As most of you know I’m constantly experimenting with different things to make my life easier:  Below are a few tips that I think you will find beneficial:

•  For those of you who buy tissue in boxes, after the box is empty, keep it and use it to store empty plastic bags from the grocery store.

• If you are having problems with your cutting board sliding all over the place when using it. Get an old bicycle tube and cut some stripping out of it, I usually cut pieces that measure 3-inch by 4-inch, and I make four to six strips. I get some Gorilla glue and attach the stripping to the bottom of the cutting board, equally spaced. Let the glue dry thoroughly. After the glue has dried flip it over and try it.

• If you are washing delicate glass in your sink; such as oil lamp chimney. Place a large towel in the bottom of the sink before you fill the sink with water. The towel acts as a cushion for the delicate glass while it is in the sink being cleaned.

• If you have a counter top that can’t handle hot items being placed on them. Try turning a pie pan upside down and placing it on the counter top. Use the upside down pie pan to support the hot item.

• If you need more counter space when cooking, try pulling out a drawer and placing a cutting board on it. When you’re finished cooking and there is no longer a need for the space, simple lift off the cutting board and close the drawer.

• If you have drinking glasses that have nicks on the rims of the glass; get an emery board and lightly smooth off the nicks. Note:  Do not use sand paper or nail files to do this, they are too course and will cause additional damage to the glass.

• The best course of care for a wooden cutting board that I’ve found to date is too use a solution of kosher salt and lemon. The Kosher salt is an excellent abrasive and the lemon help kill some of the bacteria. When you have finished cleaning the board, wipe the board down with mineral oil. The oil will help prevent the board from absorbing stains.

• When cleaning appliance surfaces, don’t use scouring powders, they will scratch the surface. Try using baking powder mixed with water. It has a finer grit and cleans up easily.

• If you have antique china which has hair line cracks, try this technique to remove the cracks. Simmer the cup or plate in milk for about 45 minutes. The protein (Casein) in the milk will fill the crack.

When cleaning with any cleaning product, always wear eye protection and rubber gloves to protect your hands. If you would like to share a cleaning idea or concept with the reading audience, call Ed at NWES (208-255-2266) or toll free at 1-877-311-NWES. E-mail them to nwees@hughes. net  or send them to Bonner County Daily Bee, 310 Church St. , Sandpoint, ID 83864, Attn: What Would Ed do?  For more information about Ed’s company, check him out at NWESINC. COM.

Copy written by Edmond E. Madan, certified forensic, fire, flood, mold inspection and remediation contractor. Ed is the president of  Northwest Executive & Environmental Services, Inc.