Tiffany Haney
Burnt pots and pans are a common problem in the kitchen, and the bottom of the cookware often bears the brunt of the damage. The stains on the bottom of pots and pans are usually a combination of soot and oils that have accumulated during cooking. If left uncleaned, burnt grease can hinder proper heating when cooking and even pose a fire hazard. To avoid this, there are several cleaning methods to remove dirt and stains from the bottom of pans, including using commercial cleaners, natural ingredients like lemons and baking soda, and ensuring that pans are cleaned and dried properly after each use.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cleaning products | Vinegar, lemon juice, baking soda, ketchup, cream of tartar, Barkeeper's Friend, Alka-Seltzer, salt, water, commercial cleaner, degreaser |
| Cleaning tools | Non-scratch sponge, scourer, pot brush, copper cloth, scrubbing pad, steel wool, paper towel |
| Cleaning methods | Boil water in the pan, pour water onto the pan, scrub, soak, sprinkle, rinse, repeat |
| Preventative measures | Line pans with aluminium foil, use nonstick cooking spray, avoid high temperatures, stir food, dry food before searing |
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What You'll Learn
Use baking soda and vinegar
Baking soda and vinegar are effective, inexpensive, and eco-friendly ingredients to clean your pans. They can be used to clean a variety of pans, including stainless steel, cast iron, and non-stick pans. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use these ingredients to keep your pans clean and dirt-free:
Prepare the Pan:
Start by discarding any leftover food or residue from the pan. Rinse the pan with warm water to remove loose debris. For burnt-on food or tough stains, you may need to remove as much of the burnt food and debris as possible before proceeding.
Apply the Vinegar:
For mild stains, spray a vinegar solution generously onto the stained areas of the pan. You can use equal parts vinegar and water, or for more stubborn stains, use a mixture of half water and half vinegar. White vinegar is the most commonly used type, but apple cider vinegar can also be effective.
Soak the Pan:
Let the pan soak in the vinegar solution for a few minutes to several hours, depending on the severity of the stains. For cast iron pans, submerge the pan completely in the vinegar and water mixture and soak for about eight hours. Avoid using raw vinegar for cast iron, as it can damage the pan's seasoning.
Add Baking Soda:
Once the pan has soaked, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the surface. For pans with severe stains, create a paste by mixing equal parts vinegar and baking soda, and apply this paste to the surface of the pan. Let the mixture sit for about 10 to 30 minutes.
Scrub the Pan:
After the soaking and sitting periods, use a scrub brush or sponge to gently scrub the pan in circular motions. For non-stick pans, avoid using abrasive scrub brushes, as they may scratch the coating. Instead, opt for a soft sponge or brush with soft bristles.
Rinse and Dry:
Finally, rinse the pan thoroughly with warm water to remove any remaining residue. Dry the pan with a clean towel or let it air dry naturally.
By following these steps and regularly cleaning your pans with baking soda and vinegar, you can effectively remove dirt, grease, and burnt-on food, keeping your pans looking brand new.
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Use lemons
Lemons are a great natural ingredient to use for cleaning, but they should not be used on certain surfaces. For example, lemon juice should not be used on wooden cutting boards as it can warp the wood fibres, making them harder to clean. Lemon juice should also not be used on rubber seals, plastic cutting boards, or chrome surfaces as it can break down the rubber, be absorbed into the plastic, and cause spotting and corrosion on chrome. In addition, lemon juice should not be used to clean cast iron pans as it will remove the seasoning and cause the pan to rust.
However, lemons can be used to clean stainless steel pans. To do this, place a tea towel on your countertop, large enough to fit the size of the pan you are cleaning. Hold the pan over the sink and carefully pour hot water over the back of it. Do not wipe off the water. Place the pan upside down on the tea towel and sprinkle baking soda over the back of the pan. Let the solution sit for 10-20 minutes for lighter stains, and longer for tougher stains. Next, squeeze the juice of a lemon over the pan, using more if needed. You should hear it sizzle. Use a wet pot brush or copper cloth to scour the dirt off the pan. Finally, rinse the pan and clean it with washing-up liquid.
Another method for cleaning stainless steel pans with lemons involves boiling the lemon in the pan. Cut one or two halves of a lemon and submerge them in water in the pan. Bring the water to a boil and let the lemons boil for about 10 minutes. Once the water is cool enough to handle, pour it out and use the leftover lemons and juice to rub the sides and bottom of the pan. Then, use a scourer to wipe away any remaining stains and rinse the pan under warm water. Finish by cleaning the pan with washing-up liquid and a sponge.
Lemons can also be used to clean microwaves, taps, and toilets.
