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Not about kittens, crock pots or recipes or "horrible" news

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Started 6 months ago by gracie
Latest reply from gracie

gracie

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Hoping one of you can suggest how to safely clean the inside of a microwave. The one at work should have biohazard sticker on it. Just looked on the inside & it's filthy - with interior top just a field of burned on food. I don't know what to use on it that won't cause possible problem fumes, leech onto the taste of food, etc.
At home I use a cover of some sort & clean up messes right then to prevent this. obviously not the story here. :(

Posted 6 months ago #
biophile87

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I use mrs meyers all-purpose cleaner. spray to soak, and let it sit for ~10 minutes. then sponge off. repeat if necessary. then give it a wipe through with water. not that i'm familiar with what your talking about.

btw, i don't know if this forum really needs more housekeeping advice. seriously. ;-P

I love kittens and recipes. I say facebook the lot of them . Opinions are like assholes. Everyone has them and they all stink. Pardon my creole.

Posted 6 months ago #
wally

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Water. Spray it on. Let it sit. Wipe. Repeat until (relatively) clean. At the end, you may need to use a little soap to cut any remaining grease.

Vinegar may be a suitable alternative to soap for the grease.

Posted 6 months ago #
Curtis

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If you bring a small bowl of white vinegar to a boil, then let it steam in the oven for a bit, most of the crud will be significantly loosened. Wipe it out with a sponge/rag with a mild dishsoap and vinegar combo. Vinegar cleans a lot of things with surprising efficiency.

Posted 6 months ago #
InterbayGirl

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Put a solution 1-2 cups of water and 1 cup of water in a microwaveable bowl or cup.
Nuke it on high for about 5 minutes.
CAREFULLY remove water** and container and use a damp sponge/rag/towel and some elbow grease to clean up the gunk.
Done!

**You may want to wait a couple of minutes to let it cool slightly, or at least stop boiling so you don't accidentally splash and scald yourself.

I've also seen solutions using lemon juice like this: http://www.areal-lifehousewife.com/2012/03/microwave-cleaning-made-easy.html

Posted 6 months ago #
gracie

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Interbay - your solution - 1/2 cups of water and 1 cup of water. ??? The one cup I assume was something else.

biophile - curious - just what does one post here to satisfy people. Thought it was in part to discuss things, ask for help, etc. I was simply reaching out for assistance. And again, if you see a post that has no interest, just click out of it or don't go in at all. It's what I do.

Posted 6 months ago #
SunsetHillMarauder

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It's been so long! Since I've been here! But never fear! For I have returned! Heee!

Posted 6 months ago #
InterbayGirl

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Razzlefrazzle; I failed in multitasking and didn't proofread before posting:

1 to 2 cups of water and 1 cup of vinegar

Posted 6 months ago #
gracie

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Seems like vinegar is the answer. And thanks for tip, InterbayGirl, about maybe waiting to take bowl out until cooled down. If ever there was an accident ready to happen, it would be all around me! Ended up with serious burns on fingers one time when making fresh pasta, of all things. Put too much pasta in, noodle hanging over edge caught on fire & water boiling over - go to bring to sink & water bubbled up and over my hand. Ow!
Favorite two kitchen disaster of mine - I was like 14, oil in frying pan caught on fire, like an idiot carried over to sink, turned on water & WHOOSH - big flames & my mother's curtains were totally burned up. Talk about being in trouble!

Few years back bringing in groceries, set bag on stove to put in fridge (they are side by side). Went to bring more groceries in & had a brain fart - turned on burner to start dinner - and of course, turned on wrong burner. Came back in house with stove top totaly on fire, destroyed spice rack, light under cabinet & under side of cabinets were black, and a burner cracked. Got the fire out & thought what a dork! In all that time I never once thought to call Fire Department - now that was weird and DUMB.

Posted 6 months ago #
Curtis

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That's exactly why I said let it set and steam for a bit...as it's doing that it's cooling down.

Posted 6 months ago #
allisonw

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Biophile has a potty mouth today! :P

Posted 6 months ago #
SunsetHillMarauder

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Hi allison! ::waves::

Posted 6 months ago #
gracie

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allison - maybe we should put some water and vinegar in Biophile's mouth!!!
And Curtis, I missed where you said to let it cool.

Posted 6 months ago #
great idea

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this makes me want to start a thread where I ask you all how to properly brush teeth.

do you just go back-and-forth or do you make little cirlces?
should I floss before or after I brush?

Posted 6 months ago #
Edog

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You know, Magnum PI was a really good show.

Posted 6 months ago #
great idea

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agreed.
I wanted to fly a helicopter like TC and hang out in the sauna with Icepick as Rick did.
not to mention living on Robin Masters' estate.

Posted 6 months ago #
Edog

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Rick was a dirt bag. Still I'd love to live on Robin Masters estate. You know just chill on the beach solving crimes and meeting tv babes from the 80s.

Posted 6 months ago #
SunsetHillMarauder

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Hey Higgy baby!

Posted 6 months ago #
biophile87

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@ gracie: I'm sorry, I was just teasing. Thought you would get my joke. Didn't mean to make you feel persecuted. Peace.

