The Always Pan: Easy Cleaning And Care Tips

The Always Pan is a non-stick, multi-purpose pan that has gained popularity through influencer marketing. It is marketed as a replacement for eight traditional pieces of cookware. However, it has received mixed reviews, with some users reporting that the non-stick coating wears off after a few months of use. To clean the Always Pan, it is recommended to wash it by hand with warm, soapy water and avoid using abrasive sponges or metal pads.

Use a gentle dish soap and a microfiber cloth to wash the pan

When it comes to cleaning your Always Pan, it's important to take a gentle and meticulous approach to ensure its longevity. Here are some detailed instructions on how to clean your pan using a gentle dish soap and a microfiber cloth:

Step 1: Fill Your Pan with Hot Water

Firstly, fill your Always Pan about a third of the way with hot water. Hot water is effective at loosening and removing stuck-on food and stubborn stains. It's important to note that you should avoid putting your Always Pan in the dishwasher, as machine washing can scratch and damage the pan's non-stick coating.

Step 2: Add a Mild Dish Soap

Add two drops of a mild liquid dish soap to the hot water. You can gently mix the soap and water together with your microfiber cloth or a non-abrasive sponge. Avoid using abrasive sponges or steel wool, as these can scratch and damage the pan's coating.

Step 3: Let it Soak and Then Scrub

Let the hot soapy water sit in the pan for a few minutes. This will help loosen any stuck-on food and make it easier to clean. After a few minutes, use your microfiber cloth or sponge to gently scrub the inside and outside of the pan. Pay extra attention to spots with stubborn, stuck-on food or particularly dirty areas.

Step 4: Rinse and Dry

Once you've scrubbed the pan, it's time to rinse. Hold the pan under running water, ensuring that it's not too hot, and thoroughly rinse away all the soap suds. Rinsing your pan well is crucial, as any soap residue can affect the taste of your food the next time you use the pan. Finally, dry the pan with a clean microfiber cloth or a soft dish towel. Ensure that you dry both the inside and outside of the pan thoroughly to prevent water spots and streaking.

Tips for Maintaining Your Always Pan:

• Clean your Always Pan promptly after each use. The longer you let food and grease sit on the pan, the harder it will be to remove.
• Avoid using abrasive cleaning tools like steel wool or scouring pads, as these can scratch and damage the pan's coating.
• For burnt-on food or tougher stains, try filling the pan with hot water and a quarter cup of baking soda. Put it back on the stove and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes. Then, wash the pan with mild dish soap and warm water as usual.

Avoid using abrasive and metal pads to scrub the pan

To clean an Always Pan, it is important to avoid using abrasive and metal pads to scrub the pan. While scouring pads are the preferred scrubbing solution in commercial kitchens, they are too harsh for cleaning Always Pans. These pans are designed with a non-stick coating , which can be damaged by abrasive and metal scrubbers.

Instead, it is recommended to use a non-scratch sponge or a soft scouring pad, such as a Dobie pad, to clean Always Pans. These pads require more effort but will effectively remove stains without damaging the pan's non-stick surface.

It is also important to note that placing Always Pans in the dishwasher is not recommended, as it can ruin them, especially those with cast iron and non-stick surfaces.

• Use a spatula or paper towel to remove excess oil from the pan after cooking.
• Deglaze the pan by adding some hot water. Cleaning a hot pan is easier, and hot water will not damage it.
• Use a long-handled dish brush to loosen any bits of stuck-on food.
• For tougher stains, create a paste or slurry with baking soda and water. Apply it to the stained areas and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing with a non-scratch sponge.
• Rinse the pan with water and dry it off with a clean, absorbent towel.

By following these steps and avoiding abrasive and metal pads, you can effectively clean your Always Pan and maintain its non-stick surface.

Clean the pan immediately after use

To clean the Always Pan immediately after use, it is recommended to soak the pan for at least 10 minutes with some dish soap and warm water. This will make it easier to clean. You can then use a brush to scrub the pan.

It is important to note that the Always Pan is not oven-safe, so it should not be placed in the oven for cleaning or any other purpose.

Additionally, metal utensils can damage the non-stick coating, so it is best to avoid using them with the Always Pan. Instead, use non-scratch sponges or brushes to clean the pan and protect the coating.

For tougher stains, a paste made from baking soda and water can be applied to the pan and left for a few minutes before scrubbing with a soft sponge. This technique may require some elbow grease but can effectively remove stains from the pan's exterior.

