Porcelain Pan Cleaning: Easy Steps For Sparkling Cookware

Porcelain pans are a great addition to your kitchen, but they can be a pain to clean. With the right tools and techniques, you can keep your porcelain pan looking brand new. In this guide, we will teach you how to remove stubborn stains and burnt food without damaging the delicate porcelain surface. We will also offer tips on how to prevent scratches and discolouration, so you can enjoy your pan for years to come.

Removing burnt-on food residue

To remove burnt-on food residue from a porcelain pan, you can try the following methods:

Soaking in Hot Water

Soaking a burnt porcelain pan in hot water can help loosen burnt-on food residue. However, hot water alone might not be strong enough to remove stubborn burnt-on food. Therefore, it is recommended to add common household cleaners such as baking soda, vinegar, or lemon juice to the hot water to boost their cleaning power.

Deglazing Technique

This technique involves loosening the burnt-on food residue by heating the pan with water or a mixture of water and vinegar until it boils. Then, use a spatula or scraper to deglaze the bottom of the pan, loosening the burnt bits. After pouring out the liquid, sprinkle the bottom of the pan with baking soda and let it cool. Finally, scrub the pan vigorously with a wet scouring sponge or nylon brush, and wash and dry as usual.

Baking Soda and Water Method

Create a paste by mixing baking soda and water, and apply it liberally to the burnt areas of the pan. Let the paste sit for a few hours or overnight, then scrub the pan with a nylon brush or scouring sponge. If you're in a hurry, you can thin the paste with a small amount of water, heat the pan on the stove until it boils, and then scrub and wipe away the burnt residue.

Baking Soda and Vinegar Method

For more heavy-duty cleaning, combine white vinegar and baking soda to break down burnt-on food. First, remove as much food residue as possible from the pan. Then, add enough vinegar to cover the bottom of the pan with at least 1/2 inch of liquid and bring it to a boil. Simmer for a few minutes before removing from the heat. Next, add 1 cup of baking soda, which will create a fizzing reaction. Once the fizzing stops, discard the liquid and scrub the pan with a nylon scrub brush or scouring sponge, adding more baking soda if needed. Finally, rinse and dry the pan.

Baking Soda and Lemon Method

Lemons are an effective way to clean and shine stainless steel or copper cookware. For this method, keep a thin layer of water in the pan and sprinkle baking soda liberally onto the surface. Cut a lemon in half and use the flesh side to scour the pan, combining the acidic lemon juice with the alkaline baking soda. This combination may create a slight fizzing reaction, which is normal and helps loosen burnt-on food.

Using non-scratch sponges

To clean a porcelain pan, it is important to use non-scratch sponges to prevent any damage to the pan's surface. Here are some detailed steps on how to effectively clean your porcelain pan using non-scratch sponges:

Firstly, fill the pan with liquid before cleaning to prevent chipping. Then, remove any loose debris or food residue from the pan by wiping it down with a damp cloth or sponge. Be sure to use a non-scratch sponge or a soft cloth to avoid scratching the porcelain surface. You can also use a plastic knife or scraper to gently scrape away any heavy food residue.

For everyday cleaning, wash the pan with hot water and a mild dish soap. Use a non-scratch scrubbing sponge or brush to gently clean the pan. Avoid using steel wool or metal scrubbers as they can cause scratches. If you have stubborn burnt spots or stains, create a paste by mixing baking soda and water. Apply this paste to the affected areas and scrub gently with your non-scratch sponge. Alternatively, you can try using liquid or powdered Bar Keeper's Friend, which is effective in removing stains.

After scrubbing, rinse the pan thoroughly with warm water and dry it with a clean cloth or sponge. Ensure that all residue is removed and the pan is completely dry before storing it away. Remember to always be gentle when cleaning porcelain to prevent scratches and maintain its shiny appearance.

By following these steps and using non-scratch sponges, you can effectively clean your porcelain pan, removing any stains or burnt spots while preserving the condition of the pan.

Bleach-free cleansers

Bleach is a powerful cleaning agent, but it's not always the best choice for certain materials, like porcelain. If you're looking to clean your porcelain pans without bleach, there are several effective methods you can use. Here are some detailed, bleach-free suggestions to get your porcelain pans sparkling clean:

Wash with Soapy Water:

Always let your porcelain pan cool down to room temperature before cleaning. Then, fill your sink or a large dishpan with warm water and add a few squirts of mild dish soap. Submerge the pan and use a non-abrasive sponge or a soft dishcloth to gently clean all surfaces. Rinse the pan with warm water and dry it with a soft dishtowel, or let it air-dry on a dish rack. Avoid using steel wool, abrasive nylon pads, or metal scouring pads, as these can scratch and damage the porcelain surface.

