning Appliances
If you wipe appliances regularly with a damp cloth or sponge, most will require little additional maintenance. A buildup of grime, however, calls for a bit more elbow grease and sometimes even a particular cleaning solution.

Toaster Oven
Basic maintenance consists of periodically cleaning out crumbs and wiping down the interior and exterior.

Interior: Remove racks; wash them in warm, soapy water. If the inside of the toaster has a nonstick coating, wipe it with a cleaning pad that's labeled safe for this purpose. On a bare metal interior, you can use soap-filled steel wool. To avoid scratching a porcelain surface (or making it more difficult to clean the next time food cooks on), use nothing stronger than a nylon pad. Some toaster-oven interiors may look rough and feel gritty, indicating a continuous-clean surface that automatically burns off food residue. Do nothing more to this type of surface than wipe it with a damp cloth.

Exterior: Since most toaster ovens are plastic or painted steel, use only a non-abrasive liquid cleaner. If burned food discolors the paint on a toaster oven, a degreasing cleaner may minimize the discoloration, but nothing will remove it entirely.

Iron
To clean mineral deposits from steam irons, homemakers used to run vinegar and water through them. Today, some manufacturers warn against that procedure because it may result in a brown substance oozing from the holes. Instead, they recommend cleaning an iron with its own steam. Use the steam-clean setting if there is one. Or, place the iron on a metal cake rack over a surface that won't be harmed by heat or water; turn the setting to steam and maximum heat, and let steam and water jet through the holes. Always empty the reservoir before storing the iron.

Mixer
Wash beaters by hand unless you know they are stainless steel. Many stand mixers have beaters made of brushed aluminum, which dishwasher detergent discolors. Beaters that look plastic may actually be aluminum with a nonstick coating and should not be washed in a dishwasher either. The base: Wipe with a damp cloth or sponge. If the vent is clogged, loosen the dirt with a toothpick or toothbrush, then vacuum it out.

Coffeemaker
Place coffeemaker carafes in the top rack of a dishwasher (so plastic handles and lids won't melt.

Mineral deposits:
About once a month, clean the buildup inside the machine with a commercial coffeemaker cleaner (to prevent pipe blockage). Or pour equal parts white vinegar and water (two cups of each) into the tank. With the carafe in position, run the machine for half a cycle, then switch it off. After an hour, turn it back on, and let the rest of the solution filter through. Run two or three cycles with fresh water before brewing coffee.

Refrigerator
A frost-free refrigerator dehydrates its interior, turning liquid spills into caked-on lumps. Soak removable parts in warm, slightly soapy water or a solution of one or two tablespoons baking soda for every quart warm water. Loosen a hardened spill on fixed parts by covering it with a damp sponge or cloth; use a toothbrush in crevices. Don't use bleach or ammonia, which can damage some surfaces.

Oven
When an oven starts smoking, it's time for a heavy-duty cleaning. Wash racks by hand unless the owner's manual says they're dishwasher-safe. Then try this homemade cleanser from "Clean House, Clean Planet," by Karen Logan (Pocket Books; 1997). Use aluminum foil to plug holes leading to the broiler. (Be sure to remove the foil after cleaning.) Mix one-quarter cup salt, three-quarters cup baking soda, and one-quarter cup water into a paste. Brush on, avoiding bare parts -- salt corrodes metal. Let it sit overnight; remove mixture using a slotless spatula or a putty knife. Wipe with paper towels. Use a plastic scrubber or sponge to remove remaining spots.

Microwave Oven
Stains and odors are the biggest problems with microwaves.

Plastic interiors: Wipe stains with warm, soapy water, then plain water. If that isn't enough, clean with one or two tablespoons baking soda mixed into a quart of water. For caked-on residue, heat water in the microwave on high for three minutes; let stand five minutes (keep the door closed), and then wipe interior. In the future, cover food with a paper towel before cooking or reheating. To remove odors, clean with the baking-soda solution, wipe surfaces dry, and leave the door open for a few hours. If the smell persists, stir six tablespoons baking soda or one-half cup lemon juice into a cup of water. In a microwave-safe dish, heat mixture on high for two to three minutes. Then leave the door open for a few hours.

TIPS & TRICKS
When it is kept in an attractive glass bottle, dishwashing liquid doesn't have to stay hidden beneath the sink. Decorative bottles and pour spouts are available at housewares stores; vintage bottles work well too, as long as they are perfectly clean. Simply fill the bottle with dishwashing liquid, and top it with the spout. Then begin to buy your detergent in quantity, and refill the bottle as necessary.

For easier cleaning, fill a bucket with the basics: all-purpose and glass-cleaning sprays, scouring powder or baking soda, sponges, a toothbrush (for crevices), a squeegee, rubber gloves (hang them on the rim to dry), a scrub brush, and terry-cloth towels. You'll have everything you need as you move from room to room. Store it in the closet when you're through, and the bucket will be at the ready the next time the house needs a shine.

Dishwashing gloves protect hands from dishwater, but when you raise your forearms, the sudsy liquid rolls back over the gloves and soaks your elbows and sleeves. A simple solution: Fold over the bottom few inches of the gloves to make a cuff for each. Any water that pools there will return to the sink.

Candlelight may be romantic, but there's nothing lovely about prying or scraping melted votives out of their holders. Not only is it ineffective; you also risk scratching or breaking the delicate glass. Instead, try this trick: Place the glass candle holders in the freezer for a few hours. Once frozen, the wax will shrink just enough to pop right out.

Instead of air freshener, fill your home with the fresh scent of spring. Sprinkle dried lavender on floors and carpets before vacuuming. The herb's natural oils will heat up and circulate in the vacuum and air, leaving their fragrance behind.

For white suede shoes, remove surface dirt with a stiff-bristled brush, then rub with lemon juice, and leave in sun to dry.

Until next month .. remember to hold your head high and reach for the stars ......