Clean Cooking Pots With Vinegar: A Natural Solution

Cleaning a burnt cooking pot can be a challenging task, but with the right techniques and ingredients, it is possible to restore your cookware to its former glory. One popular method involves using vinegar, an effective cleaning agent, especially for copper and aluminum pots and pans. However, it's important to note that vinegar is too acidic for stainless steel and cast iron cookware, and can cause damage. In this article, we will explore the dos and don'ts of cleaning your cooking pots with vinegar, as well as provide step-by-step guides to achieving sparkling results without causing any harm to your precious cookware.

Using vinegar and baking soda

Vinegar and baking soda can be used together to clean a cooking pot. However, some people argue that mixing the two simply creates saltwater and carbon dioxide, and that the fizzing reaction does not indicate increased cleaning power. Nevertheless, here are some methods for cleaning a cooking pot using vinegar and baking soda:

Method 1:

• Boil a solution of vinegar and water in the pot.
• Let the solution simmer for 25 minutes.
• Dump out the mixture and wipe out the pot.

Method 2:

• Boil vinegar in the pan.
• Simmer for a few minutes.
• Remove from heat and add 1 cup of baking soda. This will cause a fizzing reaction.
• Set the pot aside and wait for the fizzing and bubbling to stop.
• Discard the liquid.
• Scrub the pan with a nylon scrub brush or scour sponge, adding more baking soda if necessary.
• Rinse and dry the pan.

Method 3:

• Cover the bottom of the pan with a thin layer of warm water.
• Sprinkle the pot with baking soda to create a paste.
• Let the mixture rest for several hours or overnight.
• Scrub with warm water and a non-stick surface-safe sponge or nylon brush.

Method 4:

• Bring a solution of 1/2 cup water and 4 tablespoons of baking soda 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.

Deglazing with vinegar

Deglazing is an easy technique that can be used to make the most of all the delicious browned bits left in your pan. It’s not just for making sauces or gravy, deglazing will change how you cook everything from chicken breasts to risotto!

To deglaze with vinegar, heat your pan over medium-high heat. Heating the pan before adding fat or food allows the cells of the metal to expand, creating a nearly non-porous surface. Next, add your fat and let it get nice and hot. The heated fat—be it oil, butter or duck fat—creates another barrier; having it hot ensures good browning when the food hits it. Now, add your main ingredient and leave it until it’s ready to be turned (be sure to leave enough room in between pieces to allow air to circulate or else the food will steam instead of searing).

Once your food is cooked, add a splash of vinegar and scrape up the fond (the gunk that's stuck to the bottom of the pan) from the pan. You can also add a knob of butter or a tablespoon of cream and some minced herbs to make a truly tasty sauce.

Any type of vinegar will do for deglazing, but apple cider vinegar has a great, versatile flavour profile. If you're using a vinegar with a lot of sugar, just be careful not to burn it.

Cleaning cast iron with vinegar

Vinegar can be used to clean cast iron, but it should be noted that it is a very strong substance that can damage the pan if not used correctly. It is recommended that cast iron is soaked in vinegar for only a short period of time, as it can start to eat away at the original cast surface of the pan, causing pitting and other surface damage.

If you wish to clean your cast iron with vinegar, first pour a few drops of white vinegar over mounds of baking soda in the pan. Then, fill the pan with a thin layer of lukewarm water to dilute the vinegar, making it less aggressive on the surface of the pan. Allow the pan to sit for 20 minutes, then use a damp, non-abrasive sponge or scrub brush to gently work in circles and loosen and remove the soaked areas. Do not add water to the pan during this step. Once the bits are all loosened and removed, rinse the pan in warm water, gently scrubbing with the sponge for one final rinse. Dry the pan completely with a kitchen towel and return it to storage.

For minor rust spots, scrubbing with coarse salt should be enough to remove them. However, to restore a fully rusted cast iron pan, you can soak it in vinegar. After soaking, scrub, rinse, and season the pan. Wash the pan with mild dish soap and warm water, and clean away any lingering rust with a mildly abrasive sponge. Always use warm water to clean cast iron after cooking, so it doesn't warp or crack from a shock of cold, and to speed up the drying process.

It is important to note that some sources advise against using water, soap, and acidic items such as vinegar on cast iron as they can create rust and destroy the pan's seasoning.

Removing discolouration with vinegar

Vinegar is a versatile cleaning agent, but it is important to note that it is too acidic for cast iron and stainless steel. For these materials, vinegar can be corrosive and cause damage.

However, vinegar is a powerful and effective cleaning agent for copper and aluminum. To clean a copper or aluminum pot with vinegar, follow these steps:

• Remove any loose food or debris from the pot.
• Boil vinegar in the pot and let it simmer for a few minutes.
• Remove from heat and add baking soda—this will create a fizzing reaction.
• Set the pot aside and wait for the fizzing and bubbling to stop.
• Discard the liquid and scrub the pot with a nylon brush or scouring sponge, adding more baking soda as necessary.
• Rinse and dry the pot.

For stainless steel pots, a small amount of vinegar can be used to remove discolouration. Cover the bottom of the pot with white vinegar and leave it for about five minutes. Then, rinse thoroughly and dry.

It is always important to check your manufacturer's guide for specific care instructions and to ensure that the cleaning agent is safe to use on your cookware.

Cleaning other kitchen items with vinegar

Vinegar is a versatile cleaning agent that can be used to clean a variety of kitchen items besides cooking pots. Here are some ways you can use vinegar to clean other kitchen items effectively:

Disinfecting Cutting Boards

To disinfect your cutting boards, use a mixture of water and vinegar. This is especially important after handling raw meat to prevent the spread of bacteria. Simply spray or wipe the mixture onto the cutting board, let it sit for a few minutes, and then rinse with water.

Cleaning Tea and Coffee Cups

Vinegar can be used to remove stains and odours from tea and coffee cups. Mix equal parts vinegar and water, and then pour the solution into the cups. Let it soak for a few minutes before washing the cups as usual.

Cleaning Instant Pot Sealing Rings

If your Instant Pot sealing ring has stains or odours, soak it in a mixture of vinegar and water. You can do this in your sink, a sheet pan, or any other container. Leave it to soak for about an hour, then wash the sealing ring with dish soap and let it air dry.

Descaling Coffee Makers

Distilled white vinegar is excellent for descaling coffee makers. Mix equal parts vinegar and water, and then run this solution through your coffee maker. This will help remove any built-up mineral deposits and keep your coffee maker functioning optimally.

Cleaning Stovetops

Vinegar can be used to cut through grease and grime on your stovetop, especially if it is made of stainless steel. Mix equal parts vinegar and water, and then apply the solution to your stovetop. Use a sponge or cloth to wipe down the surface, rinsing it afterward with water if desired.

Cleaning Kitchen Sinks

To clean and disinfect your kitchen sink, use a spray bottle filled with a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water. Spray the solution onto the sink, let it sit for a few minutes, and then scrub the sink with a sponge or brush. Rinse with water if needed.

While vinegar is a great natural cleaner, it may not be suitable for certain surfaces. Avoid using vinegar on kitchen knives, countertops, aluminium or copper cookware, and small appliances with metal parts, as it can cause damage or corrosion. Always test vinegar on a small area first if you are unsure, and remember to rinse well with water after cleaning.

Frequently asked questions