SOLUTIONS: Citric acid could solve dishwasher dilemma

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This article was published 02/11/2013 (4350 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

QUESTION: About 10 years ago I was given a dozen beautiful purple water glasses made by Aroroc. I have a dishwasher and use a good-quality product for washing but the glasses have become dulled by a very tenacious residue I can’t get rid of. We let things air dry instead of using the drying setting on the washer.

I have tried running the glasses through a cycle for cleaning the washer itself, and the pots and pans setting with cleanser, to no effect. My daughter suggested soaking them in vinegar but there was no effect. Just wondering if you might have a suggestion. They are gorgeous glasses but I must admit it is embarrassing to use them as they are. Thank you for reading this and any advice you may offer. Patricia, Richer

ANSWER: Typically etching or fogginess occurs due to one of the following reasons: Too much detergent, lack of rinse aid, overloaded dishwasher, water temperature too hot, lack of water softener on hard water systems or detergent that’s not compatible with the machine.

To remove mild etching, head to the nearest pharmacy and ask for citric acid. Put the glasses in the dishwasher, add the citric acid to the soap dispenser and run the cycle as usual. If the etching stays it is likely permanent. You can also soak the glasses in vinegar and rub them with fine steel wool. Don’t get too excited if at first the glasses look brand new because the etching may return when the glasses dry.

From people with etching challenges, I have heard positive results regarding phosphate-free Palmolive gel dishwasher detergent (lemon splash scent). However, you may need to experiment with a few different brands.

QUESTION: Can you please tell me the best way to store fresh parsley? Thanks so much. Gail, Winnipeg

ANSWER: To store parsley and maintain optimum vitamins, rinse the parsley well in either water or 50/50 vinegar and water. Lay the parsley in a single layer on a tea towel and roll it up. Fold ends in and put the roll inside a plastic bag. Seal the bag. Refrigerate inside your crisper.

QUESTION: Can you please tell me how to remove grease from a granite countertop and backsplash? Jim, Winnipeg

ANSWER: When dealing with water or oil stains on granite, use a poultice. To make the poultice: Cut eight paper towels into pieces that are a little larger than the stain. Immerse them in acetone (from a hardware store, not nail polish remover) and place them on the stain. Cover the area with plastic wrap and tape edges, using masking tape. Let it sit for 24 hours. Let it air-dry four to five hours. If unsuccessful, reapply until the stain is gone.

Tip: Do not use a plastic spatula to apply the acetone because it will melt. Test on an inconspicuous area first because acetone carries the risk of stripping the finish. To prevent further stains, consider sealing granite (depending on what kind of granite you own).

Feedback from reader who cares

With regard to your Oct. 12 column on peppers, I must tell you I had a bumper crop this year and the green peppers do not turn yellow and then red. The green peppers will turn red but the yellow and orange do not turn red, they go from green to yellow or orange and stay that way. I do enjoy your column. Keep up the good work. Jim

Fabulous Hydrogen peroxide tips

— My husband passed this recipe on to me: It’s a stain remover that works even on set stains! This morning, my clumsy self spilt raspberry/blackberry mush on light pants, coffee on a white top and then grease on a shirt I’d wash and dried. If a recipe is required, it doesn’t happen, but remembering three ingredients I can do. I put a few drops of Blue Dawn, a cap of 3% hydrogen peroxide and a half-teaspoon of baking soda in a very small spray bottle, filled it with water and rubbed gently (I don’t recommend scrubbing — let it work a bit). I will use up but purchase no more iffy ‘stain removing’ products. The world should know about this and I always enjoy your column. Charlotte, Winnipeg

— Brush your teeth before you dress. Many types of toothpaste on the market contain whitener (hydrogen peroxide) and when toothpaste splatters onto clothing it can cause permanent bleach stains (which you may have noticed from your discoloured towels).

I enjoy your questions and tips, keep them coming. Missed a column? Can’t remember a solution? Need a speaker for an upcoming event? Check out my brand new videos/blog/website: reena.ca.