Remove Hardened Food with Baking Soda:

For stubborn, burnt-on food, let the pan soak in warm, soapy water for about 30 minutes. Then, dip a damp sponge into baking soda and scrub away any remaining food particles. You can also make a paste by mixing baking soda with a little water and apply it directly to the stains. For tougher stains, add some white vinegar to the paste, which will create a bubbling action to help loosen the burnt-on food. Rinse the pan thoroughly and dry it with a soft cloth.

Buff Off Mild Stains with Salt:

If you're dealing with mild stains or grease spots, try using salt as a natural scrubbing agent. Pour warm water into the pan and add a generous amount of salt—about 5–6 tablespoons. Let the mixture sit for 20–30 minutes, then add a couple of drops of mild dish detergent. Use a non-scratch scrub sponge or a soft microfiber cloth to gently rub down the pan until the stains are gone.

Remove Discoloration with Vinegar:

To tackle tougher stains and discolouration, combine equal parts white vinegar and water in your pan and place it on the stove. Bring the mixture to a boil for a few minutes, then turn off the heat and let the pan cool down. The acidic vinegar solution will help break down the stains. Once the pan is cool, use a soft sponge to scrub away any remaining residue.

Use Enzyme Cleaners for Grease Build-Up:

If your porcelain pan has a lot of grease build-up, you can use an enzyme cleaner to break down the crust and dissolve the residue. Spray the affected areas with an enzyme cleaner and wait for a few minutes. Then, dampen a non-scratch sponge with water and dish soap and wipe down the pan. Finally, dry the pan with a microfiber cloth.

Preventative Maintenance:

To keep your porcelain pans in good condition, it's important to take preventative measures. Always allow the pan to cool down before cleaning and avoid stacking them without pads to prevent scratches. Use plastic, wood, nylon, or silicone utensils to avoid scratching the porcelain surface. Additionally, when cooking without liquid, use very low heat to prevent burning and discolouration.

Baking soda paste

Porcelain pans are beautiful, durable, and heat-efficient, but they do require careful cleaning. Baking soda is a great option for cleaning porcelain pans as it is a non-toxic, alkalizing abrasive cleanser that will not damage the surface of your pan. Here is a step-by-step guide to cleaning your porcelain pan with a baking soda paste:

Preparing the Baking Soda Paste

To make the baking soda paste, combine 3 tablespoons of baking soda with 1 tablespoon of water in a small bowl. Stir the mixture until it forms a thick paste. You can adjust the measurements as needed to ensure you have enough paste to cover the surface of your pan, including the sides and bottom.

Applying the Paste

Once you have your paste, spread it evenly over the surface of the pan. Allow the paste to sit for 15-20 minutes. This gives the baking soda time to work on any stains or burnt-on food. The alkaline nature of baking soda will help neutralize acids, making it effective in removing stains and grease.

Scrubbing the Pan

After letting the paste sit, use a soft sponge or cloth to gently scrub the baking soda paste into the pan. Avoid using abrasive scrubbers or steel wool, as these can scratch the porcelain surface. Rinse the pan thoroughly with warm water to remove all traces of the baking soda paste. Use a clean sponge or cloth to wipe away any remaining residue.

Tackling Tough Stains

If you have particularly stubborn stains, you can create a more potent paste using equal parts baking soda and white vinegar. Apply this paste to the stained area and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Then, gently scrub and rinse thoroughly.

Drying the Pan

Use a clean cloth to dry the pan completely after rinsing. This will prevent water spots from forming and ensure your porcelain pan is ready for its next use.

Maintenance Tips

To keep your porcelain pan in pristine condition, it is recommended to clean it after each use or at least once a week. Always avoid using metal utensils as they can scratch the surface. If food does get burnt on, let the pan cool before attempting to clean it with the baking soda paste method described above.

Additionally, you can season your porcelain pan occasionally with a thin layer of oil to protect the surface and prevent food from sticking. Store your pan in a dry place to prevent rust.

Lemon juice

To clean a porcelain pan with lemon juice, start by squeezing the juice of half a lemon into the pan. You can also rub the lemon around the bottom and sides of the pan for extra shine. Next, fill the pan with warm, soapy water and let it soak while you eat. After dinner, sprinkle some baking soda on top of the pan and squeeze the other half of the lemon on top. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes, then wipe the pan clean. The acid from the lemon juice will banish the grease for good, and the baking soda will help to remove any remaining burnt-on food.

Frequently asked questions