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Avoid high temperatures
While high temperatures can cause dirt to accumulate under pans, there are several ways to avoid this issue. Firstly, it is important to note that different types of pans have varying temperature tolerances. For example, ceramic non-stick pans typically operate best under low to medium temperatures, with most managing temperatures up to 500°F. Exceeding this temperature threshold can cause the non-stick coating to burn and potentially release toxic fumes. Additionally, high heat causes food to stick to the pan due to thermocapillary convection, where focused heat makes the oil in the centre of the pan move outward.
To avoid dirt under ceramic pans, it is recommended to always lubricate the pan with oil or fat before cooking. Oils with high smoke points, such as vegetable, avocado, or canola oil, are ideal. Proper heating and a thin layer of oil can create a barrier that prevents food from sticking to the pan. This can be achieved by slowly heating the oil in the pan on an oven or stovetop. Once the oil begins to smoke, remove it from the heat and let it cool down before wiping away the excess oil.
Stainless steel pans, on the other hand, can be used on all types of hobs and in ovens. To avoid dirt, it is recommended to heat them properly, creating a temporary non-stick surface. Similar to ceramic pans, a thin layer of oil on the pan's surface can prevent stickiness. Additionally, stainless steel pans may develop a blue-ish, prismatic "heat tint" due to high temperatures activating the chromium content. While this tint does not affect the pan's function, it can be removed by applying vinegar and then washing the pan with washing-up liquid.
In general, it is important to avoid dry heating, where the pan is exposed to an active stovetop without oil or fat. Excessive heat of any temperature will gradually degrade the coating of the pan. Therefore, it is crucial to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for temperature ranges and avoid sudden temperature changes, especially with ceramic pans, as they have a tendency to warp.
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Use non-scratch sponges
When cleaning your pans, it's important to use the correct tools to avoid causing any damage. Non-stick pans, in particular, require gentle treatment to maintain their non-stick properties.
Non-scratch sponges are ideal for cleaning pans, as they won't damage the surface. They are designed with a soft, non-abrasive scouring side that effectively removes dirt and grime without scratching. This makes them perfect for cleaning cookware, especially non-stick pans, without ruining the finish.
Scotch-Brite, for example, offers a range of non-scratch scrub sponges that are safe to use on non-stick pans. These sponges are durable and can even be put in the microwave to sanitise them. They are also versatile and can be used for cleaning various other items in your kitchen, such as glasses, dishes, and countertops.
When using a non-scratch sponge to clean your pans, it's important to follow the correct cleaning procedure. For burnt-on food, it's best to soak the pan in water first to loosen the residue. Then, use hot water and soap with your non-scratch sponge to wipe away any remaining grime. For tougher stains, you can try using natural ingredients like baking soda and lemon juice, followed by scouring with a non-scratch sponge.
By using non-scratch sponges and following the appropriate cleaning methods, you can effectively remove dirt from your pans without causing any scratches or damage to the surface.
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Dry your pans before storing
Drying your pans before storing them is essential to prevent dirt from accumulating underneath them. Leaving your pans to air dry is not enough, as residual water can leave hard water stains or cause rusting. To dry your pans, use a clean microfiber towel, a dish towel, or a rag. You can also use paper towels or paper napkins, which are especially useful for cast-iron frying pans and other oily cookware. Make sure to dry your pans immediately after washing them to avoid water spots and keep them away from moisture and humidity.
It is important to note that different types of pans require different drying techniques. For stainless steel pans, it is recommended to use a microfiber cloth to prevent smudges or water marks. You can also sprinkle baking soda on a damp sponge and wipe the pan to remove smaller water spots. Cast-iron pans, on the other hand, should be dried with a paper towel or a rag to remove any excess oil.
If you are using a non-stick pan, it is crucial to avoid scratching the surface. Use a soft microfiber cloth or a dish towel to dry these pans. Hang your non-stick pans to dry, or stack them with a cloth or trivet between each layer.
Additionally, always ensure your pans are completely dry before storing them. You can use an oven or stove to quickly dry the pans with heat. Store your pans in a dry and clean place, such as a cupboard, a pegboard, or a hanging rack. Avoid storing them on the stovetop, as they can get splattered by grease and food.
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Frequently asked questions
To avoid dirt under your pans, line them with aluminium foil, parchment, or wax paper. Alternatively, use a nonstick cooking spray for certain recipes to avoid food from sticking to the pan.
To clean dirt from the bottom of your pans, you can use a combination of vinegar and baking soda. For tough stains, add a dash of cleansing powder like Bon Ami, Zud, or Bar Keepers Friend.
A good home remedy to clean pan bottoms is to boil water and lemon halves in the pan. Once the water is cool, pour it out and use the lemon halves to scrub the pan.
Avoid using steel wool and abrasive cleaners on ceramic pans, non-stick pans, cast iron coated pans, and similar materials. Do not use abrasive sponges on cast iron as it will ruin the seasoning. Also, avoid placing your pots and pans in the dishwasher as it can ruin them.
