Tips

The Ultimate Guide to Removing Stubborn Stains: “Scrubbing Away at Stubborn Stains: A Step-by-Step Guide to a Sparkling Clean”

Mẻ is an indispensable ingredient in Vietnamese cuisine, especially in hot pot, stews, sour soups, and noodle dishes. Its unique flavor enhances the taste of these dishes, and it is also a natural cleaner for the bottom of pots and pans.

Administrator

10 July, 2024

105

As many of us know, me (fermented rice) is a common ingredient in Northern Vietnamese cuisine, adding a tangy twist to hot pots, stews, sour soups, bún riêu, and tofu and snail dishes. The sourness of me stimulates appetite and aids digestion, and it’s also a handy scouring agent for cleaning stubborn pots and pans!

Did you know? You can easily make me at home, and it keeps for a long time without molding.

1 Apply me to the bottom of the pot and let it sit overnight

Apply me: Spread a thick layer (about 2-3 mm) of me on the entire bottom of the pot.
Let it sit overnight: Leave the pot with me on it overnight (about 8-12 hours) to let it soak in and adhere firmly.
Soak in water: Immerse the pot in a basin of water. The me will quickly soften and dissolve, taking the stubborn grease with it.
Scrub: After it has softened, use a steel ball or a specialized pot scrubber to gently scrub the bottom of the pot. The grime will easily flake off, leaving a shiny surface.

Apply me to the bottom of the pot and let it sit overnight

2 Clean a burnt pot bottom with me

Method 1: Direct application of me

Boil water: Fill a large pot or pan with water and bring it to a boil.
Add me: Once the water is boiling, add the me.
Dip the burnt pot: Dip the bottom of the burnt pot into the boiling me solution, ensuring direct contact with the liquid.
Wait and clean: Leave the pot in the solution for about 3 minutes. Then, remove it and rinse. If the burnt residue persists, gently scrub it with a steel brush, and it will easily come off.

Method 2: Using a diluted me solution

Prepare the me solution: Mix boiling water with me in a 1:1 ratio.
Soak a cloth or tissue: Dip a cloth or tissue paper into the hot me solution, wringing out the excess liquid.
Apply to the burnt area: Place the soaked cloth or tissue on the burnt area.
Let it sit overnight: Leave it untouched overnight.
Clean: In the morning, remove the cloth/tissue and rinse the pot with water.

Clean a burnt pot bottom with me

3 Combine me with baking soda

Ingredients

500g of thick me (not the filtered bottled type)
100g of baking soda

Instructions

Mix 500g of thick me with 100g of baking soda.
Apply the mixture to the bottom of the pot, pan, or wok that needs cleaning.
Cover with a layer of paper towel to keep it moist and let it sit overnight.
The next morning, remove the paper towel, scrape off the excess mixture, and use a steel brush to scrub the pot clean.

Combine me with baking soda

4 Some notes when using me to clean pots and pans

Choose me that is fresh, has a brownish-yellow color, and a distinctive aroma.
You can add a little salt to the me before application to enhance its cleaning power.
Wear gloves when working with me to avoid skin irritation.
After cleaning, it is recommended to rinse the pot with hot water and dry it thoroughly.

Some notes when using me to clean pots and pans

4 Advantages and disadvantages of using me to clean pots and pans

Advantages

This method uses natural, safe, and economical ingredients.
Me is an effective remover of stubborn grease and grime, even from long-term buildup.
It is a simple and time-saving method.

Disadvantages

The smell of me can be strong and unpleasant.
You need to wait overnight for it to work effectively.
Use it with caution, as me can irritate the skin.

Advantages and disadvantages of using me to clean pots and pans

The above are some methods to clean pots and pans with me that we have compiled. Apply these methods to keep your cookware sparkling and in good condition!

Frequently asked questions

For clothing and fabrics, the first step is to identify the type of stain and choose an appropriate treatment. Common treatments include soaking the fabric in a mixture of vinegar and water, using laundry detergent and a toothbrush to scrub at the stain, or applying a paste made from baking soda and water and then gently scrubbing it away.

One common mistake is using the wrong treatment for the type of stain. It’s important to identify the stain and choose a suitable method. Another mistake is rubbing or scrubbing too vigorously, which can damage the fabric. Always test any treatment on a small, inconspicuous area first.

For delicate items, it’s best to use a gentle approach. Try using a mild detergent and a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently work on the stain. Alternatively, you can make a paste from water and either baking soda or cornstarch, apply it to the stain, and gently blot it with a damp cloth.

Natural alternatives include vinegar, lemon juice, and baking soda. Vinegar is effective at removing stains and odors, while lemon juice can be used as a natural bleach alternative. Baking soda is a mild abrasive that can help lift stains without damaging fabrics.

The key to preventing stains from setting in is to treat them as soon as possible. Soak the fabric in cold water to stop the stain from spreading, and then apply the appropriate treatment. For tough stains, you may need to repeat the process several times until the stain is completely gone.