First up, the trash can! Who likes a smelly trash can? Certainly not me, and I have found two things that help in that respect, one is relatively inexpensive and easy to do, the other one would require a bit of online shopping, but is well worth the effort. Let me say now that I don't buy the expensive trash bags with odor killers or scents to cover the odors. I find they are more expensive than they are worth, and don't usually do as good a job as is advertised.
First, the one that you'll have to look for. It's called Nil-o-litter, and was created as an additive for cat litter boxes. I, however, found it works great to put it in the bottom of a trash can, then put in the plastic bag, and it helps absorb odors. It can be found in many places, but I found mine HERE. Amazon has it, too, for about the same price.
The second one is so easy, and I found out about it quite by accident! If your trash can is particularly smelly, and you don't want to put it out just yet, take a tablespoon or two of dry, un-used coffee grounds and sprinkle them over the garbage in the can. The smell of the coffe will over-ride the other odors, and let you get a little bit more use out of that bag, and personally, I just love that coffee smell!
And now for the second tip! First let me say that a few weeks ago I was at the supermarket looking for turkey roasting bags and ran into a lady who was looking at the slow cooker liners. You know the ones that you put into the slow cooker, put your food inside and then when it's clean-up time you just toss the bag??? Our conversation went something like this:
Her: "Have you ever used these?"
Me: "No, I haven't."
Her: "I just hate cleaning the slow cooker!"
Me: "Well, I used to hate it, but now, after I get all the food out of it, I fill it with hot water and a bit of dish detergent, cover it, set it on warm and let it sit all night. Next morning it's a breeze to clean."
Her: "Hmmmm, I never thought of that!"
And we went our separate ways!
And yes, that's my tip! When I have a messy slow cooker to clean up, I scrape the food residue out of it, fill it with hot water and a bit of dish detergent, cover it, set the controls to warm, and let it sit overnight. The next morning you just have to wash it out, and you have a clean slow cooker! Very easy, too!
Now, do you have any special tips you'd like to share???
Blessings, Becky
