The Best Way To Clean A Ceramic Pan

Keeping your ceramic pans clean is essential to maintaining their non-stick surface and extending their lifespan. Here are some tips to help you clean your ceramic pans effectively:

- Always allow your ceramic pan to cool down before washing it to prevent thermal shock and maintain the non-stick surface.

- Hand-wash the pan with warm, soapy water using a soft sponge or cloth. Avoid using steel wool, abrasive nylon, metal pads, or harsh chemical cleaners as they can damage the surface.

- For burnt-on food, let the pan soak in warm, soapy water for a while before scrubbing. You can also use a paste of baking soda and water to remove stubborn stains.

- Avoid using metal utensils with ceramic pans as they can chip off the non-stick coating.

- To remove discolouration, soak the pan in hydrogen peroxide for about 30 minutes, then rinse and dry.

- Store your ceramic pans properly to avoid scratches on the surface.

Always let the pan cool down before cleaning

When cleaning a ceramic pan, it is important to always let the pan cool down before cleaning. This is because ceramic coatings do not respond well to quick, drastic changes in temperature. A rapid change in temperature can cause thermal shock, which can ruin your pan over time. This is true for all types of pans, whether stainless steel, non-stick, or cast iron.

Thermal shock can cause warping and cracking in your pan. This can lead to an uneven cooking surface, with hot and cold spots that affect the performance of your pan. The pan may also become wobbly and no longer sit flat on the stovetop.

To avoid thermal shock, let your pan cool down naturally before cleaning it with cold water. This allows the pan to return to its original condition gradually. Placing your pan on a trivet or another heat-proof surface is a good way to let it cool down safely. If you are using a granite countertop, make sure to wipe it clean first to avoid any accidental water puddles.

Gradual cooling is especially important for thin non-stick pans and cookware made with glass or stoneware, as they are more susceptible to thermal shock. While thicker, well-constructed pans are less likely to warp, it is still best to let them cool down before cleaning.

By letting your ceramic pan cool down before cleaning, you can help maintain its integrity and functionality over time. This simple step can make a big difference in preserving the lifespan and aesthetic appeal of your cookware.

Wash with warm, soapy water and a soft sponge

To clean a ceramic pan, it is important to first let the pan cool down to room temperature. This is because ceramic pans do not respond well to quick, drastic changes in temperature. Once the pan is cool, you can begin the cleaning process.

Fill your sink or a large dishpan with warm water and add a few squirts of mild dish soap. Submerge the ceramic pan in the soapy water and use a soft sponge or dishcloth to gently clean the surfaces. It is important to avoid using steel wool, abrasive nylon, metal pads, or abrasive cleaners as these can cause scratches and damage the non-stick coating.

After cleaning the pan, rinse it thoroughly with warm water and dry it with a soft dish towel or allow it to air dry on a dish rack. This gentle cleaning process will help maintain the integrity of the non-stick surface and keep your ceramic pan looking like new.

In addition to regular cleaning, it is recommended to periodically examine the cookware surface for any brown discoloration or stains. If you notice any stains or discolouration, you can create a paste or mixture of baking soda and water to gently scrub and remove the stains. Alternatively, you can use a mixture of vinegar and water to remove exterior stains and restore shine.

Remove tough stains with baking soda

To remove tough stains from a ceramic pan, you can use baking soda, which has mild abrasive properties and can help neutralise acidic burnt foods. It can also be combined with an acid, such as vinegar or lemon juice, to create a fizzing reaction that helps loosen burnt food.

The Deglazing Technique

First, remove as much burnt food and debris from the pan as possible. Then, put the pan back on the stove and heat it until a droplet of water sizzles. Add a cup of water or a mixture of half water and half white vinegar to the hot pan and let it boil. As the liquid simmers, use a spatula or scraper to deglaze the bottom of the pan, loosening the bits of burnt food. Pour the liquid into the sink and do not dry or wipe the pan. Sprinkle the bottom of the pan liberally with baking soda and let the pan cool. Using a wet scouring sponge or nylon brush, scrub the pot bottom vigorously. Finally, wash and dry the pan as usual.

The Baking Soda and Water Method

Remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible. Make a paste of three parts baking soda to one part water. Make enough to cover the scorched portion of the pan. Liberally apply the paste to the burnt pan. Alternatively, cover the bottom of the pan with a thin layer of warm water, then add enough baking soda to create a paste. Let the mixture sit for a few hours or overnight, then scrub with a nylon brush or scouring sponge. If you don't want to wait, add a quarter to a half cup of water to thin the paste, then put the pan on the stove and let it come to a boil. Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool before wiping or scrubbing to remove the scorched bits.

