Porcelain Pan Cleaning: Tips For Sparkling Cookware

Porcelain and enamel pans are durable and long-lasting, but they can become stained and discoloured over time. Proper cleaning is essential to keeping your pan in good condition. This guide will teach you how to clean your porcelain or enamel pan, removing burnt spots and stains, and restoring its shine. From everyday cleaning to tackling tough stains, you'll be able to make your pan look brand new again.

Removing burnt-on food residue

The Baking Soda and Water Method:

• Start by removing as much food and debris from the pan as possible.
• Create a paste by mixing 3 parts baking soda with 1 part water. Adjust the amounts as needed to cover the burnt portion of the pan. For a pan bottom, try 1 cup of baking soda and 1/3 cup of water.
• Generously apply the paste to the burnt areas of the pan, ensuring it is thick enough to fully coat the surface.
• If you're in a hurry, you can thin the paste with an additional 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water, then boil the pan on the stove. Remove it from the heat as soon as it boils to prevent further burning.
• Let the mixture sit for a few hours or overnight.
• After the waiting period, add more baking soda and scrub the pan with a nylon brush or scouring sponge.
• Wash and dry the pan as you normally would.

The Deglazing Technique:

• Begin by removing as much burnt food and debris from the pan as possible.
• Place the pan back on the stove and heat it until a droplet of water sizzles when dropped onto the surface.
• Add 1 cup of water or a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar to the pan. Use more liquid for larger pots or pans.
• As the liquid simmers, use a spatula or scraper to deglaze the pan, loosening the burnt-on food.
• Pour out the liquid into the sink and do not dry or wipe the pan just yet.
• Sprinkle the bottom of the pan liberally with baking soda and let the pan cool down.
• Using a wet scouring sponge or nylon brush, scrub the pan vigorously to remove any remaining stains or scorch marks.
• Wash and dry the pan as usual once all the stains and burnt bits are gone.

The Baking Soda and Vinegar Method:

• Start by removing as much food and debris from the pan as possible.
• Add enough white vinegar to the pan to cover the bottom with at least 1/2 inch of liquid.
• Boil the vinegar in the pan and let it simmer for a few minutes.
• Remove the pan from the heat and add 1 cup of baking soda. This will create a fizzing reaction, so it's best to do this step in the sink.
• Set the pan 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 needed.
• Rinse and dry the pan thoroughly.

The Baking Soda and Lemon Method:

• Begin by removing as much food and debris from the pan as possible.
• Keep a thin layer of water in the pan and sprinkle the bottom liberally with baking soda.
• Cut a lemon in half and use the flesh side to scour the pan, combining the lemon juice with the baking soda to form a slurry. This mixture may fizz slightly, which is a good sign.
• If your pan has a copper bottom that has become blackened or tarnished, turn the pot upside down and use this method to remove stains and restore shine.
• Follow up by scrubbing the pan with a nylon brush or non-scratching sponge, then rinse and dry as usual.

Using non-scratch sponges

Step 1: Choose the Right Sponge

Select a non-scratch sponge that is specifically designed for cleaning non-stick cookware. Look for sponges labelled as "non-scratch" or "safe for non-stick surfaces." These sponges are usually made from soft materials such as recycled plant fibres, microfiber, or natural sponges. Avoid using heavy-duty or abrasive sponges, as they can scratch and damage the porcelain coating.

Step 2: Prepare the Sponge

Before using the sponge, ensure that it is clean and damp. Rinse the sponge with warm water to remove any dirt or debris that may be trapped in its surface. Squeeze out any excess water so that the sponge is damp but not dripping.

Step 3: Apply a Mild Cleaning Agent

If your porcelain pan has stubborn stains or burnt-on food, you can apply a mild cleaning agent to the sponge. Mild dish soap is a good option, as it is gentle yet effective. You can also use a paste made from baking soda and water, or a small amount of liquid or powdered Bar Keeper's Friend. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the porcelain coating.

Step 4: Gently Scrub the Pan

Using gentle circular motions, scrub the surface of the porcelain pan with the sponge. Focus on areas with stubborn stains or burnt-on food. Apply light pressure to avoid scratching the surface. Rinse the sponge frequently during the scrubbing process to remove any loosened food particles.

