Katie Cloyd, researcher/writer, recently shared some clever information on www.marthastewart.com that I just have to share with you. Is it OK if we focus on cleaning rather than cooking for a minute, because you might be glad we did.

Katie says: “When you think of your slow cooker, you probably picture soups, stews, or a cozy Sunday roast. But that weeknight dinner workhorse can also moonlight as a surprisingly effective cleaning tool. Since slow cookers work using steady, low heat, the appliance can help loosen buildup, dissolve residue, and refresh small household items more efficiently than soaking in a sink or basin.”

With the right precautions, a slow cooker can serve as a gentle, hands-off cleaning tool for durable, heat-safe items.

Holy cow! I had no idea. Here’s what we do:

·         First, designate (and maybe label) an older slow cooker for cleaning projects only. Even with thorough washing, it’s best not to switch back and forth between food and heavy-duty cleaning tasks. (I’m heading to our nearest thrift store to find one for just this purpose!)

·         Place the item needing cleaning in the slow cooker; cover with water (or white vinegar for mineral buildup).

·         Add a small amount of dish soap or a degreasing agent as needed.

·         Heat on low for one to two hours, depending on soil level.

·         Turn off the appliance and allow contents to cool slightly.

·         Remove the item carefully, scrub if needed, rinse thoroughly, and dry completely before reinstalling or storing.

Here are six things that clean well in a slow cooker:

DRIED, STIFF PAINT BRUSHES. Heat can help soften dried latex (water-based) paint so it can be combed out without destroying the bristles.

SMALL, METAL ITEMS (cabinet knobs, hinges). These things are notorious for collecting grease-laden grime. Warm water and a gentle cleaner can safely lift grime, and soaking them in a slow cooker is much more efficient and easier than trying to clean them one-by-one. But this technique should be tested first on a small area of antique or lacquered hardware, to be sure there’ll be no damage to its patina.

HARD WATER MINERAL DEPOSITS. This gunk clogs nozzles and showerheads, and can significantly reduce water pressure. Warm vinegar is incredibly effective at dissolving calcium and lime buildup. Using a slow-cooker to keep them warm speeds up the descaling process exponentially. (NOTE: this is for metal, not plastic nozzles.)

GLASS LIGHTING SHADES. These are especially efficient at accumulating dust, grease, and debris. This grime can be especially stubborn and it tends to accumulate on literally everything. Warm water softens stuck-on grime. Caution, however: to prevent chances of the glass cracking, leave it in the slow cooker while it cools, then rinse. (And my note: if you have several, cleaning them in the dishwasher is smart, too—you can deal with them all at once.)

Lastly, CERAMIC TOOTHBRUSH HOLDERS. They can trap toothpaste drips and scum in seams and crevices. Soaking them in a slow cooker’s warm, soapy water for an hour or so makes them so much easier to clean.