Ammonia*

Efficient home and garden uses for ammonia.

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In the Kitchen

Clean your oven
Here's a practically effortless way to clean an electric oven: First, turn the oven on, let it warm to 150°F (65°C), and then turn it off. Place a small bowl containing 1/2 cup ammonia on the top shelf and a large pan of boiling water on the bottom shelf. Close the oven door, and let it sit overnight. The next morning, remove the dish and pan, and let the oven air out awhile. Then wipe it clean using the ammonia and a few drops of dishwashing liquid diluted in a quart of warm water -- even old burned-on grease should wipe right off. Warning: Do not use this cleaning method with a gas oven unless the pilot lights are out and the main gas lines are shut off.


Clean oven racks
Get the cooked-on grime off your oven racks by laying them out on an old towel in a large washtub. You can also use your bathtub, though you might need to clean it afterward. Fill the tub with warm water and add 1/2 cup ammonia. Let the racks soak for at least 15 minutes, then remove, rinse off, and wipe clean.


Make crystal sparkle
Has the twinkle gone out of your good crystal? Bring back its lost luster by mixing several drops of ammonia in 2 cups water and applying with a soft cloth or brush. Rinse it off with clean water, then dry with a soft, dry cloth.


Repel moths
Pesky kitchen moths seem to come out of nowhere! Send them back to wherever they came from by washing your drawers, pantry shelves, or cupboards with 1/2 cup ammonia diluted in 1 quart (1 liter) water. Leave drawers and cabinets open to thoroughly air-dry.
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Daily Tip

“ Dress for winter temps with layers. Avoid cotton, which gets wet and stays wet. Top your first layer with a fleece top and then a windproof jacket. ”

Bonus Tip

“ A Washington University study found that within a 24-hour cycle, it's normal for your core body temperature to lower or rise from the average 98.6o F. So if the thermometer reads a little high (or low), it doesn't necessarily mean you have a cold or flu virus. ”


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