How to Make Whipped Cream 

Classic Whipped Cream 

Flavored Whipped Cream 

Cream Cheese Whipped Cream

Imagine having fresh, homemade whipped cream to top your cakes and other confections with. It's easier to make than you might think. Here are the perfect recipes for a frothy, dessert-like topping without the preservatives. One cup of whipping cream yields two cups of whipped cream. 

Things You'll Need

• Whisk or beaters
• Large bowl (preferably metal)
• Measuring tools

Ingredients

Classic Whipped Cream

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/3 cup or 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
• Pinch of salt

Flavored Whipped Cream

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/3 cup or 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
• Pinch of salt
• Flavorings such as vanilla, almond or anise extract; bourbon or brandy; or lemon or lime zest

Cream Cheese Whipped Cream

• 1 8-ounce package of cream cheese, room temperature
• 2 cups whipping cream
• 1/2 cup sugar
• Pinch of salt
• 1 tablespoon vanilla

  Method 1 of 3: Classic Whipped Cream

  1. 
     1
     Chill the cream. The colder the cream is, the easier it is to whip. Plan to whip the cream the moment you take it out of the refrigerator, rather than leaving it sitting on the counter for some time. The bowl you pour the cream into should also be chilled if possible.^[1]
  2. 
     2
     Add sugar and salt. Sweeten the cream with your sugar of choice. Add a pinch of salt to bring out the cream's rich flavor and contrast with the sugar. Use a spoon or whisk to stir the mixture well.
  3. 
     3
     Whisk the cream. Using a large whisk, start whipping the cream in a circular direction. Whip as quickly as possible to help air change the consistency of the cream from a heavy liquid into a light, fluffy substance.
     • It takes a little practice to learn how to whip cream effectively by hand. You have to work quickly enough that the cream doesn't have time to warm up too much. Switch hands if one becomes too tired.
       
     • Use an electric mixer to make the job easier. Set the bowl of cream under a stand mixer and let the machine do all the work, or use a hand mixer to make gentle swirls in the cream while the beaters whip it up.
       
  4. 
     4
     Watch for peaks to form. The first change you'll notice is that the whisk or beaters will begin to leave drag marks in the cream, indicating that it has become more solid in texture. Continue whipping until you can lift the whisk or beaters from the cream and leave semi-stiff peaks in their wake.^[2]
     • Some people prefer soft whipped cream, which slumps deliciously down the side of cakes and pies. Others prefer stiffer whipped cream that retains a certain shape when it's used to top a dessert. Keep whipping until the cream reaches the texture you desire.
     • Stop whipping before it turns to butter. If you keep whipping for too long (which is easier to do with an electric mixer than by hand) the cream will turn to solid butter. If this happens to you, save the butter to make cinnamon sugar toast or another delicious treat and start over with a new batch of cream.

  
  

  EditMethod 2 of 3: Flavored Whipped Cream

  1. 1
     Decide how to flavor the whipped cream. In recent years it has become popular to make whipped cream in a variety of different flavors that complement the dish the cream will top. Whipped cream is easily flavored by extracts, cocoa, liqueurs, and zests; choose a combination that works with your dessert. Here are a few ideas:
     
     
     • Make chocolate whipped cream by adding a tablespoon of cocoa. This would make a great topping for chocolate silk pie.
       
     • Make vanilla bourbon whipped cream as a topping for pecan pie. Add a teaspoon of vanilla and a teaspoon of bourbon to the mix.
       
     • Create a bright-tasting cream by adding a tablespoon of lemon zest, and use it to top strawberry shortcake.
       
     • Almond or anise extract add a subtle depth to whipped cream. These make an excellent topping for berry pies.
       
  2. 
     2
     Flavor the cream before you whip it. When you're ready to make whipped cream, remove the chilled cream from the refrigerator and pour it into a clean bowl. Add sugar and a pinch of salt, then add the flavorings you want to use. Stir it all together with a spoon or a whisk.
  3. 
     3
     Whip the cream. Using the same technique described for classic whipped cream, beat the cream until it forms either soft or stiff peaks, depending on your preference. Use the cream to top your pie or cake.

