Ceramic Pans: Easy Cleaning, Maintenance, And Care

Ceramic pans are a popular alternative to non-stick pans, as they are free of harmful chemicals such as Teflon. However, ceramic pans can be harder to clean than their non-stick counterparts. To maintain the non-stick coating and keep your ceramic pans in good condition, it is important to follow certain cleaning methods. This includes allowing the pan to cool before washing, hand-washing with mild soap and warm water, avoiding harsh scrubbing or abrasive cleaning tools, and removing burnt-on food with methods such as soaking or using baking soda.

Cleaning products to use: baking soda, vinegar, salt, hydrogen peroxide

Ceramic pans are easy to clean, but they can be prone to scratching, so it's important to use the right tools and products. Here are some methods for cleaning a ceramic pan using baking soda, vinegar, salt, or hydrogen peroxide:

Baking Soda:

• Soak the pan in warm, soapy water for 30 minutes.
• Sprinkle the bottom of the pan with baking soda and add 1-2 tablespoons of hot water.
• Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes, then scrub the pan with a sponge or dish wand in a circular motion.
• Repeat if necessary, then rinse and dry the pan.
• Alternatively, create a paste with baking soda and water, rub it into the pan, and rinse with vinegar.

Vinegar:

• Fill the pan with a mixture of 2 cups of water and 1/2 cup of vinegar.
• Let the pan soak overnight, then boil the mixture for a few minutes to loosen stains.
• Allow the pan to cool, then scrub away the burnt-on food.
• Rinse and dry the pan.
• For a simpler method, clean the pan with vinegar and water. First, remove any burnt food items from the pan by scraping gently with a plastic utensil.
• Add 1 cup of vinegar and 4 cups of water to the pan and place it on the stove.
• Bring the mixture to a boil for 3-4 minutes, then turn off the heat and allow the pan to cool.
• Use a soft sponge to clean the pan, focusing on any stains or burnt areas.
• Drain the solution and rinse the pan thoroughly with cold water.
• Dry the pan with a clean, dry dishcloth.

Salt:

While salt is not mentioned in the sources provided, it is often used as a natural abrasive cleaner. Therefore, it is likely that you can create a paste with salt and water, rub it into the pan, and rinse it off. However, it is important to note that this method may be too abrasive for ceramic pans, so use it with caution.

Hydrogen Peroxide:

• Pour enough 3% hydrogen peroxide into the pan to cover the bottom.
• Let the solution sit for 30 minutes, then rinse and dry the pan.
• The slight bleaching action of the peroxide will brighten the finish.

Cleaning products to avoid: steel wool, metal pads, abrasive cleaning agents

To keep your ceramic pans in good condition, it is important to know what not to do when cleaning them. Here are some cleaning products and tools you should avoid when cleaning ceramic pans:

Steel Wool

Steel wool is a big no-no when it comes to cleaning ceramic pans. It may be tempting to reach for this abrasive tool when faced with stubborn stains or burnt-on food, but it will likely do more harm than good. Steel wool can create small nicks and scratches on the surface of your ceramic pan, which will eventually wear down the non-stick coating. These scratches can lead to stains and food sticking to the pan, and the coating may start to peel off.

Metal Pads

Just like steel wool, metal pads can also scratch and damage the surface of your ceramic pans. The scratches caused by metal pads can ruin the non-stick coating, causing food to stick to the pan and making it much harder to clean. Once the non-stick coating starts to peel off, your pan may need to be replaced. Therefore, it is best to avoid using metal pads altogether when cleaning ceramic pans.

Abrasive Cleaning Agents

While it is important to use some form of cleaning agent when washing your ceramic pans, avoid anything too abrasive. Harsh detergents, such as dishwasher detergents, often contain chemicals and acids that can etch or scratch the surface of the pan. Instead, opt for mild dish soap, baking soda, or a mixture of vinegar and baking soda to clean your ceramic pans. These gentle cleaning agents will effectively remove food particles and stains without damaging the non-stick coating.

In summary, when cleaning ceramic pans, it is best to avoid steel wool, metal pads, and abrasive cleaning agents. By steering clear of these products, you can help maintain the integrity of the non-stick coating and prolong the lifespan of your ceramic pans.

Utensils to use: plastic, wood, silicone, nylon

When using ceramic cookware, it is important to use the correct utensils to prevent damaging the non-stick surface. Metal utensils can easily scratch and gouge the surface of a ceramic pan, so it is best to avoid them. Instead, opt for utensils made from plastic, wood, silicone, or nylon.

