How to Clean Pots and Pans: The Best Tricks

Cleaning pots and pans is part of our daily chores. We are often stuck at the store finding the perfect product to clean our cookware. These stubborn stains do not rinse off by simple dishwashing soap rather you need a more specific cleaning agent, rather a combination. Every pot is not the same hence to clean your pots and pans its important to note its type and material and work around it to succeed.

Let’s start with the most common one.

Cleaning Pots and Pans

Stainless Steel

If used minimally the best way to clean your pot and pans is to use lukewarm water and dishwashing soap. Gently rub in on with a sponge, rinse off. Afterward, dry the pot with a soft cloth.

  • For tough stains its best to use one fourth cup baking soda and add 1.10 liters of water. Let the mixture sit for a while and rinse off with soapy water.
  • Burned pot requires more extensive cleaning. Fill in the pot or pan with hot soapy water so it covers the burned surface completely. Let is sit for an hour. Turn on the flame and boil the soapy water. Let it cool and rinse with a nylon pad. Wash it with hot soapy water and dry. Repeat if necessary.

Non-Stick/Anodised Aluminum Pans

Nonstick pots and pans are relatively easy to clean and require very little effort. To clean the pan simply use cleaning soap and wipe off the surface with a soft-bristled brush. Rinse and pat dry.

Glass Pots And Pans

Glass cookware are easily stained. Because of the glass material, burnt marks are very much prominent which looks highly unpleasant. To clean glass pots and pans all you have to do is fill it with hot water and add one fourth cup baking soda. Let it rest for an hour. Use a non-coarse brush or pad to gently scrub the pot (you don’t want to leave scratches) and wash it off with soapy water. Rinse and let it dry.

Cast Iron Cookware

Cast irons are mostly pre-seasoned hence do not need any extensive cleaning. To clean the other kind (unseasoned) here is what you can do to get that squeaky clean look once again.

  • Take 2 teaspoons of salt and 1 teaspoon hot water. Make a paste and scrub it on the pot with a cloth. Rinse and dry. To wash your pot with little residue you can make a paste by mixing oil with coarse salt. Scrub with a soft cloth and rinse with water.
  • For the most stubborn stains use a hard bristled brush and scrub it on the pan for as long as the stain remains. If the pot gets dry after rinsing and drying it completely brush a little oil at the end.

Copper Pots and Pans

If not cared properly, a copper pot or pan will oxidize over time. To prevent this from happening you should regularly polish your pan with lemon juice and baking soda. Mix both of the ingredients and apply it to the pan. Wipe it with the cloth and wash/dry.

To get rid of the food stains your pan would require a longer cleaning process. Drizzle the pan with white vinegar and pour a generous amount of salt. Pour vinegar again. Take a soft toothed brush or pad and scrub off the burnt residues. Wash with soapy water and dry completely.

Aluminum Cookware

The most important thing to remember is never to wash your aluminum cookware in a dishwasher. It is going to discolor your pot or pan and eventually start to look dull. To clean your pots and pans from the inside you need to make a mixture. Mix cream of tartar with water. Buff with a cloth and rise. Dry the pan completely before storing it in the cabinet. To clean more stubborn stains place the pot or pan on the stove. Add 1 liter of water, one fourth cup baking soda, and two tablespoons cream of tartar. Bring it to a boil and turn the flame off. Let it soak for an hour. Take a coursed brush and scrub it thoroughly till you see the stains disappear. Rinse normally.

Enamel

Enamel cookware is prone to getting dark/black with time and if not cared for, it can stick permanently. To avoid this, you can easily clean your pot and pan by filling the cookware halfway with water. Give it a boil. Next, add a handful of baking soda approx two tablespoons. Simmer the stove. Take a spatula and work it inside the pot scrubbing the affected area to remove the stains. Drain the water and rinse with dish soap. Scrub with a coarse brush to wash off any left residue.

Clay and Stoneware

Clay or stoneware are not used as commonly as before but they’re durable. If cared for properly, you can keep using this good old cookware without having to invest in a new pot.

One thing to always remember is to never use soap or detergent while cleaning clay pot as it will absorb the foam. The residue will then be mixed with your food the next time you cook. The basic method to clean your pot is to use boiling hot water. Take a firm brush and rub it to clean off any grease/stain. If the stains do not go away make a paste of baking soda with water and scrub with a brush. Alternatively, you can also use salt.

Final Thoughts

The amount of people who buy new cookware especially when they had just purchased it only because it burned or turned black is unreal. These tips and tricks will help your cookware shine without investing a hefty amount of money in cleaning detergents or buying new pots and pans. Chemical-free mixtures are the safest and most effective at maintaining cookware at their best. Cook your favorite recipes without having to worry about those burns and stains. Happy cleaning!