  
  

  EditMethod 3 of 3: Cream Cheese Whipped Cream

  1. 
     1
     Beat the cream cheese. Place it in a chilled bowl and beat until it becomes light and fluffy.
  2. 
     2
     Sweeten the cream. In a separate bowl, pour in the chilled whipping cream, vanilla, sugar, and salt. Use a whisk or spoon to stir the mixture well.^[3]
  3. 
     3
     Whip the cream. Use a whisk or a hand mixer to whip the cream until it forms soft peaks. Stop short of whipping up stiff peaks.
  4. 
     4
     Combine the cream cheese and whipped cream. Add the cream cheese to the bowl of whipped cream. Use the whisk or hand mixer to beat the mixture until it forms stiff peaks when you lift the beaters from the bowl.
  5. 
     5
     Use cream cheese whipped cream as a topping or icing. Since cream cheese whipped cream is a bit stiffer and thicker than regular whipped cream, it can be used as either a topping or an icing. Cream cheese whipped cream makes a delicious icing for apple cake or zucchini bread.
  6. 
     6
     Finished!

     Tips

     • Add food coloring to the cream before whipping it for special events.
     • If it tastes too sour, add a little more sugar.
     • For best results, use a chilled metal bowl and chilled metal whisk. Do not use plastic.
     • Try using brown sugar instead of normal sugar. This gives a slightly more warm tone to the taste, and also makes the cream slightly caramel toned.
     • Avoid "ultra-pasteurized" heavy cream, if possible, it does not whip up as well.

How to Remove Grease Stains 

With Dish Soap and Vinegar 

 With Dish Soap and Hot Water 

With an Absorbent and Dry Spotter

 Don't throw it away! Whatever you have a grease stain on, it can probably be lifted out. Just act quickly! With some regular cleaning agents, you'll be good as new in no time. Read on.

Things You'll Need

Method One: With Dish Soap and Vinegar

• Soiled garment
• Dish soap
• White vinegar

  Method Two: With Dish Soap and Hot Water

  • Dish soap
  • Hot water
  • Paper towel

  
  

  For Non-Washable Materials

  • Stained material
  • Absorbent
  • Dry-cleaning solvent
  • Dry spotter
  • Pad and/or cloth

Method 1 of 3: With Dish Soap and Vinegar

1. 
   1
   Cover the entire grease spot with liquid dish detergent. Colourless detergent is preferred. If using coloured detergent, be sure to dilute it or the detergent may stain the clothing.
   • If for some reason you don't have any liquid dish detergent, stop-top spray or other kitchen solvent should also have some built in grease-blaster as well. Try it out -- it should be safe for your clothes.^[1]
   • This method is best for washable fabrics. If you can throw it in the washing machine, you can do this knowing your fabrics won't be damaged.
2. 
   2
   Gently work detergent into the grease. You will instantly see it dissolve. The newer dish detergents have special properties that allow them to absorb grease. If the stain has set, you may want to use a brush to work it up and out of the fibers.
3. 
   3
   Rinse the area with white vinegar to remove all of the detergent. Do so above a container to catch the vinegar so you can reuse it, if necessary. For serious stains, you may need to do a twice-over.
4. 
   4
   Wash as usual. For really stubborn grease stains that don't come out after a washing, keep repeating steps 1-3. Even grease from a white polo shirt marked with grease from a boat engine can be removed by this method.
5. 
   5
   Enjoy your clean garment! Good as new.

Method 2 of 3: With Dish Soap and Hot Water

1. 1
   Cover the backside of the affected area with dish soap. If you're working with an article of clothing, flip it inside out. Rub it in gently, using generous amounts of soap. Let it sit for a few minutes.
2. 2
   Blast the stain with hot water. If you have a high-pressure washer, great. You can throw it in there and it'll do the job for you. If you don't, you'll have to improvise. You want a large amount of hot water tackling the stain with as much force as possible, literally blasting the stain away.
   • If you have a large tub and a powerful shower head, consider holding the material underneath it for 10-20 seconds, depending on the size of the stain.
   • If your faucets lack the adequate pressure, heat up a pan of water and do the job yourself. Place the material on the floor, and slam it with the high temps, pouring the water on yourself.
3. 3
   Blot the stain with a paper towel. If any grease is left, hopefully it's been brought to the surface and can be lifted out by a gentle pressing. Don't rub it back in! Simply dab at the stain, picking up the top levels of moisture. Blot on both sides.
4. 4
   If the stain persists, reapply soap and scrub in with a brush. Apply the hot water in the same method, pretreat with a stain remover, and throw it in your washing machine.

