Tillie Doyle
Clay pots are a great way to cook delicious and healthy food, but they do require some special care when it comes to cleaning. The cleaning method will depend on whether your clay pot is glazed or unglazed. If your clay pot is unglazed, it is important to avoid using soap or detergent as these can be absorbed into the pores of the clay and leach into your food the next time you use it. Instead, use hot water and a stiff brush to clean the pot, and for stubborn stains, you can use a coarse stainless steel pad or let the pot soak overnight in water with baking soda. For glazed clay pots, you can use a mild detergent, but be sure to avoid any sudden temperature changes as this can cause the pot to crack. With proper care, your clay pot will provide you with many delicious Vietnamese meals!
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What You'll Learn
Always cool clay pots before washing
Clay pots are a great choice for cooking due to their ability to retain moisture and enhance the flavour of the food. However, they do require careful maintenance to ensure they remain in good condition. One important step to remember is to always cool clay pots before washing.
Clay pots should not be washed in a dishwasher and must be hand-washed with mild soap and water. It is important to let the pot cool down before washing as sudden temperature changes can cause the clay to crack. Clay is a porous material, and it can absorb flavours and odours from the food cooked in it. This means that special care must be taken when cleaning to avoid the transfer of flavours to other dishes.
To clean a clay pot, fill it with water, add a few tablespoons of baking soda, and bring the water to a boil. You can also add lemon slices to the water to help remove any oily residue and odours. Then, discard the water and wash the pot with mild soap and a soft-bristled brush or a non-metallic scrubbing pad. It is important to avoid using abrasive cleaning materials or scouring pads as these can damage the surface of the pot.
After washing, ensure that the pot is completely dry before storing it. You can dry the pot under the sun or on a stove on medium heat. Storing a clay pot while it is still damp can lead to the formation of mildew and mould. To prevent this, you can also leave the lid off the pot while storing to allow it to breathe.
By following these steps and always cooling clay pots before washing, you can ensure that your clay pot remains in optimal condition for cooking delicious Vietnamese dishes.
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Use non-metallic utensils to avoid thermal shock and accidental breakage
Clay pots are a great choice for cooking due to their ability to retain moisture and enhance the flavour of food. However, they require careful maintenance to avoid breakage and ensure their longevity. One important precaution is to always use non-metallic utensils when cleaning and cooking with your clay pot.
Clay pots are typically made from unglazed, porous clay, which makes them susceptible to thermal shock and sudden temperature changes. Using metallic utensils with your clay pot can cause thermal shock, as metal conducts heat much faster than clay, leading to rapid and uneven temperature changes in the pot. This can result in cracking or breakage.
Non-metallic utensils, such as wooden or silicone spoons and spatulas, are recommended for stirring and serving food from your clay pot. These materials have similar heat conduction properties to clay, reducing the risk of thermal shock. They are also less likely to scratch or damage the surface of your clay pot, which can make it more susceptible to cracking.
In addition to using non-metallic utensils, it is important to follow other care instructions for your clay pot. Before initial use, season your clay pot by rubbing the surface with vegetable oil or flaxseed oil, then heating it at a low temperature for 10-15 minutes. This process should be repeated 2-3 times for a new clay pot. Always allow your clay pot to cool down gradually before washing, and avoid subjecting it to extreme temperature changes, such as placing a hot pot in the fridge or freezer.
By following these care instructions and using non-metallic utensils, you can help prolong the life of your clay pot and avoid accidental breakage. Proper maintenance will ensure that you can continue to enjoy the unique benefits of cooking with this traditional and flavour-enhancing cookware.
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Avoid soap or detergent, use hot water and a stiff brush instead
Clay pots are porous, so it is important to avoid using soap or detergent when cleaning them. The soap will soak into the pores of the clay and then find its way into your food the next time you use the pot.
Instead, use hot water and a stiff brush to clean the pot. You can also use baking soda or salt as a cleanser, scrubbing with a sponge or non-metallic scrubbing pad. For stubborn stains, use a very coarse unsoaped stainless steel pad, or let the pot soak overnight in water with one to four tablespoons of baking soda. This will also help remove any pungent odours.
If your clay pot is unglazed, you will need to soak and season it before use. Soak the pot in water for at least 15 minutes and up to two hours. This will bring moisture to the porous inner surface, allowing food to steam while cooking and preventing it from drying out. After soaking, the pot should be dried, then rubbed with a clove of garlic. Next, coat the inside with vegetable or olive oil, fill it 3/4 of the way with water, and heat at a low temperature for two to three hours. Before each use, you will need to submerge the pot and lid in cold water for 15 minutes.
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Baking soda and vinegar can be used to clean and remove odours
Clay pots are often favoured for cooking due to their ability to retain heat and moisture, resulting in evenly cooked, tender, and juicy dishes. However, because clay is a porous material, it is important to take certain precautions when cleaning your clay pot to prevent soap from seeping into the pores and affecting the taste of your food.
For a deeper clean, you can soak your clay pot overnight in a mixture of hot water and baking soda. Use three tablespoons of baking soda per litre of water. In the morning, wash the pot with a soft-bristled brush or a non-metallic scrubbing pad, then rinse with warm water and allow the pot to air-dry completely before putting it away.
If you are looking to remove mould from your clay pot, you can create a paste using equal parts baking soda and water and apply it to the affected areas.
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Store clay pots with the lid open so the pot can breathe
Clay pots are made of porous material, so it's important to store them properly to prevent mould from forming. To store your clay pot, place the lid inverted and nestled inside the bottom of the pot with a paper towel in between. This will allow the pot to breathe. Make sure your pot is completely dry before storing it. If mould forms, apply a paste of equal parts baking soda and water. Leave the paste on for at least 30 minutes, then brush and rinse the pot. Let it dry thoroughly, preferably in bright sunlight.
Clay pots are sensitive to temperature changes and can easily crack, so it's important to avoid extreme temperature differences. When removing the pot from the fridge, start with a low temperature and gradually increase the heat. Do not place a hot pot directly into the freezer.
Before cooking, soak your clay pot in water, especially if it is unglazed. Submerge both the base and the lid in cold water for at least 15 minutes and up to two hours. This will bring moisture to the porous surface, helping to steam the food during cooking. After soaking, pat the pot dry and add your ingredients.
If your clay pot has a glazed interior, it may be easier to clean. However, unglazed clay pots offer certain benefits, such as the ability to absorb water and circulate steam, resulting in moist and tender dishes.
To clean your clay pot, avoid using soap or detergent as it can soak into the pores of the clay and affect the taste of your food. Instead, use hot water and a stiff brush to scrub the pot. For a deeper clean, soak the pot overnight in water mixed with baking soda. You can also use salt as a natural cleanser by sprinkling it into the pot and scouring with a pad. Rinse the pot with warm water and allow it to air dry thoroughly before storing it with the lid open.
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Frequently asked questions
It is important to let the clay pot cool down completely before washing it. Use lukewarm water to soften any residue and a soft sponge to remove it. Do not use soap or detergent as it will be absorbed into the clay and leach into your food the next time you use the pot. Instead, use baking soda or salt with a scrub sponge.
For stubborn stains, use a coarse, unsoaped stainless steel pad, or let the pot soak overnight in water with one to four tablespoons of baking soda.
A baking soda soak will help remove odours from your clay pot.
Allow your clay pot to air-dry thoroughly before putting it away. Make sure it is completely dry to avoid mildew or mould.
Clay is sensitive to thermal shock, so avoid sudden temperature changes. If you take the clay pot out of the fridge, start at a low temperature and gradually increase the heat. Do not place a hot clay pot into the freezer.
