Dryer Sheets: Effective Pan Cleaners Or Just A Myth?

Burnt pans are a common occurrence in any kitchen, and cleaning them can be a tedious and frustrating task. A popular hack that has been doing the rounds on TikTok claims that a simple dryer sheet can effectively clean these burnt pans without any scrubbing. But does it really work? Let's find out.

The right way to fill an ice cube tray

Filling an ice cube tray is not as simple as it seems. There is a right way to do it, as evidenced by a viral TikTok video that has received over 4 million views. The video demonstrates that the correct method for filling ice cube trays is to pour the water onto the flat surface, in between each four ice cube compartments. This allows the water to disperse evenly into each section.

Most plastic trays will have a ridge between the cube cavities that, if you put your faucet directly on, will fill the whole tray without splashing. However, if you fill each compartment individually, the water tends to splash everywhere, making a mess.

Once you've filled your tray, it's time to put it in the freezer. Place it on a flat surface, preferably towards the back of the freezer, as this is usually the coldest area. Leave the tray in the freezer for about six hours or, better yet, overnight. Then, pop the cubes out of the tray and store them in an airtight freezer bag or plastic container.

You can also get creative with your ice cubes by freezing fruit juice, coffee, or adding herbs or fruit to the water in the tray. Just remember to use the ice cubes within a week, even if they're stored in an airtight container, and make a fresh batch if they get too old.

Now you know the right way to fill an ice cube tray, you can impress your friends at your next party or special occasion!

How to clean a dishwasher filter

Dishwashers have a filter that traps food particles and other debris. Over time, these filters can become clogged, leading to issues such as dirty dishes and odours. Therefore, it is important to clean your dishwasher filter regularly. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Locate and Remove the Dishwasher Filter

The dishwasher filter is usually located at the bottom of the dishwasher, under the bottom rack. Remove the bottom rack to expose the bottom of the dishwasher. The filter can typically be found in one of the back corners of the dishwasher tub or around the base of the bottom spray arm.

Many dishwasher filters have an upper and lower filter assembly. To remove the upper filter, turn it clockwise and take it out. Then, gently lift and pull the lower filter forward to remove it.

Step 2: Clean the Filter

Fill a sink or large bowl with hot water and add a few drops of dishwashing liquid that contains a degreaser. Place the filter in the cleaning solution and allow it to soak for a few minutes to loosen any debris.

Use a soft-bristled brush, sponge, or old toothbrush to scrub away any trapped debris. For hard-to-remove food debris or calcium deposits, you may need to use a mild detergent or dish soap and a soft brush. Rinse the filter with hot water to remove any remaining debris and grease.

Step 3: Wipe Down the Filter Housing

Dip a sponge or dishcloth in the hot soapy water and wipe down the opening where the filter was removed to remove any food particles or grease build-up.

Step 4: Reinstall the Filter

Reinstall the filters by reversing the steps you took to remove them. Ensure that the filters are locked securely in place. Consult your dishwasher's user manual for specific instructions on filter installation.

It is recommended to clean your dishwasher filter at least once a month, either with vinegar and baking soda or with a commercial dishwasher cleaner. Self-cleaning dishwasher filters can be cleaned less frequently, usually once every two to three months. Manual-clean filters should be cleaned monthly.

Additionally, it is advised to scrape away excess food from dishes before loading them into the dishwasher to maintain the cleanliness of the filter.

How to clean a burnt pan with a dishwasher tablet

Dishwasher tablets can be used to clean burnt pans. This method is much quicker than other methods and is also very simple.

Firstly, cover the bottom of the pan with a small amount of water and warm it on low heat. Then, remove the pan from the heat source. The next step is to take a dishwasher tablet and scrape it across the burnt-on bits. Finally, rinse the pan and wash it with warm soapy water.

This method does create some discolouration on the pan, but it is an effective way to remove burnt-on food residue. It is also a less messy method than some other techniques.

For pans with more stubborn stains, it may be necessary to repeat the process or to finish the cleaning process with a scouring pad and some dish soap.

How to clean a burnt pan with vinegar and baking soda

It's happened to the best of us: a burnt pan. But how do you clean it? One way is to use vinegar and baking soda. Here's a step-by-step guide:

The Deglazing Technique

• Remove as much burnt food and debris from the pan as possible.
• Put the pan back on the stove and heat it up.
• Add 1 cup of water or a mixture of 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup white vinegar to the hot pan and let it boil. Use more liquid for a larger pot or pan.
• As the liquid simmers, use a spatula or scraper to deglaze the bottom of the pan, loosening the burnt food.
• Pour the liquid down the sink and do not dry or wipe the pan.
• Sprinkle the bottom of the pan with baking soda and let the pan cool.
• Using a wet scouring sponge or nylon brush, scrub the pot bottom vigorously.
• Wash and dry the pan as normal once all stains and scorched bits have been removed.

The Baking Soda and Vinegar Method

• Remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible.
• Add enough white vinegar to cover the bottom of the pan with at least 1/2 inch of liquid.
• Boil the vinegar in the pan and let it simmer for a few minutes.
• Remove from heat and add 1 cup of baking soda. You will get a fizzing reaction, so it might be best to do this in the sink.
• Set the pot aside and wait until all the fizzing and bubbling have stopped.
• Discard the liquid and scrub the pan with a nylon scrub brush or scouring sponge, adding more baking soda if necessary.
• Rinse and dry the pan.

Alternative Methods

If you don't have vinegar, there are other methods you can try that also use baking soda:

The Baking Soda and Water Method

• Remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible.
• Make a paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. Make enough to cover the scorched portion of the pan. For a full pot bottom, try 1 cup of baking soda and 1/3 cup of water.
• Liberally apply the paste to the burnt pan. It should be thick enough to fully coat the burnt area.
• Alternatively, cover the bottom of the pan with a thin layer of warm water, then add enough baking soda to create a paste.
• Let the mixture sit for a few hours or overnight, then add more baking soda and scrub with a nylon brush or scouring sponge.
• If you don't want to wait, add another 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water to thin the paste, then put the pan on the stove and let it come to a boil.
• Remove the pan from the heat quickly—you don't want it to burn again! Let the pan cool and wipe or scrub to remove the scorched bits.

The Baking Soda and Lemon Method

• Remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible.
• Keep a thin layer of water in the pan, then sprinkle the bottom liberally with baking soda.
• Cut a lemon in half and use the flesh side to scour the pan with the baking soda slurry. The combination of the acidic lemon juice and the alkaline baking soda may fizz slightly, which is a good sign!
• If your pan has a copper bottom that has gotten blackened or tarnished, turn the pot upside down and use this method to help remove the stains and restore the shine.

How to clean a burnt pan with lemon

While some online sources claim that dryer sheets can be used to clean burnt pans, this method may not be very effective. For a more reliable solution, try using lemon to clean your burnt pan instead. Here's how to do it in a few simple steps:

First, fill your burnt pan with water. Next, cut one or two lemons into quarters and squeeze the juice directly into the water. You can also drop the lemon pieces into the water. Bring the water to a boil, allowing the lemons to boil for about three to five minutes. Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool. Once cooled, remove the lemons and dump out the water. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape away any remaining burnt food residue from the bottom of the pan. Finally, wash the pan as you normally would.

For particularly stubborn stains, you can also create a lemon and salt paste. Cover the stained area with coarse salt, then cut a lemon in half and squeeze the juice directly onto the salt. This should form a thick paste. Use a soft dishcloth to rub the paste into the stain. If the residue persists, let the paste sit for a couple of hours before scrubbing and rinsing it again.

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