EditMethod 3 of 3: With an Absorbent and Dry Spotter

1. 1
   For a newly set stain, blot as much of the stain as possible. Grab a paper towel or other cloth and soak up what you can.
   • The method being described is good for carpeting, wool, acetate, silk, and rayon.^[2]
2. 2
   Apply an absorbent. Cornmeal, cornstarch, salt, baking powder, talcum powder, and salt all are super-absorbers.^[3] Let it set until the process seems to have halted. With a stiff bristled brush, brush the stain out of the fabric.
3. 3
   If there's still a stain, sponge it with a dry-cleaning solvent. You know, the kind that these fabrics can tolerate -- the kind at your dry cleaners. Spot lifters work, too.
   • Work outward from the center using light strokes. A damp pad or cloth will be best.
4. 4
   Apply a bit of dry spotter to the stain. If you don't have a dry spotter, one can be made with a bit of coconut oil and dry-cleaning solvent.^[4] Dampen a pad with dry spotter and place it on top of the stain. Remove the pad as soon as it is saturated.
5. 5
   Clean the area with additional dry-cleaning solvent. Let dry. Voila! Stain gone. Finito!

   Tips

   • Repeat until stain is completely removed.
   • This will work on stains that have already been washed.
   • Be sure to dilute detergents with strong colors. Use colorless if you can

     Warnings

     • Detergents with strong colors will stain lightly-colored clothing.

How to Clean a Stove 

The stove can be the most daunting cleaning task in your entire house. But fear no more; it can be done.

Things You'll Need

• Large, heavy duty garbage bag
• One gallon of ammonia
• High quality oven cleaner
• New set of rubber gloves
• Eye protection
• Newspaper
• Sponge
• bucket of warm water (refill twice)
• Old clothes, apron and something to cover your hair
• Scrub pad
• Good quality degreaser product (like Simple Green)
• Armor All or similar product
• Wide roll of heavy-duty aluminum foil
• Use a face mask, especially if you have any kind of breathing problems.

Steps

1. 
   1
   Disconnect the electricity and turn off the gas, since you will be moving the stove around.
2. 
   2
   Remove all the pieces you can remove from the stove – drip pans, racks, gas burners (do not do this with electric burners), knobs, and handles and take them outside (or the bathroom if you don’t have an outside area). Place all these items in the large heavy duty garbage bag you can find, pour in one gallon of ammonia, then seal the bag and let it sit for 24 hours (in the bathtub if indoors).
3. 
   3
   Find a good quality oven cleaner and don’t forget to buy a new set of rubber gloves. Cover the floor underneath the stove with layers of newspaper. Read the cleaner instructions carefully, and apply as the manufacturer directed.
4. 
   4
   After allowing the cleaner to sit for the recommended time, get a sponge and bucket of warm water. Wear the gloves, and wipe the stove from the back to the front (wear old clothes and something to cover your hair). Rinse the sponge well between wipes. Use the oven cleaner with a scrub pad (and rubber gloves) to remove the formerly mentioned baked on crud under the stove top. Use a good quality degreaser product (like Simple Green) to remove any residue left. For stubborn spots, spray until soaked and leave until later.
5. 
   5
   Next day, prepare the bucket with more warm, soapy water (Simple Green). Carefully open the garbage bag from yesterday with all the components (rubber gloves, again). Remove the smaller pieces first, and wash in the bucket with a scouring pad. Grease should just fall off. Rinse in clear water, and let dry. If any plastic pieces appear dulled by the process, spray on a little Armor All or similar product, allow it to dry and buff it out. The racks may be a little tougher, but perseverance will pay off.
6. 
   6
   Reassemble the stove and reconnect the power (and gas). Again, wipe down any residue and check to make sure the burners and oven work. It probably looks better than it did when you leased the place, and should make an impression on your landlord and get you back a couple of hundred dollars.
7. 
   7
   Finished.

