Dear Heloise: Because ceramic cooktop cleaner is so effective on my stovetop, I have often wondered about using the product to clean other kitchen items, specifically baking dishes and pie plates. Being concerned about its safety, however, I decided to call the product manufacturer and inquire about alternate usages.
In fact, because I didn’t like the answer when I called the first time, I waited another year or so to see if there was a change of policy, but the answer was the same: “No, only use it on the stovetop.”
— Lesli H., via email
GARAGE SALE
Dear Heloise: In a recent column in the Bakersfield Californian, I read your hint about garage sales. When I had one, I wore a fanny pack instead of using a cash box. Therefore, the money is always with you, and you can freely move around.
— Carol, in Bakersfield
PHARMACY SCAM CALLS
Dear Heloise: I get the similar pharmacy scam calls about once every three refills. It always comes after I get my text notice that the prescription is ready for pickup. I think mine is AI-generated, since it is always the same elderly lady calling with no background noise.
Again, they call to update my Medicare information, but I don’t have Medicare. So, I hang up.
— Daniel T., via email
BLOOD-STAINED JACKET
Dear Heloise: In a recent column, Joyce from Casper, Wyoming, was asking how to get old deer blood stains out of her husband’s hunting jacket. She also noted that he refused to part with it. I submit that those blood stains are part of a successful hunting memory. Cleaning them from the jacket without discussing it with her husband may be a very bad idea.
— Roger R., via email
THE PERFECT FRIED EGG
Dear Heloise: I thought I had finally learned to make the perfect fried egg — you know, with the crispy browned bits underneath. I was achieving perfection with a good-quality stainless steel skillet that was heated to medium. I would add grape-seed oil until it shimmers before adding the egg, then baste the egg with the oil as it cooks. The egg would release nicely with the browned bits intact, creating the perfect basted fried egg.
Suddenly, however, the eggs would not release, leaving all that goodness stuck in the pan to be scraped out. Do you have a solution? I believe that the pan is perfectly clean. I am now using a stainless steel cleaner, and there is no residue when I start cooking.
I read your column in the Orange County Register and the Tulsa World.
— Barbara K., in California
Barbara, first try olive oil or canola oil for cooking and cook it over medium heat. However, never use a spray oil as this will cause a buildup in your pots and pans.
— Heloise
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