Sparkling clean dishes have never been much of priority for me until a friend’s immune system was lowered due to chemotherapy, and cleanliness became paramount for his health. I started looking at my dishes and was mildly horrified by how much stray bacteria (old food) I found here and there, despite decent habits and a dishwasher.

Here are the nine pots and pans and dish cleaning tips I brought out from one of my books, to remind me of what works for burned-on food and more.

1. Can’t-do-the-dishes-now soak: Sprinkle some baking soda on non-aluminum cookware, add some water, and let set until you are ready to wash them.

2. Hard Water Spots: Remove hard water spots by adding some vinegar to the rinse water.

3. Burned-on food: Add a few tablespoons of washing soda to the pan that has the burned on food, add very hot water, and soak for a minimum of a few hours.

4. Electric Drip Coffeemaker Cleaner: Add 1/4 cup vinegar to a full carafe of water, and pour through a coffee maker that is empty of coffee beans.

5. Nonstick Pan Cleaner: Sprinkle baking soda on burned-on food, cover with water, and soak.

6. Coffee and Tea Stains: Add one teaspoon of baking soda to the cup or container, fill with water, and let set for an hour or so before washing.

7. Raw Meat: Always sterilize utensils in very hot water, such as in a dish washer.

8. Dirty Vases, Glass and China: Fill with black tea, vinegar, lemon juice, or coca cola. Let sit for at least an hour before washing.

9. White Porcelain Stains: Soak in 1 part 3 percent hydrogen peroxide and 2 parts water.