Sparkling Inox: Easy Cleaning Methods For Your Pan

Cleaning inox pans can be tricky, as the grease and food tend to stick to the surface. However, with the right techniques and some elbow grease, it is possible to make your pans look new again. Here are some methods to clean and care for your inox pans:

- For general cleaning, hand-wash your pans with soap and warm water. You can also use a dishwasher, but hand-washing is recommended to maintain quality and avoid damage.

- Always let the pans cool before washing them. Washing hot pans with cold water can cause warping and cracking.

- Dry the pans immediately after washing to prevent water spots.

- Avoid using steel wool or abrasive sponges as they can scratch the surface. Instead, use non-abrasive sponges or soft cloths.

- For tough stains, create a mixture of baking soda and water, and apply it to the stained area. Let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub and rinse.

- To remove water spots, swish some club soda or vinegar in the pan, rinse, and dry.

- For burnt-on food, fill the pan with water and bring it to a boil. This will soften the food, making it easier to remove. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape away the burnt bits.

- To make your pans shine, use a stainless steel cleaner or baking soda. Sprinkle the cleaner over a damp pan, scrub with a soft sponge, rinse, and dry.

Soak in warm, soapy water

Soaking your inox pans in warm, soapy water is a great way to loosen up any stuck-on food or grease. This method is simple and effective, and it's a good idea to do this after each use to keep your pans in top condition.

First, fill your sink with warm water and add a squirt of dish soap. Submerge your pans and let them soak for a few hours or even overnight. This will give the soap time to work on breaking down any grease and food particles. If your pans are only lightly soiled, a shorter soak will be sufficient.

After soaking, take a sponge or soft cloth and gently wipe down the pans. The soap and water will have loosened any grime, so you shouldn't need to scrub vigorously. Rinse the pans under warm water to remove any remaining soap. Finally, dry the pans with a microfiber towel or kitchen cloth to prevent water spots from forming.

This warm, soapy water method is a gentle yet effective way to clean your inox pans and keep them looking like new. It's important to be consistent with your pan care and to avoid harsh scrubbers and chemicals that can damage the finish.

Use a wooden spoon to scrape off food

Using a wooden spoon to scrape off food is a great way to clean your inox pan without causing any damage. Here's a detailed guide:

After cooking, it's important to let your inox pan cool down before cleaning. Avoid the temptation to soak it in cold water as this can cause warping and damage the pan. Instead, fill the pan with enough soapy water to cover any stuck-on food bits. Put the pan back on the burner and turn on the heat. When you see a drop of water sizzle in the pan, it's ready for the next step.

Now, use a wooden spoon to carefully scrape away all the burnt food and sauce. The heat and steam will loosen the residue, making it easier to remove. Turn off the heat and remove the pan from the burner. Let it cool down again.

Once the pan is cool, add a squirt of dish soap and use a long-handled brush to remove any remaining food particles and break down the oil. Move the pan to the sink and rinse it with warm water. Most of the grime should come off at this stage. Finally, use a soft sponge and warm, soapy water to wash the entire pan, scrubbing in a gentle, circular motion.

Rinse the pan thoroughly with warm water to remove all the soap and dry it off completely with a microfiber towel before putting it away. Your inox pan is now clean and ready for your next culinary adventure!

Remember, never use harsh tools like steel wool or abrasive sponges on your inox pan, as they can scratch the surface. The wooden spoon method is a safe and effective way to remove stuck-on food without causing any damage.

Use vinegar to wipe away stains

Vinegar is highly acidic, with a pH of between two and three. This means it is adept at breaking down cooking-related stains on pans, which are usually caused by charred or burnt food. Vinegar can be used to wipe away stains from stainless steel pans. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Add vinegar to your stainless steel pan. You only need enough to coat the stained spots.
• Using a soft sponge, wipe the vinegar onto the stained spots.
• Combine one part vinegar and three parts water in the pan.
• Place the pan on a burner and bring the mixture to a boil.
• Turn off the heat and let the pan cool completely.
• Pour the liquid down the sink.
• Clean your pan with warm, soapy water and a soft sponge. Be sure to clean it thoroughly so no vinegar residue is left behind.
• Rinse the pan with warm water and dry it completely before using or storing it.

It is important to note that you should always check the manufacturer's instructions for the best way to care for your pans. While most stainless steel pans can be cleaned with vinegar, it is important to be mindful of the materials of your pans before using vinegar to avoid potential damage.

Use baking soda to remove burn marks

Baking soda is a great option for cleaning your inox pans without causing any damage. It has mild abrasive properties and its alkaline pH can help neutralise acidic burnt foods. It can also combine with an acid, such as vinegar or lemon juice, to create a fizzing reaction that helps loosen burnt food.

The Deglazing Technique

• Remove as much burnt food and debris from the pan as possible.
• Put the pan back on the stove and heat until a droplet of water sizzles.
• Add 1 cup of water or a mixture of 1/2 water and 1/2 white vinegar to the hot pan and allow to boil. Use more liquid if you have a large pot or pan.
• As the liquid simmers, use a spatula or scraper to deglaze the bottom of the pan, loosening bits of burnt food.
• Pour the liquid into the sink and do not dry or wipe the pan.
• Sprinkle the bottom of the pan liberally with baking soda and let the pan cool.
• Using a wet scouring sponge or nylon brush, scrub the pot bottom vigorously.
• Wash and dry as normal once all stains and scorched bits have been removed.

The Baking Soda and Water Method

• Remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible.
• Make a paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. Make enough to cover the scorched portion of the pan. For a full pot bottom, try 1 cup of baking soda and 1/3 cup of water.
• Liberally apply the paste to the burnt pan. It should be thick enough to fully coat.
• Alternatively, cover the bottom of the pan with a thin layer of warm water. Then, add enough baking soda to create a paste.
• Let the mixture sit for a few hours or overnight, then add more baking soda and scrub with a nylon brush or scouring sponge.
• If you don't want to wait, add another 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water to thin the paste, then put the pan on the stove and let it come to a boil. Remove it from the heat quickly—you don't want it to burn again! Let the pan cool and wipe or scrub to remove the scorched bits.

The Baking Soda and Vinegar Method

• Remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible.
• Add enough white vinegar to cover the bottom of the pan with at least 1/2 inch of liquid.
• Boil the vinegar in the pan and let it simmer for a few minutes.
• Remove from the heat and add 1 cup of baking soda. You will get a fizzing reaction. It might be best to do this in the sink.
• Set the pot aside and wait until all the fizzing and bubbling dies down.
• Discard the liquid and scrub the pan with a nylon scrub brush or scouring sponge, adding more baking soda as necessary.
• Rinse clean and dry.

Dry with a microfiber towel

Drying your Inox pan is an important step in the cleaning process. Using a microfiber towel is the best way to ensure your pan is dried properly and avoid water spots.

Microfiber towels are soft and gentle, meaning they won't scratch the surface of your pan. They are also highly absorbent, so they will quickly and effectively soak up any remaining water droplets. This is important because, if left, these droplets can form unsightly water spots, which can ruin the appearance of your pan.

After rinsing your pan with warm water, use a microfiber towel to thoroughly dry the pan. Ensure you dry both the inside and outside of the pan, as well as the handle. Pay extra attention to the corners and edges of the pan, as these areas can be hard to reach and may retain water.

Once you have dried your Inox pan, it is ready to be stored away or used again. Remember to always dry your pan after washing to prevent water spots and keep your cookware looking its best.

Frequently asked questions