All Questions
78 questions
65
votes
4
answers
12k
views
Why does plastic never dry properly in a dishwasher?
Whenever I get tasked with unloading the dishwasher, I'm always amazed at the amount of water that's still stuck (always in droplets) to our plastic kitchen utensils and storage containers.
We have ...
- 2,727
59
votes
9
answers
23k
views
How do I wash the "pokey" side of a box grater?
I have this box grater, and one of the sides is "non-directional" (not sure what this is called) -- that is, the pointy "blade" things are on every side of the holes:
Close-up:
The fibers you see ...
- 2,186
47
votes
7
answers
31k
views
How do you clean a seasoned cast iron skillet?
I have a seasoned cast iron skillet, and I don't want to mess up the seasoning when I'm cleaning it. What do I use and what don't I use to get it back to clean?
I've heard not to use soap and to ...
- 962
39
votes
3
answers
84k
views
Dishwasher safety - "top shelf" vs. "bottom shelf"
The instruction manual for some of my kitchen equipment says "Dishwasher safe (top shelf)".
What difference is there between what an object on the top shelf of a dishwasher experiences, and what ...
- 3,606
34
votes
12
answers
19k
views
Why not put knives in the dishwasher?
What is it about the dishwasher that harms knives?
The only reasons I've found are:
You could get cut... I personally have a greater change of getting cut by trying to wash them by hand.
The blades ...
- 10.9k
32
votes
4
answers
242k
views
Is it normal to see flames inside my self-cleaning oven?
I spilled some sauce in the oven, so I decided to clean it today.
I wiped the bottom and glass door, but the rest of the stuff was crusty and stuck to the bottom of the oven. I started the cycle and ...
- 432
28
votes
11
answers
4k
views
What is the best way to clean a grater?
A grater is a very useful instrument in the kitchen and it's fun to use. You can use it for a lot of food: cheese, citrus fruit peel, nutmeg, all kinds of vegetables, etc.
But cleaning a grater is a ...
- 13.4k
24
votes
6
answers
18k
views
How do you properly clean a cutting board and knife to prevent cross contamination?
I have one very nice cutting board that I like to use with my chef's knife. Because I only use this single cutting board and chef's knife, if I have a recipe that calls for cutting raw meat as well ...
- 1,530
21
votes
13
answers
97k
views
How to clean a clogged Misto oil sprayer/spritzer?
I use a Misto oil spritzer. You fill it up with oil and pump it up and spray a pan with it.
It's gotten clogged up so that it just squirts a steady stream of oil (not a spray).
Any ideas how to ...
- 725
20
votes
2
answers
4k
views
Bleach in cast iron pan, safety concerns?
Someone used a solution of bleach and water (probably 1/10 ratio) on my cast iron, they were letting it soak in this solution. When I noticed I immediately rinsed it off multiple times, scrubbed it (...
- 343
20
votes
4
answers
12k
views
Why is the dishwasher not recommended for my All-Clad MC2 line of pot and pans?
I just looked on the All-Clad website (faq 7 and faq 13). It says that because the MC2 has a brushed aluminum alloy exterior, it mush be hand washed. Why is the dishwasher bad for it?
It's just soap ...
- 4,274
20
votes
15
answers
114k
views
The best way to clean a French Press coffee maker
I have been using a French Press coffee maker for quite some time now, and I have tried a few methods for removing the spent coffee grinds from the vessel. It is always a bit of a chore to this in an ...
- 301
19
votes
6
answers
5k
views
Removing turmeric colour from mortar and pestle
We have a large granite (I think) mortar and pestle, and while keeping it clean generally doesn't seem too difficult, I have absolutely no idea how to avoid it staining when it's used with turmeric ...
- 365
18
votes
2
answers
4k
views
Cleaning a Sieve
Is there a better way of cleaning a sieve, other than stabbing at it with a brush, in a manner such as this ?
I can't help but think there must be....
- 343
18
votes
4
answers
31k
views
Can I clean enameled cast iron with steel wool?
I've got a new enameled cast iron skillet that I've been cleaning with stainless steel wool along with a standard dish rag.
It occurs to me that scratches in the enamel might eventually cause ...
- 678
15
votes
13
answers
62k
views
How should I clean my metal mesh tea strainer?
I have one of these teeli tea strainers, and it's wonderful. It's a very fine metal mesh basket with plastic frame. I've had it for perhaps 10+ years and it's still working well after brewing ...
