Cleaning Copper Grill Pans: Tips For Sparkling Cookware

Copper grill pans are a great choice for cooking due to their superior heat conductivity and durability. However, they require careful cleaning and maintenance to keep them in top condition. Here are some tips to help you clean your copper grill pan effectively:

- Before cleaning, always assess the severity of the burn and determine the appropriate cleaning method.

- For light cleaning, use a soft cloth or sponge, liquid dish soap, and warm water. Avoid abrasive cleaning tools as copper is a soft metal that can scratch easily.

- For more stubborn stains, create a natural cleaning paste using ingredients like salt, lemon juice, or vinegar. Apply the paste to the pan, scrub gently, and then rinse and dry the pan.

- For severe burn marks, you may need to use a commercial copper cleaner or a combination of vinegar and baking soda. Soak the pan in hot water and dish soap before scrubbing.

- Always dry your copper grill pan thoroughly after washing to prevent water spots and slow down the tarnishing process.

- To maintain your copper grill pan, avoid using high heat, and store it in a cool, dry place when not in use.

How to Clean Copper Grill Pan

Use a soft cloth and mild dish soap to clean lacquered copper

Lacquered copper cookware is easy to clean and maintain. Lacquer coating prevents copper from tarnishing and discolouration. However, it is important to not scrub away the protective layer of lacquer. Here's how to clean lacquered copper:

• Use a soft cloth: A soft microfiber cloth is ideal for cleaning lacquered copper. Avoid using abrasive sponges or scrubbing pads as they can damage the lacquer.
• Mild dish soap: Opt for a gentle, mild dish soap to clean the copper. Avoid using harsh chemicals like chlorine bleach.
• Warm water: Wash the copper item with warm water and a splash of mild dish soap. You can use a damp cloth with soap to clean the item.
• Rinse and dry: Rinse the item thoroughly with water to remove any soap residue. Dry the copper with a soft, lint-free cloth to prevent water spots and ensure a shiny finish.

By following these simple steps, you can effectively clean and maintain the beauty of your lacquered copper grill pan.

Remove tarnish with lemon juice and baking soda

Lemon juice and baking soda are effective ingredients for cleaning copper cookware. This method is ideal for badly tarnished copper. To make a simple homemade copper cleaner, follow these steps:

• Combine lemon juice and baking soda in a bowl.
• Stir the ingredients until they form a completely mixed paste.
• Apply the paste to the copper surface.
• Buff the paste in a circular motion using a soft, clean cloth.
• Rinse the copper item with warm water to remove any residue.
• Dry the copper item thoroughly.

This natural cleaning method will help remove tarnish and restore the shine to your copper grill pan.

Remove tarnish with vinegar and salt

Copper cookware is a great heat conductor, but it can be prone to discolouration and burning. Copper is a soft metal that can scratch easily, so abrasive cleaning tools should be avoided.

One way to clean copper cookware is by using vinegar and salt. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the vinegar and salt mixture

Mix equal parts white vinegar and water with 1 tablespoon of salt. The acid in the vinegar will help to remove stubborn stains, while the salt will act as a natural abrasive.

Step 2: Apply the mixture to the copper

Dip a microfiber cloth into the vinegar solution, making sure it is well-saturated but not dripping. You can also heat the mixture on a stove and then place the copper item into the hot vinegar.

Step 3: Gently rub the copper item

Gently rub the cloth onto the tarnished areas of the copper item, applying light pressure and moving in a circular motion. For stubborn tarnish, let the solution sit on the copper surface for a few minutes before scrubbing.

Step 4: Rinse and dry

After treating the tarnished areas, rinse the copper item with water to remove any vinegar residue. Then, dry it with a microfiber cloth.

Other methods

Other natural ways to clean copper include using lemon and salt, ketchup, or a mixture of salt, flour and vinegar or lemon juice. Commercial copper cleaners are also available.

Clean tin interiors with a soft sponge

To clean the tin interiors of your copper grill pan, fill your sink with hot, soapy water and allow the pan to soak for a few hours. If necessary, replace the water with additional hot water. Next, use a non-abrasive scrubber to scrub the pan and remove burnt-on food.

Once the burnt food particles are removed, you can begin the cleaning process. First, fill the pan with water and bring it to a boil. Then, remove it from the heat and add a generous amount of pure, unscented ammonia. Place the pan outside or in a well-ventilated area for 24 to 48 hours until the carbonisation on the pan has broken down.

Afterwards, dump out the ammonia solution and rinse the pan with warm water. Gently scrub the surface with a non-abrasive sponge to remove any remaining residue. Wash the pan with dish soap and hot water, then dry it thoroughly with a soft cloth or microfiber cloth.

To maintain the tin lining of your copper grill pan, avoid using high heat as tin melts at high temperatures. Instead, use medium heat when cooking. Additionally, avoid using metal utensils as they can scratch the surface. Use wooden, bamboo, or silicone utensils instead.

If you notice the tin layer wearing thin and exposing the copper beneath, it's time to get the pan re-tinned by a professional. This is typically necessary every 15 to 20 years with proper care.

Use a commercial copper cleaner

Copper grill pans are prized for their ability to conduct heat, but they do require a little more care than other materials, and grime can easily build up. To clean a copper grill pan, you can use a commercial copper cleaner like Bar Keepers Friend, which is a soft cleanser that will help remove a lot of buildup without scratching the surface. This is what you need to do:

• Apply the commercial copper cleaner to the bottom of the pan.
• Scrub the pan with a soft cloth or sponge. Avoid using anything too abrasive, such as steel wool or stiff brushes, as these can damage the copper.
• Rinse the pan with warm water.
• Dry the pan with a clean cloth.

It is important to note that you should never put copper pans in the dishwasher, as the heat and harsh detergents can damage them. Additionally, always make sure to dry your copper pan thoroughly after washing, as moisture can speed up the tarnishing process.

Frequently asked questions