Posted 6 months ago #
biophile87

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allisonW. Puhleez. It takes one to know one. <3

Posted 6 months ago #
allisonw

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Vinegar+baking %$^&#!!! soda.

Posted 6 months ago #
Edog

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By the by, can anyone suggest how to safely clean the inside of a Roland Cube?

Posted 6 months ago #
gracie

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Okay, Bio. Peace. I didn't get joke - days where things go over my head so much my hair is shorter at end of day from things buzzing over. Guess today is one of them.

Posted 6 months ago #
Chef Wahoo

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I'd consider starting with plain water first, although it sounds like you might need the acid in the end. You said that this is a communal microwave at work? Keep in mind that even dilute, steaming hot vinegar has a strong odor. So if you go that route, you might want to do after people have gone home for the day. Vinegar is pretty permeating.

I use a 1c (or 2c) Pyrex measuring cup with a cup of water, microwave it until it is visibly boiling, then just leave the door closed and let it sit for 10 minutes. That should soften quite a bit of what is encrusted on the inside of the oven, and hopefully you'll be able to wipe out much of it. If not, repeat, and if that doesn't work, go for the vinegar.

Good luck. I hate cleaning other people's microwaves. Oh, and I'm sure Biophile's method works great, but unless you have that product at home or your employer is going to foot the bill, I'd hate to see you pay out of pocket for this.

Edit: if you think you're going to need to do any scraping, bring a nylon spatula from home, which will be less likely to scratch the surface.

Posted 6 months ago #
onederfullone

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I'd use dynamite.

If your entire communal situation is filthy, I'd increase the load.

Okay, seriously, I can send you recipe for dynamite...

30 seconds ought to do the job ;-)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ednqklL0F-Y&feature=related

...clearly, I'm driven by a very good deal on some whiskey ;-)

Cheers.

Posted 6 months ago #
Curtis

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Oh Brother!
If people have a problem with the smell tell them if they can't clean up after themselves then DEAL!!! It's cleaning fer chrissake!!!
Honestly, quit being so mamby-pamby with people. If this is their biggest problem, then Lucky Them!

Posted 6 months ago #
pennygirl

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Maybe start an office collection to buy a new microwave? I don't know how big your office is Gracie but if everyone contributed a few bucks you wouldn't have to bother cleaning the old one.

Posted 6 months ago #
lifeisamazing

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Hi Gracie, The only thing I would add is that you can use one of those hard plastic scrapers that they have for cast iron pans.

And the cool thing about Bio is that if you ever think she is snarking, she probably isn't. There are some people on here that just generally don't and she would be one. So are you BTW.

Posted 6 months ago #
Corvus

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Well, this definitely isn't about any of those things... chuckle. Warning - NSFW.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPlIw5lP49A

Posted 6 months ago #
gracie

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Pg - that's what brought this up. Guy in my office said let's throw this away and maybe collect some money to get a new one. Yep, it is filthy on inside but it works perfectly fine. So he is going to try to clean it & if it's still ugly looking inside, we'll get a new one.

Posted 6 months ago #
great idea

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that's good that you refuse to be part of the 'disposable society' that's quick to throw things away and buy a new one.

that's great that you were able to convince that guy to clean the microwave for you! maybe direct him to this thread for some hygiene ideas.

Posted 6 months ago #
Chef Wahoo

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Oh Brother!
If people have a problem with the smell tell them if they can't clean up after themselves then DEAL!!! It's cleaning fer chrissake!!!
Honestly, quit being so mamby-pamby with people. If this is their biggest problem, then Lucky Them!

You must know more about Gracie's office and building than I do, Curtis. IIRC, Gracie has mentioned one or more challenging coworker, so why give them additional things to be difficult or complain about? Plus, adjacent offices or floors might be affected, depending on the ventilation system and/or their proximity. I was in a building that once was evacuated due to a nasty odor. The staff thought it was a gas leak, and it took awhile to figure out someone had overcooked a vegetable in a basement microwave. And even longer for the circulation system to clear the odor, because the windows didn't open. Talk about Mr. Unpopular.

So, I wouldn't consider it being namby-pamby to be careful about intentionally boiling something stinky in a microwave during business hours. But it sounds like Gracie and at least one of her coworkers have a plan.

Posted 6 months ago #
Curtis

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You're right, we must be very careful.

Posted 6 months ago #
pennygirl

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Great Idea...

A build-up of food inside a microwave can be dangerous. Sometimes things are beyond help. As for the 'disposable society' that's quick to throw things away, here is a helpful link:

http://your.kingcounty.gov/solidwaste/wdidw/material.asp

Posted 6 months ago #
Edog

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But how will I ever get all that fat and grease out the cabinet on my Roland Cube?