- 2,831
13
votes
4
answers
7k
views
I get black flecks on my butter when I grease my pan
I recently bought a Teflon-coated pan and have been using it without cause for concern, but while greasing it tonight I found the butter stick I used came away with grey flecks / residue.
I typically ...
13
votes
6
answers
5k
views
What are some recommended methods of cleaning wooden cutting boards?
Supposedly, wooden cutting boards should not be submerged in lots of soap and water because too much moisture leads to rot. How can one optimize for cleanliness while also caring for the board?
- 539
13
votes
7
answers
12k
views
How to keep my stainless steel skillet clean
I have a KitchenAid skillet that I love. But I can't seem to get it cleaned easily.
It has a brushed exterior and the bottom of the interior is grooved or ribbed.
For now, I run cold water on it when ...
- 233
13
votes
4
answers
18k
views
How to clean and maintain cast iron lids
I have a number of cast iron lids that fit skillets, dutch ovens, etc. Most have the little cone-shaped spikes on the underside to collect and return moisture to the food.
I have no issues cleaning ...
- 33.3k
12
votes
9
answers
68k
views
How to clean a burnt cast iron pot?
I have this cast iron pot that my friend completely burnt. I was wondering what might be done to save this pot. I realize that this question seems similar to this one but in that one his skillet is ...
- 4,636
12
votes
12
answers
50k
views
How do I clean my cast iron grill pan?
I'm recently the proud new owner of what I appears to be a Le Creuset "Skinny Grill" which is an enameled cast iron grill pan.
I fairly new to cast iron but I'm accustomed to the no-soap cleanup and ...
- 3,836
12
votes
3
answers
8k
views
Odour removing metallic soap: what is it and how does it work?
When browsing for kitchen tools, I found a metallic soap. It's purpose is to remove any (food) odour from your hands. Here's a cheap ($2.55) example.
I am unfamiliar with this.
Does anyone have any ...
- 13.4k
11
votes
6
answers
144k
views
Cleaning a clogged espresso machine Portafilter
Can anyone recommend a method for cleaning the clogged holes in a "Basket" of an espresso machine Portafilter? I had this problem with both DeLonghi and Saeco home espresso machines.
For example, in ...
- 399
10
votes
10
answers
35k
views
What is the proper way to maintain a can opener?
I bought a hand crank can opener (Oxo) because of the good online feedback and only use the "shake" dry approach. It quickly developed rust in between the metal. If I invest the time and scrub, I can ...
- 301
10
votes
2
answers
6k
views
How to clean a big butcher block?
I've seen huge butchers blocks that essentially is a table with a butcher block top. How do you clean such a thing if you can't wash it in the sink? Should those blocks only be used for vegetables and ...
- 4,274
10
votes
2
answers
5k
views
Should I clean all of my cooking utensils after being exposed to mothballs (naphthalene) for over a week?
While I was away on vacation my roommate put mothballs in the kitchen cabinets where the pots and pans and cutlery are stored. I have removed them and thrown them out ( not sure if I was overreacting ...
- 111
10
votes
2
answers
7k
views
How do I clean this silicone tray?
I use this silicone muffin pan to cook things in the oven. It's supposed to be non-stick, but actually food sticks to it quite a lot.
Often I can just scrape dried food off with my fingers, but it's ...
- 243
9
votes
8
answers
47k
views
Good way to prevent grease build up in kitchen?
My kitchen items end up getting a sticky grease coating when I cook regularly. Things not even near the stove top. I don't have an overhead fan, what can I do about this?
- 91
8
votes
4
answers
3k
views
How can I clean my oven window?
My oven has a convenient window on it. It is very old and covered in soot. I tried what many recommendations say and used water and baking soda together, but it did not cut through the grime. Does ...
- 887
8
votes
2
answers
2k
views
Does a splatter screen prevent grease build up in kitchen?
I love to stir fry. What I don't love is the sticky grease coating that over time accumulates on every surface near the stove, including cupboards, kitchen items and the floor.
I don't have a range ...
- 1,435
7
votes
4
answers
5k
views
What's the best way to clean a salad spinner?
We had taco salads last night for dinner. Cleaning the little bits of shredded lettuce out of the salad spinner seemed to take forever. Despite scrubbing and lots of rinsing, little bits of lettuce ...
- 123
7
votes
5
answers
55k
views
How do I clean a pasta maker?
I am experimenting with a home pasta maker, and after all the fun comes the cleaning up.
My worries come from tiny bits of dry dough I find when I clean the machine. There always seem to be more every ...
- 809
7
votes
2
answers
2k
views
Do chillis impregnate a wooden chopping board?
