Induction Pan Cleaning: Removing Stubborn Stains From The Bottom

Burnt pots and pans are a common problem, but there are several methods to clean them and make them look brand new. Some common household products such as baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice, and salt can be used to clean the bottom of induction pans. However, it is important to avoid using abrasive materials or sponges, as they can scratch the surface of the pan. Additionally, it is recommended to use non-scratch sponges, especially when cleaning cast iron and non-stick pans.

Use toothpaste

Toothpaste is an effective home remedy for cleaning induction cooktops. Take a generous amount of toothpaste and spread it with your fingers using rounded strokes to cover a large area. Add a few drops of water and, using a damp cleaning pad or sponge, rub it across the induction in both the stainless steel and glass areas. Rub until the stains disappear, and then use a dry cloth to wipe away the toothpaste residue.

This method is particularly useful for cleaning induction cooktops, as the glass-ceramic surface can be susceptible to scratches and abrasion. By using toothpaste, you can effectively remove stains without causing any damage to the surface.

Toothpaste is a handy, accessible cleaning solution that can be used as part of your regular maintenance routine for your induction cooktop. It is important to note that you should always switch off the induction and let it cool down before beginning the cleaning process to ensure your safety.

Try vinegar and baking soda

Vinegar and baking soda are a great combination for cleaning burnt induction pans. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Add equal parts water and white vinegar to your pan.
• Bring the mixture to a boil.
• Add two heaped tablespoons of baking soda and watch the mixture fizz.
• Repeat if needed, adding water and baking soda and mixing to a paste.
• Let the paste sit for about 10 minutes.
• Wash your pan with dish soap as usual.

This method is effective because baking soda is great at removing tough stains, and vinegar is acidic, breaking down stubborn dirt and grime.

For best results, try to clean your induction pans shortly after cooking. This daily maintenance helps to prevent stubborn stains and burnt-on food. Always use a non-scratch sponge or cloth, especially on non-stick pans.

Lemon juice and baking soda

Step 1:

Mix two tablespoons of lemon juice with three tablespoons of white vinegar in a bowl. You can adjust the quantities based on the size of your cookware and the extent of the stains.

Step 2:

Use this mixture as a paste and apply it to the stained areas of your cookware. Make sure to cover all the stains generously.

Step 3:

Let the paste sit on the cookware for a few minutes. The acid in the lemon juice will start breaking down the stains, while the baking soda will help lift them off the surface.

Step 4:

After a few minutes, take a damp cloth or sponge and start scrubbing the stained areas in circular motions. You can also use a non-scratch scouring pad for tougher stains.

Step 5:

Once you're done scrubbing, rinse the cookware with plain water to remove any residue.

Step 6:

If there are still some stubborn stains, repeat the process. You may need to let the paste sit for a little longer or scrub more vigorously.

Tips:

• Always use paper towels or a soft cloth to wipe your cookware dry after cleaning. This will help prevent watermarks.
• For an extra shine, rub half a lemon on the bottom and sides of your stainless steel cookware after rinsing.
• If you don't have white vinegar, you can use a mixture of half a cup of baking soda and two tablespoons of water as an alternative paste.
• Lemon juice can also be combined with other ingredients like salt or dish soap for effective cleaning.

By following these steps, your induction cookware will be looking like new in no time!

Soak in mildly abrasive soapy water

Soaking your induction cookware in mildly abrasive soapy water is an effective way to loosen hard-to-remove substances. This method is especially useful if you're dealing with stubborn stains or burnt-on residue. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get the job done:

Step 1: Fill Your Sink or a Large Container with Mildly Abrasive Soapy Water

Combine warm water with a mild liquid dish soap in your sink or a large container. You can also add a few drops of white vinegar to boost the cleaning power of the solution. The vinegar will help break down stubborn grease and burnt-on food residue.

Step 2: Soak Your Induction Pan in the Solution

Submerge your induction pan completely in the soapy water, making sure that any stained or burnt areas are fully immersed. Let the pan soak for at least 30 minutes. The longer it soaks, the more effective it will be at loosening the stubborn residue.

Step 3: Use a Soft Sponge or Cloth to Wipe Away Loosened Residue

After soaking, remove the pan from the solution and use a soft sponge or cloth to gently wipe away any loosened residue. You may need to use a gentle scrubbing motion to remove stubborn stains. Avoid using steel wool or abrasive scrubbers as they can scratch the surface of your induction pan.

Step 4: Rinse and Dry Your Induction Pan

Once you've removed the majority of the residue, rinse the pan thoroughly with warm water to remove any remaining soap or vinegar solution. Dry the pan completely with a soft cloth or paper towel. Ensure that all moisture is removed before storing or using the pan again.

Tips for Maintaining Your Induction Cookware:

• Line your induction cookware with parchment paper or silicone cooktop liners before cooking to prevent burns and make cleanup easier.
• Avoid using abrasive cleaners, steel wool, or metal utensils on the surface of your induction pans to prevent scratches and damage.
• Regularly check your induction cookware for rust and corrosion. If you notice any stains or signs of corrosion, scrub them with non-abrasive soap and water to remove all substances.
• Always allow your induction pans to cool down before cleaning them. Never immerse a hot pan directly into cold water as it can cause warping or damage to the cooking surface.

Use Barkeeper's Friend

Bar Keepers Friend is a bleach-free, oxalic-acid-based powdered cleaning product that can be used to clean the bottom of induction pans. It can be used on stainless steel items and is also great for cleaning enameled cast iron. It can easily remove rust, tarnish, mineral deposits, and tough stains from most surfaces. It also protects the surfaces of your pans, helping to prevent them from tarnishing and rusting in the future.

To use Bar Keepers Friend to clean the bottom of an induction pan, follow these steps:

• Wet the surface of the pan.
• Sprinkle Bar Keepers Friend powder on the bottom of the pan.
• For tougher stains, create a paste by mixing Bar Keepers Friend with water.
• Use a soft, wet cloth to rub the powder or paste onto the surface of the pan.
• For very tough stains, you can start scrubbing with steel wool and then switch to a soft sponge or rag.
• Rinse the pan with clean water.
• Dry the pan.

It is important to note that Bar Keepers Friend is abrasive, so it is recommended to wear kitchen gloves to protect your skin while using it. Additionally, it should not be left on the surface of the pan for longer than a minute, but you can scrub for longer. Bar Keepers Friend is safe to use on pots and pans, but if you are concerned, you can use the cookware-specific version of the product.

Frequently asked questions