 Nature's Way with Alan Hayes
Clean Silver Naturally
A few weeks ago I discussed natural solutions for cleaning pots and pans and other metal objects around the home. I've now been inundated with requests for cleaning copper and silverware, and natural cleaning solutions for other kitchen chores, such as ovens and enamel stovetops.
Clean silverware by adding one and a half teaspoons each of salt and bicarbonate of soda to one litre of water and then bringing to the boil. When the water is boiling drop silver cutlery into the cleaning solution, and boil for a further 3 minutes. Polish clean silverware with a soft cloth. For badly tarnished silver add a piece of heavy duty aluminium foil to the solution – this will react with the bicarbonate of soda to lift the tarnish.
To brighten silverware that is in regular use, simply soak in a strong solution of borax and boiling water.
Stains on copper pans can be removed by rubbing vigorously with half a lemon dipped in a solution made by dissolving 1 tablespoon salt in 1 cup of white vinegar. Aluminium pans will usually come clean with fine steel wool and plenty of soap, and enamel pots and pans, if brown, can be cleaned by scouring with coarse salt, then washing in soda water.
To clean a greasy oven, mix sufficient bicarbonate of soda and water to form a stiff paste and spread it over the inside of the oven, then heat for 30 minutes. When the oven has cooled brush the bicarbonate of soda off – it will remove all traces of burnt fat and grease.
If food has become baked on the oven surface, place 4 tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda in the bottom of an enamel, ovenproof glass or ceramic baking dish and add just enough water to cover the bottom of the dish. Heat for thirty minutes, switch the oven off, and leave the dish of bicarbonate of soda in the oven overnight.
However, if you always wipe over the oven with a damp cloth after each use, and while it is still warm, it will save unnecessary cleaning in the future. For any dirty spots, sprinkle with bicarbonate of soda, leave for 15 to 30 minutes, then wipe clean. And line the bottom of the oven with a thick sheet of aluminium foil. This will cut down on cleaning, since the foil will catch all grease and drips and is easily removed and replaced.
The glass on an oven door can be kept clean by wiping over after use with a clean cloth dipped in bicarbonate of soda, then sponging off with clean water.
Microwave ovens can be cleaned by wiping over with a paste of bicarbonate of soda, and to eliminate cooking odours, combine 1 cup of water with the juice of half a lemon, lemon rind and 5 whole cloves. Place in a suitable container and put the oven on HIGH for 3 to 5 minutes.
Food spills around hot plates and enamel stove surfaces can be cleaned with a solution of 4 tablespoons of borax dissolved in 5 litres of hot water. Store excess cleaner in a suitable container with a tight-fitting lid, label it clearly and store where it cannot be accessed by children.
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