Step 5: Rinse and Dry the Pan

Once you have finished scrubbing the pan, rinse it thoroughly with warm water to remove any remaining food particles and cleaning agents. Use a soft, clean cloth to dry the pan completely. Ensure that all surfaces of the pan are dry before storing it away.

By following these steps and using non-scratch sponges, you can effectively clean your porcelain pan while preserving its smooth, non-stick surface. Remember to always treat your porcelain cookware with care to maintain its durability and longevity.

Bleach-free cleansers

Hand-Washing

Before washing your porcelain pan, let it cool down to room temperature to avoid thermal shock and potential warping or cracking. Then, fill your sink or a dishpan with warm water and add a few squirts of dish soap. Submerge the pan and use a non-abrasive sponge or soft dishcloth to clean it. Rinse the pan with warm water and dry it with a soft dishtowel or let it air-dry.

Removing Hardened Food with Baking Soda

If food is burnt and stuck to the pan, let the pan soak in warm, soapy water for at least 30 minutes. Then, dip a damp sponge into baking soda and scrub away any remaining food bits. You can also add some white vinegar to the baking soda paste to create a bubbling action that loosens burnt-on food. Rinse and dry the pan after removing the food.

For very stubborn food, create a mixture of 2 cups water and 1/2 cup vinegar and pour it into the pan. Let it soak overnight or put it on the stove and heat it to a boil for a few minutes. Allow the pan to cool before scrubbing.

Removing Discoloration with Hydrogen Peroxide

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

Removing Scuff Marks with a Powdered Cleanser

To remove scuff marks and scratches, use a powdered cleanser with abrasive minerals such as oxalic acid powder (e.g., Bar Keeper's Friend). Sprinkle some powder into the pan and add enough water to coat the surface. Wait about 10 minutes, then gently buff out the stains with a non-scratch sponge or microfiber cloth.

Removing Grease with a Dryer Sheet

To remove grease and grit, place a dryer sheet at the bottom of the pan and pour about 1 cup of hot water over it to submerge it. Wait 3 hours, then drain the dirty water and let the pan air-dry for 24 hours before rinsing.

Preventative Maintenance

To maintain your porcelain pan, use plastic, wood, nylon, or silicone utensils to avoid scratches. Store your pan carefully to prevent scuff marks, and season your pan with oil to restore its non-stick qualities.

Soaking in warm, soapy water

Similarly, for pans, a warm, soapy water soak can help to loosen stubborn stains and baked-on food. Allow any stained areas to soak for at least 30 minutes, then gently scrub with a soft sponge to remove any discolouration or stains. If the stain persists, use a plastic spatula to gently lift the stain until it loosens and can be cleaned away.

It is important to note that porcelain can scratch easily, so avoid using metal scrapers or scrubbers, as these will damage the surface. Instead, opt for plastic or nylon tools when cleaning porcelain.

Baking soda paste

Porcelain pans are beautiful, durable, and heat-efficient, but they require a lot of care. Here is a step-by-step guide to cleaning porcelain pans with a baking soda paste:

Preparing the Baking Soda Paste

In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of baking soda with 1 tablespoon of water. Stir the mixture until a thick paste forms. You can adjust the consistency by adding more water or baking soda as needed.

Applying the Paste to the Pan

Spread the baking soda paste evenly over the surface of the porcelain pan, including the sides and bottom. Allow the paste to sit for 15-20 minutes. This gives the baking soda time to penetrate and loosen any stains or burnt-on food.

Scrubbing the Pan

Using a soft sponge or cloth, gently scrub the baking soda paste into the pan. Avoid using abrasive scrubbers or steel wool, as they can scratch the porcelain surface. Scrub in a circular motion, applying light pressure.

Rinsing and Drying the Pan

Rinse the pan thoroughly with warm water to remove all traces of baking soda. Use a clean sponge or cloth to wipe away any remaining residue. Finally, dry the pan completely with a soft cloth to prevent water spots from forming.

Tackling Tough Stains

For particularly stubborn stains, create a 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 the area with a soft sponge or cloth and rinse thoroughly.

Maintenance Tips

To maintain the pristine condition of your porcelain pan, clean it after each use to prevent stains from setting in. Avoid using metal utensils, as they can scratch the surface. If food does get burnt on, allow the pan to cool before attempting to remove it with the baking soda paste.

Frequently asked questions