Cleaning Ceramic Pans: Tips For Sparkling Cookware

Cleaning the bottom of a ceramic pan is easy. First, let the pan cool down to room temperature. Then, hand wash the pan with a soft sponge, cloth, or non-abrasive pad, and some warm, soapy water. If there are burnt-on or stubborn stains, let the pan soak in hot water for 30 minutes, and then scrub with a wooden spoon or non-abrasive scrubbing pad. For tough stains, you can use a combination of vinegar and baking soda, or hydrogen peroxide. Finally, dry the pan with a cloth or paper towel.

Use baking soda to clean food particles

Baking soda is a great option to clean food particles from your ceramic pans. It is a mild abrasive and can break down food particles. It also has alkaline properties that can help neutralise acidic burnt foods. Here is a step-by-step guide to using baking soda to clean your ceramic pans:

Step 1: Allow the Pan to Cool

Always let your ceramic pan cool down to room temperature before cleaning it. This is important because ceramic coatings do not respond well to quick, drastic changes in temperature. Let the pan sit on a counter or a placemat for about 10-15 minutes.

Step 2: Remove Large Food Particles

Scrape off any large chunks of burnt food from the pan using a rubber spatula or a wooden spoon.

Step 3: Apply Baking Soda

Sprinkle a liberal amount of baking soda onto the bottom of the pan. You can also add a thin layer of warm water to the pan first, and then sprinkle the baking soda to create a paste. Make sure the paste is thick enough to fully coat the pan.

Step 4: Let it Sit

Let the baking soda and water mixture sit for a few hours or even overnight. The longer you let it sit, the easier it will be to remove the burnt-on food.

Step 5: Add Vinegar (Optional)

For a more heavy-duty cleaning, you can add white vinegar to the baking soda. The acid in the vinegar will react with the alkaline baking soda to create a fizzing reaction that helps loosen burnt-on food.

Step 6: Scrub the Pan

After the mixture has sat for a while, use a nylon brush or a non-scratch scouring sponge to scrub the pan vigorously. Work the sponge in a circular motion to clean away all the stains.

Step 7: Rinse and Dry

Once all the stains are removed, rinse the pan with warm water and dry it with a soft dish towel.

Tips:

• If the food particles are not coming off easily, you can add a little more water to the mixture and bring it to a boil on the stove. Then, let the pan cool and scrub again.
• For very stubborn food particles, you can soak the pan in a mixture of water and vinegar overnight, and then scrub it clean.
• Always wash your ceramic pans with warm, soapy water after every use to prevent food particles from building up.

Buff away mild stains with salt

To buff away mild stains with salt, follow these steps:

First, fill your ceramic pan with warm water. Next, add a generous amount of salt—about 5 to 6 tablespoons should be enough. Let the salt dissolve and wait for 20 to 30 minutes. Then, add a couple of drops of mild dish detergent and, using a non-scratch scrub sponge, rub down your pan. Finally, rinse the pan with warm water and dry it with a soft cloth or let it air-dry.

Salt is a great scrubbing agent, especially when combined with warm water and a mild detergent. This method is effective for removing mild stains from your ceramic pan while being gentle enough to preserve the pan's non-stick coating. Remember to avoid using harsh chemicals, abrasive pads, or metal utensils when cleaning your ceramic cookware, as these can damage the coating and reduce the pan's lifespan.

Use vinegar to scrub away tough stains

To clean the bottom of a ceramic pan, you can use vinegar to scrub away tough stains. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Remove any large chunks of burnt food from the pan using a rubber spatula or a plastic utensil. Avoid using metal utensils as they can scratch the ceramic coating.

Step 2: Create the Vinegar Solution

In a separate container, mix one part white vinegar with four parts warm water. You can also use apple cider vinegar if you prefer. This mixture will create an acidic solution that effectively fights against tough stains and built-up residue.

Step 3: Boil the Solution

Pour the vinegar and water solution into the pan. Place the pan on the stove and turn the heat to medium-high. Allow the solution to boil for approximately 3-4 minutes. The heat and the acidic nature of the vinegar will work together to loosen and dissolve stubborn stains.

Step 4: Let the Pan Cool

After boiling, turn off the heat and let the pan cool down to room temperature. This step is crucial because ceramic coatings do not respond well to quick, drastic changes in temperature. Giving the pan time to cool down will help prevent thermal shock and potential damage to the coating.

Step 5: Scrub the Pan

Once the pan has cooled, use a soft sponge or microfiber cloth to scrub away the stains. Focus on the stained, burnt areas, and scrub gently but firmly. The combination of heat, vinegar, and water should have loosened the tough stains, making them easier to remove.

Step 6: Rinse and Dry

After scrubbing, thoroughly rinse the pan with clean, cold water. Make sure to remove all traces of the vinegar solution. Finally, use a clean, dry dishcloth to dry the pan completely before putting it away in your dish rack or shelf.

Using vinegar to scrub away tough stains is an effective method for cleaning ceramic pans. It is important to follow the steps carefully and be gentle with the pan to avoid damaging the ceramic coating. With proper care and maintenance, your ceramic pans can last for years.

Use hydrogen peroxide to lighten dark stains

Hydrogen peroxide is a great way to lighten dark stains and remove discolouration from the surface of your ceramic pan. It is also highly effective at removing burnt food.

To use hydrogen peroxide to clean your ceramic pan, first make sure your pan is cool. Then, pour about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of 3% hydrogen peroxide into the pan. You should see bubbles, which indicate that the chemical reaction is working. If you don't see bubbles, the solution may be expired, and you should try using a fresh bottle.

Let the solution sit in the pan for about 30 minutes. Then, rub down the dissolved stains with a microfiber cloth and rinse and dry your pan. The slight bleaching action of the peroxide will brighten the finish of your pan.

Use a powdered cleanser to remove scuff marks

To remove scuff marks from the bottom of your ceramic pan, you can use a powdered cleanser with oxalic acid, such as Bar Keeper's Friend. First, pour enough water into the pan to coat it. Then, sprinkle in 2-3 shakes of the powdered cleanser. Wait for about 10 minutes before gently buffing out the stains with a non-scratch sponge or a microfiber cloth. Finally, rinse and dry your pan.

If you don't have access to a powdered cleanser, you can try using baking soda, which is mildly abrasive and can help remove scuff marks. Sprinkle some baking soda onto the affected area, then dampen a non-scratch sponge and work it into the stains using circular motions. Rinse with water and repeat if necessary.

Frequently asked questions