After chopping away at a chilli earlier today (well, 10 minutes ago) I then went through my normal ritual of scrubbing my hands to remove what traces the chiles leave on my fingers.
And it made me ...
- 1,775
6
votes
3
answers
5k
views
Reuse frying & sauce pans multiple times during cooking session
I'm a student and prefer to cook my own food rather than eating in the cantine. Due to time constraints, I cook only once a week, making different dishes of big enough portions to suffice for the ...
- 163
6
votes
3
answers
14k
views
What is a thorough way to clean my dish rack?
I have a Simple Human Dishrack. It was kind of a splurge when I bought it. We were swayed by the good reviews. The rack does not have the typical open wire design, as you can see in the link above. ...
- 4,274
6
votes
8
answers
5k
views
Buying my first set of pots and pans
I have NO idea what I'm doing :). I'm looking to buy some pots/pans for my appartment (just moved out). Considering these:
http://www.amazon.com/Cuisinart-MCP-12-MultiClad-Stainless-12-Piece/dp/...
- 61
6
votes
4
answers
3k
views
Cooking messy foods in a bamboo steamer without a cleaning nightmare
For example, chicken.
I have tried:
chicken directly in steamer: chicken gunk goes everywhere, including between the woven bamboo slats.
chicken in a colander in the basket: gunk still goes ...
- 4,136
5
votes
3
answers
9k
views
Cleaning brown/gray spots on overheated stainless steel stock pot
So my roommate forgot about his boiling water and burned one of the pots pretty bad. The bottom is a dark brown/gray with colored spots underneath (electric range).
What are some household remedies ...
- 1,804
5
votes
4
answers
10k
views
How to clean my unanodized aluminium pot?
I got some acidic food in the pot and its starting to look ugly.
Can this pot be saved, or do I need to throw it out?
- 726
5
votes
4
answers
15k
views
Are recirculation extractor hoods good?
I am looking for a extractor hood, and I see that there exist ones with air recirculation, so a pipe to lead the smoke/greasy air away is not needed.
So I wonder, how good are these?
Can they really ...
5
votes
6
answers
32k
views
What is the best way to clean a roasting tray/baking tray that has sauce burned on to it?
I made this recipe last week - chicken wings roasted in a marinade of soy sauce, brown sugar and white wine vinegar. It was delicious but lots of the marinade has burned onto my baking tray, and I'm ...
- 2,547
5
votes
4
answers
3k
views
How to take care of the teflon coated cookware to ensure their long life?
I know the following three rules:
Don't use metal spoons.
Don't put hot teflon utensils in cold water.
Cook on low flame.
Is there anything else important, which is often overlooked?
EDIT 1:
Q: I ...
- 7,325
5
votes
3
answers
4k
views
How to take care of glazed earthenware?
I got a traditional gyveche (гювече) as a gift, and since it would be hard to replace here, I intend to take good care of it.
For those who don't know it, a gyuveche is an earthenware pot intended ...
- 141k
5
votes
2
answers
18k
views
Cleaning a tea pot
I have read somewhere (don't remember where, long time ago) that tea enthusiasts clean their tea pots only with water and without soap. Additionally they only rinse it and don't use a scrub to remove ...
- 392
5
votes
6
answers
9k
views
How should I clean anodized cookware?
I'd been bought an anodised wok as a birthday present a couple of years back, but recently, when using a honey/mustard marinade, I managed to burn some of the excess marinade, and now can't seem to ...
- 908
5
votes
3
answers
9k
views
What causes the black discoloration on this plastic electric teakettle?
In the break room at work, there is a tea kettle that has some unappealing discoloration. I would like to use it, and lots of people do, but I find it terribly unappealing.
I can't remove it with ...
- 1,101
5
votes
1
answer
786
views
Nonstick pans blistering after dishwasher?
So I have a nice 12 inch nonstick pan, which I always run through the dishwasher, and it's always fine. There's nothing unusual about the pan. But tonight, I needed it for dinner and the dishwasher ...
- 1,800
4
votes
1
answer
3k
views
Is this coffee maker safe to use?
I pulled down my bialetti Moka to make some coffee and found it like this:
Is the coffee maker safe to use? Does it need cleaning? How should I clean it?
- 211
4
votes
1
answer
10k
views
Do I need to clean an oven that's not been used in 10 years?
My house has a built-in oven that I've never used since I moved in ~10 years ago. (I prefer to use the oven function of a combi-microwave.)
My wife, who has just moved in with me, wants to use the ...
- 307