Food And Nutrition
Strand 1 Standard 2
Types of Cleaners. The Known. The Unknown
There are many substances used for cleaning. Each serves a specific purpose(s), some of which we may not have considered.
OR
There are many things that need to be cleaned in the foods lab. Choosing the proper substance reduces cost, time, and environmental waste.
There are many ways to clean. Listed below are just a few shortcuts.
Problem: Smelly microwave oven
Solution: Mix 1 tbsp. Vinegar with 12 cups water. Put in a
squirt bottle. Use and wipe out the microwave after each use.
Problem: Rusty pans
Solution: Put vinegar in the bottom of the pan. Leave for 5-10
minutes. Rinse.
Problem: Stained aprons
Solution: Bleach and then dye. The teacher may want to use a
variety of colors to distinguish units.
Problem: Stained counter tops, dishes, utensils, etc.
Solution: Try cleaning with cleanser. If unsuccessful, pour on
straight Clorox and let it stand for 10-15 minutes. Wipe off with water and let dry. Caution: be careful not to bleach clothing.
Problem: Refrigerator/freezer odors
Solution: clean with Clorox water and then keep an open box of
baking soda inside, especially when leaving the lab
for the summer.
Problem: Grease
Solution: Ammonia works best on grease but it will need to be
watered down so that it doesn't eat any chrome finish.
Problem: Grease caked/baked on pots and pan bottoms
Solution: Spray on an oven cleaner and let stand. Wash or
wipe away the stain.
Problem: Stained dish towels
Solution: Bleach -- use separate towels/rags to do dirty jobs especially when cleaning.
Problem: Gummy scrub pads
Solution: Wash in soap and bleach with dish towels. Throw them away if they are too dirty.
Problem: Mold
Solution: Keep things as dry as possible. Tilex will clean but Clorox kills.
Problem: Hard water stains/spots
Solution: Lime Away works great. To prevent stains, wipe down sinks and faucets after each lab use.
Problem: Many cleaners work well but are not safe for the environment.
Solution: Use cleaners that do not harm the environment.
NOTE: See PRESENTATION OUTLINE: The family's responsibility toward reducing environmental pollution (pdf).
ACTIVITIES:
After students have tested their products have them share their findings with the class through a debriefing, commercial, poster, etc. format. The teacher uses this time to emphasize and explain appropriate cleaning agents.