Cleaning Pots And Pans: Backs And Bottoms

Cleaning the back of pots and pans can be a challenge, but with the right techniques and products, it is possible to get them looking like new again. Here are some methods to try:

- Boiling water method: Fill the pan with water and bring it to a boil for 5-7 minutes. The steam will help loosen burnt-on food. Then, pour out the water and wipe away any remaining food with a sponge.

- Baking soda, vinegar, and lemon juice: Make a paste with baking soda and water, or use vinegar or lemon juice. Apply it to the bottom of the pan and let it sit for about 10 minutes. Then, scrub with a non-scratch sponge.

- Salt and baking soda: Sprinkle salt and baking soda on the bottom of the pan. Squirt dish soap over it and rub with steel wool. Lay paper towels soaked in white vinegar on top and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, remove the paper towels and wipe away the residue.

- Cream of tartar: Make a paste with cream of tartar and water, and apply it to the pan. Let it sit for about 10 minutes, then scrub with a damp, non-scratch sponge.

- Bar Keeper's Friend: Make a paste with Bar Keeper's Friend and water, and apply it to the pan. Let it sit for about 10 minutes, then scrub with a non-scratch sponge.

Use vinegar and baking soda

To clean the back of pots and pans with vinegar and baking soda, start by sprinkling a layer of baking soda onto any burnt-on food or stains. Next, add a little water to form a paste. For more resistant stains, you can add a little white distilled or apple cider vinegar to the mix before boiling. For this, you will need to use around one tablespoon of baking soda, one cup of water, and half a cup of vinegar.

Once you have made the paste, let it sit for several hours or overnight. If you don't want to wait, you can add a little more water to thin the paste and then boil the mixture for 10 minutes. After the mixture has cooled, you should be able to easily wipe away the food or stain.

Finally, rinse and wash the pan as normal. You can also use a nylon brush or scouring sponge to help scrub away any remaining residue.

Try salt and lemon

To clean the back of your pots and pans, you can try using salt and lemon. This method is particularly useful for cleaning stainless steel cookware. Simply cut a lemon in half and sprinkle the bottom of your pan with kosher salt. The larger crystals of kosher salt make it more abrasive and help to scrub away the grime. Next, use the cut side of the lemon as a scrubber to work the salt into the dirt. The lemon will also help to remove any lingering odours.

If you don't have a lemon to hand, you can substitute it with hot water and dish detergent and scrub the pan in the same way. This method is a great, natural way to clean your pots and pans without having to resort to harsh chemicals. It is also safe for use on cookware that will be used by children or pets.

For cast iron pans, it is recommended to use kosher salt, warm water, and a soft sponge to clean away any residue. After rinsing, run a thin layer of vegetable oil on the bottom and sides of the pan to keep it lubricated and prevent rusting.

Apply cream of tartar

Cream of tartar is an excellent natural and eco-friendly option for cleaning your pots and pans. It is a byproduct of the winemaking process and has mild acidic and gentle abrasive properties, making it an effective cleaning agent. Here's a detailed guide on how to use cream of tartar to clean your cookware:

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

Ensure you have the necessary supplies: cream of tartar, a soft sponge or cloth, warm water, and a small bowl. It is essential to use a soft sponge or cloth to prevent scratching the surface of your cookware.

Step 2: Create a Cleaning Paste

In a small bowl, combine cream of tartar with a few drops of warm water to form a thick paste. Adjust the quantities as needed to achieve a spreadable consistency. You can use your fingers or a soft sponge to apply the paste onto the stained areas of your pots and pans. Focus on the spots with stubborn residues and burnt-on stains.

Step 3: Apply the Paste and Let it Sit

Apply the cream of tartar paste generously to the stained areas and let it sit for approximately 15-20 minutes. The acidic properties of the cream of tartar will work to loosen and lift the grime during this time. For best results, it is recommended to let the paste sit for at least 10 minutes, as seen in some tests.

Step 4: Scrub and Rinse

After the paste has had sufficient contact time, use a soft sponge or cloth to gently scrub the stained areas. The gentle abrasiveness of the cream of tartar will help remove the stains without damaging the surface of your cookware. Once the stains are removed, rinse the pots and pans thoroughly with warm water to eliminate any remaining cream of tartar residue.

Step 5: Dry and Admire

After rinsing, dry your pots and pans with a clean, dry cloth. You will notice that not only are the stains gone, but your cookware also shines like new! Regular cleaning with cream of tartar will help maintain the shine and longevity of your cookware.

Important Considerations:

• Cream of tartar is safe for various cookware materials, including stainless steel, copper, and enamel. However, avoid using it on non-stick surfaces as the abrasiveness may damage the coating.
• While cream of tartar is mild and unlikely to scratch most surfaces, always use a soft sponge or cloth to prevent any potential damage.
• Cream of tartar is effective in removing burnt-on stains due to its acidic properties, which break down the stains.
• For cast iron pans, avoid using soapy water after cleaning with cream of tartar. Instead, wipe the pan with a paper towel or cloth and dry it thoroughly to prevent rust.

Soak with a dryer sheet

If you're looking for a way to clean the back of your pots and pans without the scrubbing, a dryer sheet could be your answer. This method is ideal for removing burnt-on gunk and grease from your pans.

Here's how to do it:

First, fill your dirty pan with warm to hot water. You want to cover the burnt or greasy areas with water. Then, place a dryer sheet on the surface of the water and let it sit. For lighter messes, 10 to 15 minutes should be enough. For tougher, baked-in messes, you can leave the dryer sheet to soak overnight. The conditioners in the dryer sheet will help to de-grease your pans during this time.

Finally, remove the dryer sheet and wipe the pan with a wet sponge. The burnt-on food and grease should now be lifted, and you can easily wipe it away.

If you don't have a dryer sheet, you can try a similar method with some dish soap and hot water. Simply add these to your pan and let it simmer while you do the other dishes.

So, if you're looking for a way to clean your pots and pans without the elbow grease, give this dryer sheet hack a go! It might just be your ultimate cheat sheet for cleaning those tough, burnt-on messes.

Use soda to clean

Baking soda is a mild abrasive that can help remove stubborn burnt-on food and 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

First, remove as much burnt food and debris from the pan as possible. Next, put the pan back on the stove and heat 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 allow it to boil. 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 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. It should be thick enough to fully coat the pan. Alternatively, cover the bottom of the pan with a thin layer of warm water and 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 scouring sponge.

If you don't want to wait, add another quarter to half a 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 so it doesn't burn again. Let the pan cool and wipe or scrub 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. You will get a fizzing reaction. 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 scouring sponge, adding more baking soda as necessary. Rinse clean and dry.

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 and 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. If your pan has a copper bottom that has become blackened or tarnished, turn the pot upside down and use this method to help remove the stains and restore the shine.

Other Tips

You can also use baking soda to wash pots and pans regularly and help prevent scorched stains or burnt-on residue. For non-stick pans, you can mix baking soda and water to remove lingering food smells and flavours. For tough stains, add a quarter to half a cup of baking soda and a quarter cup of water to the pan and bring the mixture to a boil. As the water evaporates and while the pan is still hot, scrub off the film of baking soda and food residue with a scrubby sponge or kitchen scrub brush.

For years of burned-on stains, you can try boiling the entire pan. Fill a large pot with water, add the pan and submerge it, then bring it to a boil. Add a quarter to half a cup of baking soda to the pot and reduce the heat to a gentle boil, boiling for 15 to 30 minutes. While the pan is still hot, remove it from the boiling solution. For lingering stains, create a paste by adding more baking soda and water to the pan and scrub away the stains.

Frequently asked questions