Remember to always clean your Always Pan promptly after use to prevent stains and buildup, ensuring its longevity and maintaining its aesthetic appeal.

Use baking soda to remove cooked-on grime

Baking soda is a great option for cleaning your Always Pan. It is a non-toxic, inexpensive household ingredient with mild abrasive properties. Its alkaline pH can help neutralise acidic burnt foods. It can also combine with an acid, such as vinegar or lemon juice, to create a fizzing reaction that helps loosen burnt food.

The Deglazing Technique

• Remove as much burnt food and debris from the pan as possible.
• Put the pan back on the stove and heat until a droplet of water sizzles.
• Add 1 cup of water or a mixture of 1/2 water and 1/2 white vinegar to the hot pan and allow to boil. Use more liquid if you have a large pot or pan.
• As the liquid simmers, use a spatula or scraper to deglaze the bottom of the pan, loosening 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.
• Wash and dry as normal once all stains and scorched bits have been removed.

The Baking Soda & Water Method

• Remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible.
• Make a paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. Make enough to cover the scorched portion of the pan. For a full pot bottom, try 1 cup of baking soda and 1/3 cup of water.
• Liberally apply the paste to the burnt pan. It should be thick enough to coat fully.
• 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 add more baking soda and scrub with a nylon brush or scour sponge.
• If you don't want to wait, add another 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water to thin the paste, then put the pan on the stove and let it come to a boil. Remove it from the heat quickly—you don't want it to burn again! Let the pan cool and wipe or scrub to remove the scorched bits.

The Baking Soda & 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 1/2 inch of liquid.
• Boil the vinegar in the pan and let it simmer for a few minutes.
• Remove from heat and add 1 cup of baking soda. You will get a fizzing reaction. It might be best to do this in the sink.
• Set the pot aside and wait until all the fizzing and bubbling dies down.
• Discard the liquid and scrub the pan with a nylon scrub brush or scour sponge, adding more baking soda as necessary.
• Rinse clean and dry.

The Baking Soda & 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 flesh 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. This is a good thing!
• Remove burnt food and stains on a non-stick or ceramic pan.
• Method 1: Cover the bottom of the pan with a thin layer of warm water, then sprinkle the pot with baking soda to create a paste. Let the mixture rest for several hours or overnight, then scrub with warm water and a non-stick surface-safe sponge or nylon brush.
• Method 2: Bring a solution of 1/2 cup water and 4 tablespoons of baking soda just to a boil. Remove from heat and let the pan rest until it is cool. Add more baking soda and scrub with a non-stick surface-safe sponge or nylon brush.

Oil the pan before and after use

To keep your Always Pan in good condition, it is important to oil the pan before and after use. Here are some reasons why:

Prevent Burning and Smoking

Adding oil to a hot pan helps to prevent the oil from burning and smoking. When oil is heated for too long, it can start to break down and burn, creating an unpleasant smell and taste. By adding oil to a hot pan, you can control the temperature and prevent it from getting too hot.

Prevent Sticking

Oiling the pan before use also helps to prevent food from sticking. When the pan is heated first, the oil has a chance to settle into the pores of the pan, creating a smoother surface for cooking. This is especially important for stainless steel pans, as food is more likely to stick to the surface.

Protect Non-Stick Coating

If your Always Pan has a non-stick coating, it is crucial to add oil before heating. Non-stick coatings can be damaged by high temperatures, and the oil acts as a barrier between the pan and the heat source. This helps to extend the life of the coating and maintain its non-stick properties.

Temperature Control

Adding oil to a hot pan provides better temperature control for cooking. The oil heats up quickly and evenly, ensuring that your food is cooked at the desired temperature. This is especially important when cooking delicate ingredients like garlic or onions, which can burn easily if the pan is too hot.

Prevent Moisture Build-Up

Heating the pan before adding oil can help prevent moisture build-up. Metal pans can sometimes trap moisture, and heating the pan first allows this moisture to evaporate. Adding oil to a hot pan creates a barrier that prevents moisture from accumulating and potentially causing splattering when cooking.

Enhance Flavour and Appearance

Oiling your Always Pan before and after use can enhance the flavour and appearance of your dishes. A light coating of oil creates a non-stick surface that allows food to release easily, resulting in better browning and searing. Additionally, oiling the pan after each use helps to maintain the pan's finish, keeping it looking new for longer.

Frequently asked questions