   Tips

   • Cleaning your gas or electric stove is much easier if you took steps when you first moved into your new place. The best investment you can make is to buy a wide roll of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Remove the drip pans under the burners, and cover each with the foil before you ever use them. There are liners made for this purpose, but the aluminum foil covers much better, and cheaper to replace. Drip pans are fairly standard and cheap to replace.
   • Some substitute baking soda for oven cleaner with success. Here, the key is to apply a fairly thick layer of baking soda to the carbon-laden surfaces you wish to clean—close to a quarter-inch of baking soda. Then, moisten the baking soda with water (preferably using a spray bottle). Continue moistening the baking soda periodically over a day or two. Wipe the surfaces at the end, or, as some recommend, spray vinegar on the baking soda and then wipe the surfaces; wipe with a soapy rag—like when using regular oven cleaner.
   • When you first use the oven after this, it might smell like oven cleaner. A good way to counter this is to let the oven run on a low heat with the door open for about an hour. Shut it off, and let it cool down - door still open - for another hour. Give it a brief wash with a damp sponge, let it dry off, and it should be smell-free.
   • Use the foil under the stove top (where the nastiest crud seems to form from spills), and line the oven bottom. Be careful not to contact heating elements, igniters, or other electrical components. Check periodically and replace as necessary.

     Warnings

     • Never mix ammonia with chlorine bleach.
     • Use rubber gloves and eye protection with all chemicals.
     • Read all labels before use, especially the warnings, cautions, and recommended protective wear.

How to Clean a Microwave 

Using Vinegar 

 Using a Lemon 

Using Dish Soap 

Splatters of food from microwaving look bad, smell bad, and decrease the efficiency of your microwave. Fortunately, microwaves aren't hard to clean if you know how.

Things You'll Need

• A couple of dishcloths or sponges.
• A dish towel
• A few minutes.
• A microwave.
• A lemon
• A microwave safe bowl
• Vinegar
• Dish soap

Method 1 of 3: Using Vinegar

1. 
   1
   Fill a microwave-safe glass or bowl half full of water. Add a tablespoon of white vinegar.
2. 
   2
   Place inside the microwave.
3. 
   3
   Turn on for 5 minutes. You may need less time in a high-powered microwave oven; keep an eye on it the first time you try this. This will steam up the walls of the microwave and loosen the dried-on gunk.
4. 
   4
   Remove the glass container. Wipe down the inside of the microwave with a clean rag or paper towel.
5. 
   5
   The loose gunk should come off easily now.
6. 
   6
   Take out the glass tray or turntable and wash it like a dish. You could even run it through the dishwasher if you have time.

Method 2 of 3: Using a Lemon

1. 
   1
   Cut a lemon in half. Place both halves cut-side down on a microwaveable plate with a tablespoon of water.
2. 
   2
   Microwave for about 1 minute or until the lemon is hot and the inside of the microwave is steamy.
3. 
   3
   Wipe the inside of the microwave with kitchen paper and wash the plate.
   • Now that the lemon is hot and squishy, it makes a great natural cleanser for a smelly garbage disposal. Cut the halves into smaller pieces and flush through with plenty of water.

Method 3 of 3: Using Dish Soap

1. 
   1
   Take a microwave safe bowl and fill it with warm water.
2. 
   2
   Add as much dishwashing liquid as you think you'll need.
3. 
   3
   Put the bowl in the microwave for 1 minute or until it starts to steam.
4. 
   4
   Take the bowl out. Get a fairly damp sponge and wipe the inside of the microwave.
5. 
   5
   The steam will have loosened all of the gunk up so that you will be able to easily clean your microwave.
   • Baking soda can also be added to the bowl to serve as a deodorizer.

