How Vinegar Can Clean Your Pots And Pans

Cleaning pots and pans can be a challenging task, especially when dealing with burnt or stubborn stains. A popular solution that has gained traction on social media platforms like TikTok is the use of vinegar, specifically white vinegar. Vinegar is highly acidic, with a pH level between two and three, making it effective at breaking down cooking-related stains. When used properly, vinegar can be a powerful tool for tackling tough spots and stains on your cookware. However, it's important to exercise caution and be mindful of the materials of your pots and pans, as vinegar may not be suitable for certain types of cookware, such as cast iron.

Using vinegar to clean stainless steel pans

Vinegar is highly acidic, with a pH of between two and three. This means it is adept at breaking down cooking-related stains on pots and pans, which are usually caused by charred or burnt food.

If you want to use vinegar to clean your stainless steel pans, it is important to follow these steps:

• Check the manufacturer's instructions for specific washing tips.
• Always let the pans cool before cleaning.
• Avoid harsh cleaners like bleach or oven cleaner, and do not use steel wool or abrasive sponges, as these can scratch or damage the surface.
• After cooking and removing food from the pan, put it back on the burner and turn on the heat.
• When a drop of water sizzles in the pan, pour in about one cup of water.
• Use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape away burnt bits of food and sauce.
• Turn off the heat, remove the pan from the burner, and let it cool down.
• Add a squirt of dish soap to the pan, then use a long-handled brush to remove any remaining food bits and break down the oil.
• Move your pan to the sink and rinse away any remaining grime.
• Wash the entire pan with a soft sponge and warm, soapy water, scrubbing in a circular motion.
• Rinse the pan thoroughly to remove all soap.
• Dry it off completely with a microfiber towel before putting it away.
• If you notice water stains or rainbow discolouration, add vinegar to your pan and wipe the stained spots with a soft sponge.
• Combine one part white vinegar and three parts water in the pan and bring the mixture to a boil.
• Turn off the heat and let the pan cool completely.
• Pour the liquid down the sink, then clean your pan with warm, soapy water and a soft sponge, ensuring no vinegar residue is left behind.
• Rinse the pan with warm water and dry it completely before using or storing.

Downsides of cleaning stainless steel pans with vinegar

While vinegar is a great way to remove rainbow discolouration from stainless steel pans, it does have a strong smell, which some may find unpleasant. Vinegar can also leave streaks and droplets on the outside of pans, so it may be best to reserve it for the inside of your pans only.

Vinegar's effectiveness on stubborn pot stains

Vinegar is highly acidic, with a pH of between two and three. This acidic nature makes it adept at breaking down cooking-related stains on pots and pans, which usually result from charred or burnt food. Due to its high pH level, vinegar is more effective than most household cleaners in tackling tough stains.

To clean burnt pots and pans with vinegar, simply sprinkle three tablespoons of salt onto the burnt pot or pan, and add vinegar until it covers the bottom. Bring it to a boil, then turn the heat to low and add four tablespoons of baking soda. Remove the pan as soon as the liquid evaporates and wash the pot with water.

When using vinegar to clean, it is important to be mindful of the materials of your pots and pans. For example, vinegar should not be used on cast iron, as it can cause damage known as "pitting" if left on for too long. Vinegar is most effective on stainless steel, where it can be used to remove rainbow stains and streaks and splatter marks.

While vinegar is an excellent natural cleaner, it does have a strong scent, which some may find off-putting. Additionally, it may not be the best option for cleaning the outside of pots and pans, as it can leave behind smeary droplets. However, for removing tough stains, vinegar is a powerful and effective solution.

Using vinegar on cast iron

Vinegar is a popular natural cleaning product that can be used on food, laundry, and dishes. Its highly acidic nature, with a pH of between two and three, makes it adept at breaking down cooking-related stains on pots and pans. However, it is important to be mindful of the materials of your cookware before using vinegar, as it can cause damage to certain types of pans.

If you are dealing with minor surface rust on your cast iron, you can skip the vinegar soak and opt for a salt scrub or use a scouring pad with a mild dish soap to remove the rust. However, for more serious cases of rust, a vinegar soak can be effective. Submerge your cast iron completely in the diluted vinegar solution, ensuring that the handle is also covered. Check the pan every 15 minutes and remove it from the solution once the rust easily flakes away, which can take anywhere from one to eight hours. It is important to frequently check on your pan during this process, as the vinegar can start to eat away at the original cast surface if left for too long.