Wooden utensils are a great option for non-stick ceramic cookware as they won't scratch the surface. Quality wooden utensils can last for decades if properly cared for by hand-washing and occasional oiling. However, they may not be the best choice for flipping food.

Silicone utensils are super gentle on non-stick pans and can withstand high temperatures. They are flexible, durable, and easy to clean, making them a popular choice for non-stick cookware. However, they may not be suitable for flipping large pieces of food and can be damaged by sharp knives.

Nylon utensils are also a good choice for non-stick cookware as they are durable, flexible, and sturdy. They are great for mixing and flipping, but food can sometimes stick to them, making cleaning more difficult. Nylon utensils should also be kept away from heat to prevent melting.

Plastic utensils are another option for use with ceramic cookware as they will not damage the non-stick surface.

By choosing the right utensils, you can help extend the lifespan of your ceramic cookware and keep it in top condition.

Utensils to avoid: metal

Ceramic pans are non-stick and easy to clean. However, to avoid damaging the non-stick coating, it is important to use the correct utensils. Utensils made of metal should be avoided when cooking with ceramic pans.

Metal utensils are sturdy, but they have sharp edges that can easily scratch the delicate non-stick coating of a ceramic pan. With continued use, scratches on the surface will ruin the pan's ability to prevent food from sticking. Knives, in particular, should never be used on a ceramic pan as they can gouge the surface. If food needs to be cut, it should be done on a chopping board before being placed in the pan.

Instead of metal, it is recommended to use utensils made of silicone, wood, or plastic when cooking with ceramic pans. These materials are softer and will not damage the non-stick coating.

To prevent the coating from being damaged, it is also important to avoid sudden temperature changes when using ceramic pans. Allow the pan to cool down before washing it and avoid placing warm cookware in the fridge or on a chilled surface.

How to remove burnt-on food

Ceramic pans are popular due to their health benefits, but they can be harder to clean than non-stick pans. Here are some methods to remove burnt-on food from your ceramic pans:

Soak in Water

Allow your ceramic pan to cool down, then fill it with warm, soapy water and let it soak for at least 30 minutes. This will help to loosen any burnt-on food. After soaking, you can try to wipe away the food with a non-abrasive sponge.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is a mild abrasive that can help lift away burnt-on food. Sprinkle two tablespoons of baking soda over the problem area and add a small amount of hot water to create a paste. Use a soft sponge or cloth to scrub the paste in a circular motion to remove the burnt-on food. Rinse the pan with warm water and dry it with a soft cloth.

Vinegar

White vinegar is very acidic and will help to dissolve grease and food residue. Fill your pan with three to four cups of water and one cup of white vinegar, then place it on the stove and bring the mixture to a boil for about three to four minutes. Turn off the heat and let the solution cool down. Once cool, use a sponge or scrubber to remove any remaining burnt-on food. Wash the pan with cold water and dry it with a clean cloth.

Hydrogen Peroxide

If your pan has discolouration from burnt-on food, you can use hydrogen peroxide to lighten the stains. Pour enough 3% hydrogen peroxide to cover the bottom of the pan. If the solution does not bubble, it is not fresh and you should use a new bottle. Let the solution sit for 30 minutes, then rinse and dry the pan.

Salt

Salt is another mild abrasive that can help to remove tough stains. Sprinkle six tablespoons of salt into your pan and pour in an inch of warm water. Let the solution sit for at least 20 minutes, then pour out the water and wash the pan with a soapy sponge.

Bar Keepers Friend

Bar Keepers Friend is a commercial cleaning product that can be used to remove scorch marks from your ceramic pan. Create a watery paste by mixing one part water to three parts Bar Keepers Friend. Apply the paste to the stain and let it sit for about 10 minutes. Use a non-abrasive sponge to buff away the discolouration.

Enzyme Solution

Enzyme solutions are effective at cutting through grease. You can purchase an enzyme cleaner or make your own natural version at home using citrus peels, yeast, distilled water, and brown sugar. Fill your pan with warm water and a few drops of grease-busting dish soap. Once the grease has softened, add the enzyme solution and let it soak for one to five hours. The food residue should then easily wipe away.

Additional Tips:

• Always allow your ceramic pan to cool down before washing it to avoid sudden changes in temperature, which can damage the non-stick coating.
• Avoid using abrasive sponges, steel wool, or metal pads as these can scratch the surface of your ceramic pan and damage the non-stick coating.
• Do not use dishwasher detergent or harsh cleaning sprays as these can be too strong for the ceramic finish.
• Always hand-wash your ceramic pans and dry them with a soft cloth.

Frequently asked questions