     Tips

     • To keep your microwave clean, cover food loosely when heating it.
     • It's always best to clean up messes in your microwave right away.
     • Leave the microwave open for a few minutes afterward in order to let it dry and air out a bit inside.
     • Clean your microwave about once or twice a month.
     • Use a scrub brush that can be used for washing dishes to get off greasy food build-up you may find.

       Warnings

       • Stand at least 5 feet away from the door. If you let it steam too long, it will burst open and spray hot water everywhere.
       • Don't use abrasive cleaners on your microwave.

How to Get Rid of Bad Smells in Your Fridge 

Cleaning 

Using Odor-Removers

If you have a bad smell in your refrigerator that you can't seem to get rid of, follow these steps to make it history. Even rotten meat stands no chance! These methods will ensure that you won't lose your appetite when you open the door.

Things You'll Need

• Soap and water
• A sponge or dish rag
• Coffee grounds or baking soda
• Bowls or baking sheets/shallow pans
• Baking soda

Part 1 of 2: Cleaning

1. 
   1
   Turn off the refrigerator and unplug it.
2. 
   2
   Remove all the items from your fridge. As you go, discard any expired food that is developing into a science project.
3. 
   3
   Place any food you choose to keep in a cooler while you work. Add ice if it will be out for some time for better preservation.
4. 
   4
   Make a mixture of baking soda and warm water. Dissolve 1/2 cup of baking soda into a sink filled with warm water.
5. 
   5
   Take out all shelves, bins and any other removable parts. Wash and rinse all of the parts before thoroughly drying them. Don't forget to wipe as much of the walls and floor of the fridge as you can, even under the crisper drawers.
6. 
   6
   Clean the drip tray. This is located beneath the refrigerator. Be careful because it likely contains dirty water. Remove the grill from beneath the doors, carefully pull it out and dump the contents.

Part 2 of 2: Using Odor-Removers

1. 
   1
   Use baking soda. To get rid of odors, spread a box of baking soda across a baking sheet and place in the refrigerator. Keep the door closed until the smell disappears, then discard the baking soda. To try and counteract everyday odors, keep an open box of baking soda in your fridge at all times.
   • If you want to use it as a cleaning method, dissolve 1/2 cup of baking soda into water.
2. 
   2
   Add vinegar. White vinegar neutralizes many of the same smells as baking soda. Put an open cup or bowl in the fridge, or mix it in with water as an effective cleaning solution.
3. 
   3
   Use oats as an odor-absorber. Leave a bowl of oats out in your fridge and this will suck in the bad smells.
4. 
   4
   Use coffee grounds. Place dry, fresh coffee grounds in a few shallow bowls or spread across baking sheets. Keep the bowls or sheets on different levels of your refrigerator. The smells should leave within a few days.
5. 
   5
   Let activated charcoal absorb bad odors. Similar to the coffee grounds method, place charcoal briquets -- do not use briquettes with flammable additives as these are poisonous -- in a couple of shallow bowls or on baking sheets and put them on different shelves in the fridge. Set the refrigerator temperature to low and leave in with the door closed for several days. The smells in question should go away within a few days.
   • Activated charcoal can be purchased from pet stores or drugstores.
   • Charcoal can be refreshed by placing in the oven at 350ºF/180C for 20 minutes.
6. 
   6
   Use unscented chlorophyll cat litter. Spread in a shallow pan and leave in the refrigerator until the smell disappears.

   Tips

   • As much as possible, contain foods in airtight containers. They will stay fresher longer and the odors will not spread as much if they do spoil.
   • To prevent odors in the future, make a point to look in once a week or so and remove expired food. Try looking right before you take out the trash. It's a good reminder and items don't sit around in your kitchen trash smelling bad.
   • Cleaning the fridge with vanilla extract also ensures that the odor is eliminated. To make your fridge smell clean, you can add soak up vanilla extract into a cotton ball and then place the ball inside the fridge.
   • If you must leave a refrigerator turned off or unplugged for a period of time, clean it thoroughly first and remove all food. Then, leave it propped open a bit. Even when cleaned, a warm and closed fridge is certain to smell bad in time.
   • Regardless of which method(s) you choose, don't put the food back into your refrigerator until the stench has cleared.