Posted 6 months ago #
gracie

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Curtis, Chef - yep, I do work with some challenging people. And as far as office, we had the fire alarm go off & Fire Dept show up - turned out to be on floor below someone burned popcorn! Then a really offensive smell came up to our floor (7). Turned out someone on 4 had microwaved some stinky stinky fish. That took forever it seemed to get that disssipated. Hard to believe how some around here maintain an immaculate home, car and yet have no qualms about leaving a mess in our little kitchenette (or simply covering their food when using micro). Worst when someone left fresh shrimp in frig & the smell was horrendous when I opened the door. Amazed no one else complained. One guy said to me when I mentioned keeping kitchenette clean "not my job, that's women's work." He is lucky to be alive or still be able to have children!! So now any time a mug or nasty dish w/food still in it left in sink to "soak" for couple days, it is rinsed out & put under sink. It was the idea actually of one of the guys & seems to be working. The same guy who offered to clean micro has taken upon himself now to check foods in frig & throw if old. God bless him! I used to do that every week after that spoiled shrimp episode.

Posted 6 months ago #
Edog

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I knew a guy at work once who never flushed the toiler EVER! The police were called and a swat team beat down the wrong guy because he a was black, when the real offender was a white guy name Lou. And by the time the fire department brought their mugs roto rooter showed up and cleaned out the pipes in the firetruck. The water pressure on the hook and ladder truck of station 14 has never been better all thanks to our stinky loo which was created by a guy we called Stinky Lou!

Posted 6 months ago #
gracie

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Edog - what an imagination!!!

Posted 6 months ago #
h2o_girl

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Gracie, I don't know how large your office staff is, but in my office we have a rotating kitchen duty list. If it 's your week it's your job to run the dishwasher, wipe the counters, clean the microwave, etc. Then on Fridays you go through the fridge and throw out any spoiled items. There are almost 40 of us so you only have to do it once or twice a year. Works pretty well.

Posted 6 months ago #
gracie

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h20 - do you work with mostly women, men or mixture? I work with 99% men...enough said. :0

Posted 6 months ago #
BuffaloHawk

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This topic could be epic if you throw in the bad work habits you have to deal with. I always like the person that is to lazy to change out the TP roll. They just put a new one on the sink and call it good. WTF especially in the mens room chances are you are sitting anyways.

Posted 6 months ago #
gracie

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BH and why do some men not flush the individaul urinals?

Posted 6 months ago #
BuffaloHawk

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If its yellow let it mellow , if it brown flush it down ;)

Damn dirty hippies

Posted 6 months ago #
gracie

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So that is the motto of men, huh! *L*

Posted 6 months ago #
BuffaloHawk

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I use the sprinkler at the Ballard Commons

Posted 6 months ago #
h2o_girl

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Gracie, it's about 70-30 women to men. So yeah, that might be a reason it works. :)

Posted 6 months ago #
oldguybc

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Man, you all are in great form today...

Posted 6 months ago #
teigyr

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oldguy, did you see the parade today?

Posted 6 months ago #
oldguybc

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on TV, they had it on all major channels down here, teigyr, Hunter Pence even SHAVED!

Posted 6 months ago #
teigyr

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Wow!!! I think we'll go to the team store on Saturday. Lunch at the Public House would be lovely too, I am hoping they still have their salted caramel sundae.

Posted 6 months ago #
iPlod

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"BH and why do some men not flush the individaul urinals?"

gracie, why do some women never flush the individual toilets?

Funny how some people of either gender like to blame certain flaws of human nature that are the most obnoxious to them onto the opposite sex.

Actually, it isn't funny. It's gotten very boring.

Posted 6 months ago #
gracie

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Well iPolod I can honestly say I have never gone into a women's bathroom & found a toilet not flushed. Never. So that's why I personally did not mention women's.
But there is a uni-sex bathroom at work & has both toilet and urinal. The urinal is regularly not flushed. Just don't get it. Doesn't take that much to flush.

Posted 6 months ago #
GAM

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Plenty of women don't flush. It's not a gender thing. Usually it's a water conservation thing.

How gracie has avoided encountering this is of mild statistical interest for those that are into tracking such things. Me, I'm chalking it up to dumb luck.

Posted 6 months ago #
gracie

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GAM - it apparently is just dumb luck because honestly I've never encountered that. Clogged toilets in public restrooms - oh yeah but other nope. I'm sure there are women out there who don't flush.

Posted 6 months ago #
teigyr

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Or it's a marking your territory thing. I don't get it but both genders (though from the cleaners I talk to it seems that women are worse) appear to like to spread their bodily functions beyond the toilet sometimes.

Posted 6 months ago #
onederfullone

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*gags a little*

I still love women.

Posted 6 months ago #
gracie

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onederfullone - double on the "gags a little" for me!

Posted 6 months ago #
iPlod

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"Well iPolod I can honestly say I have never gone into a women's bathroom & found a toilet not flushed. Never."

Well greatcie, you're a far luckier person than me.
As a young high-school age service worker for two years in a cafe, one of my tasks was cleaning both restrooms.

Posted 6 months ago #
onederfullone

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...and replacing toilet paper, like 3x the usage for the fairer sex...

I still don't know whats up w/ that...

Posted 6 months ago #
Nora Bell

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Try going into a women's bathroom and finding a wet toilet seat. Chicks can be pigs too.
Regarding the microwave, soak in 409 and put a 'do not use' sign on it for about 10 mins. Then scrub, scrub as if your life depends on it.

Posted 6 months ago #

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