The Baking Soda and Vinegar Method

Remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible. Add enough white vinegar to cover the bottom of the pan with at least half an inch of liquid. Boil the vinegar in the pan and let it simmer for a few minutes. Remove from the heat and add a cup of baking soda, which will create a fizzing reaction. Set the pot aside and wait until the fizzing and bubbling stop. Discard the liquid and scrub the pan with a nylon scrub brush or scouring sponge, adding more baking soda if necessary. Rinse and dry the pan.

The Baking Soda and Lemon Method

Remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible. Keep a thin layer of water in the pan, then sprinkle the bottom liberally with baking soda. Cut a lemon in half and use the fleshy side to scour the pan with the baking soda slurry. The combination of the acidic lemon juice and the alkaline baking soda may fizz slightly. If your pan has a copper bottom that has become blackened or tarnished, turn the pot upside down and use this method to remove the stains and restore the shine.

Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive pads

When cleaning a ceramic pan, it's important to remember that less is more. Ceramic pans are durable but not indestructible, so it's best to avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive pads when cleaning them. Here's why, and what you can do instead:

Avoid Abrasive Pads

Abrasive pads, such as steel wool, metal pads, or nylon scourers, can cause minute scratches on the surface of your ceramic pan. While these scratches may seem insignificant, they can damage the non-stick coating over time, making your pan more prone to sticking and burning. Instead, opt for a non-abrasive sponge or a soft dishcloth to clean your pan. These materials are gentle on the surface of your pan and will effectively remove any food particles or residue without causing scratches.

Avoid Harsh Chemicals

Harsh chemical cleaners can also damage the non-stick coating of your ceramic pan. It's best to avoid using them as they can erode the coating over time. Instead, stick to mild dish soap and soft cleaning tools, such as sponges or soft-bristled brushes, to preserve the surface of your pan. For particularly stubborn stains, a paste made from baking soda and water can be gently applied to the affected area. This mild abrasive action will help lift stains without damaging the pan.

Other Things to Keep in Mind

In addition to avoiding abrasive pads and harsh chemicals, there are a few other things to keep in mind when cleaning your ceramic pan:

• Always allow your ceramic pan to cool down completely before washing it. Ceramic coatings do not respond well to quick, drastic changes in temperature, so giving it a few minutes to cool down will help prevent thermal shock and maintain the integrity of the non-stick surface.
• Fill your sink or a dishpan with warm water and a mild dish soap. Submerge your ceramic pan and use a non-abrasive sponge or soft dishcloth to clean all surfaces. Then, rinse the pan with warm water and dry it with a soft dish towel or allow it to air dry.
• For burnt-on food, let your pan soak in warm, soapy water for at least 30 minutes before scrubbing gently with a non-abrasive sponge. If the food is still stuck, you can create a paste with baking soda and water and apply it to the affected area. Let it sit for a few hours or overnight, then rinse and wash your pan as usual.
• For exterior stains, a mixture of vinegar and water can help remove them and restore shine. Just be sure to rinse thoroughly and dry the pan completely to prevent any damage to the exterior finish.
• Properly store your ceramic pans to avoid scratches. Avoid stacking them directly on top of each other, and instead, use pan protectors or storage racks to separate them.

Store pans properly to avoid scratches

To store ceramic pans properly and avoid scratches, you should avoid stacking them directly on top of each other. Instead, use pan protectors or storage racks to separate them. This small step can significantly extend the life of your cookware.

If you don't have access to pan protectors or storage racks, you can use paper towels or dish towels as a barrier between stacked cookware. These protective layers will help prevent scratches and scuffs caused by the inevitable bump and slide of heavy cookware.

Another option for storing your pans to avoid scratches is to hang them on a pot rack. Pot racks come in many forms, but they all have hooks for cookware handles. Hanging pans on a rack eliminates the danger of scrapes and dings, as long as there's enough space between items. Suitable spots for a pot rack include above kitchen islands and along walls over the sink.

If you have limited kitchen space, consider mounting a pegboard to the wall. Pegboards are flat sections of wood or metal perforated with holes or slots that allow you to hang cookware. This is a great way to turn unused wall space into a spot for pots, pans, lids, and utensils.

By using these storage methods, you can help extend the life of your ceramic pans and avoid scratches that can damage the non-stick surface.

Frequently asked questions