After removing your pan from the vinegar solution, thoroughly scrub and wash it with warm water and a mild dish soap to get rid of any lingering rust. Dry the pan immediately and thoroughly with a kitchen or paper towel, and then place it on the stovetop over low heat for a few minutes to ensure complete dryness.

Once your cast iron is clean and dry, it is important to reseason it to restore the protective layer of fat molecules. Preheat your oven to 500°F and wipe a thin layer of neutral cooking oil, such as vegetable oil, all over the pan, inside and out. Turn off the heat after an hour and let the pan cool in the oven overnight, or remove it and set it aside for at least 45 minutes before using.

To maintain your cast iron and prevent rust from returning, be sure to properly clean and season your pan after each use. Wipe it clean or give it a gentle scrub with warm soapy water, dry it thoroughly, and coat it lightly with another layer of oil. These mini-seasoning sessions will build up protective layers over time, creating a better cooking surface and guarding against future rust. Repeat the complete seasoning process once or twice a year for regular upkeep.

The right vinegar for cleaning

Vinegar is a versatile and powerful cleaning agent that can be used on various surfaces in your home. It is non-toxic, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective, making it a popular choice for many. When it comes to choosing the right vinegar for cleaning, there are a few types that are commonly recommended:

White Distilled Vinegar

White distilled vinegar is a popular choice for cleaning because it is colourless and has a high acidity level, which makes it effective at breaking down stains and removing dirt, grease, and grime. It has a pH level of around 2-3, which is higher than most household cleaners, making it suitable for tackling tough spots. It is important to dilute white vinegar before use, especially when cleaning sensitive surfaces. Additionally, avoid using white vinegar on cast iron as it can cause damage.

Cleaning Vinegar

Cleaning vinegar is formulated specifically for household cleaning and has a higher acidity level than distilled vinegar, typically containing around 6% acid. This makes it even more effective at scrubbing and removing stubborn stains. However, due to its high acidity, cleaning vinegar is not suitable for consumption and should be handled with care. Always wear gloves when using undiluted cleaning vinegar to protect your hands from irritation.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a natural alternative to white vinegar for cleaning. It has the same cleaning properties but with a slightly sweeter scent as it is made by fermenting apple juice. However, due to its darker colour, it is important to dilute apple cider vinegar in water before use to prevent staining. Apple cider vinegar is also believed to have digestive health benefits when diluted and consumed in small amounts.

Other Types of Vinegar

While white distilled vinegar, cleaning vinegar, and apple cider vinegar are the most commonly recommended for cleaning, there are other types of vinegar that can be used as well. These include red or white wine vinegar, rice vinegar, and balsamic vinegar. However, it is important to note that coloured varieties of vinegar may stain surfaces, so it is generally recommended to stick with colourless options.

Using vinegar to clean appliances

Vinegar is a versatile and powerful cleaning agent that can be used to clean a variety of appliances, in addition to pots and pans. Its high acidity, with a pH of between two and three, makes it effective at breaking down stubborn stains, which are usually the result of chared or burnt food. Here are some tips for using vinegar to clean appliances:

Stainless Steel Appliances

Vinegar can be used to clean stainless steel appliances such as refrigerators, ovens, and hobs. Pour white vinegar directly onto the appliance or onto a rag, and wipe down the surface. Vinegar is effective at removing stains and fingerprints from stainless steel. However, be sure to wipe the appliance with a dry cloth afterward to avoid streaks.

Dishwasher

To clean the inside of your dishwasher with vinegar, place a dishwasher-safe container with one cup of white vinegar on the top rack and run it through the hot cycle. This will help to remove hard water buildup and eliminate odours. For best results, sprinkle baking soda along the bottom of the dishwasher and run a short wash cycle afterward.

General Tips

Always be mindful of the materials of your appliances before using vinegar, as it may not be suitable for certain surfaces. For example, vinegar can cause damage to cast iron known as "pitting" if left on for too long. Consult the manufacturer's instructions or recommendations to ensure that vinegar is safe to use on your appliances. Additionally, be sure to use only white vinegar for cleaning purposes, as other types of vinegar may discolour the items you are trying to clean.

Frequently asked questions