Get Rid Of Mold On Pans: Effective Cleaning Methods

If you've found mould on your pans, don't panic! Mould is a type of fungus that grows in damp, dark and poorly ventilated areas. It can be removed from pans with a few simple steps. First, fill your sink with hot water and add some dishwashing detergent. Place the pan in the water and let it soak for a few minutes. Then, scrub the pan with a plastic scrubbing brush until the mould is gone. Rinse the pan and pat it dry with a dish towel. Finally, fill a large container with water and add some chlorine bleach. Place the pan in the bleach water and let it soak for at least 15 minutes. Rinse the pan again and wash it with soapy water to remove any bleach residue.

Cleaning Mold Off a Pan

Kill the mould with boiling water

Killing mould with boiling water is an effective way to clean your pans. It is a straightforward method that does not require any additional cleaning products. Simply boil water and pour it over the mouldy area of the pan. The hot water will kill the exposed mould spores and cause them to disappear, preventing them from spreading further.

Boiling water is especially useful for cleaning reusable baking pans, where mould can develop due to exposure to water and heat. It is important to get rid of all mould when found, as it can be dangerous to ingest.

After using boiling water to kill the mould, it is crucial to remove the water used in the process. This can be done by pouring a mixture of vinegar and water into the pan and letting it sit for several hours. The vinegar will eliminate any remaining mould spores and aid in removing surface mould.

Once the mould is dead and removed, gently scrub the inside of the pan with a soft sponge, dish detergent, and hot soapy water. Be careful not to scratch the pan's surface during the scrubbing process.

While boiling water is an effective method for killing mould on pans, it is essential to combine it with other cleaning techniques, such as scrubbing and using cleaning products, to ensure the pan is thoroughly cleaned and sanitised.

Use heat to kill mould

Killing mould with heat is an effective way to clean pans. This method is particularly useful for cast iron pans, which are extremely heat-resistant.

To kill mould with heat, place your pan in the oven and run it through a self-cleaning cycle. Alternatively, you can use fire to achieve the same result. This method will burn away the mould, preventing it from spreading.

After burning off the mould, you can clean the pan thoroughly. Start by bringing a half-inch of water to a simmer in the pan. Use a spatula to scrape off any remaining debris, then pour out the water. Repeat this process a few times to ensure that all debris is removed.

Next, clean the pan with warm water and a mild soap or abrasive. Use a soft sponge or nylon brush to gently scrub away any remaining mould or stains. Be careful not to scratch the pan during this process, especially if it has a non-stick coating.

Once your pan is clean, it is important to dry it immediately. You can do this by placing the pan in the oven or on the stovetop at a low heat setting.

If you choose to kill mould with heat, be sure to take the necessary precautions. Mould spores can be dangerous if inhaled, so ensure the area is well-ventilated. Additionally, always wear dishwashing gloves when handling bleach or other cleaning products.

Remove water with vinegar and water mixture

To remove water with a vinegar and water mixture, you can follow these steps:

Firstly, it is important to note that white vinegar is the most suitable type of vinegar to use for this process. You should also ensure that you have the correct equipment, including a scrub brush or scouring pad, gloves, goggles, and a mask.

Next, you should mix a cup of vinegar with water and pour this mixture into the pan. Allow the pan to sit for a few hours. The vinegar will kill any remaining mold spores and help to remove any surface mold.

After a few hours, you can begin to gently scrub the inside of the pan with a sponge or soft cloth. Be careful not to scratch the pan during this process.

Finally, rinse the pan with warm water and allow it to dry. If necessary, repeat this process until all the mold has been removed.

It is important to note that this method may not be suitable for all types of pans, especially those made from aluminum, cast iron, or natural stone. Always exercise caution when handling mold and vinegar, as they can be irritating to the skin and dangerous if inhaled.

Scrub the mould away with dish detergent and hot water

Once the mould is dead, it is safe to scrub it away. Fill your sink or a tub with hot water and add 1-2 tablespoons of dishwashing detergent. Place the pan in the water and let it soak for a few minutes. Then, use a sponge or a soft cloth to gently scrub the mould away. Be careful not to scratch the pan. If the mould is particularly stubborn, you can use a scrubbing pad, but be sure to replace it with a new one once it becomes soiled with mould. Once you have removed all the mould, rinse the pan and pat it dry with a clean cloth or paper towel.

Clean the pan with vinegar and a sponge

To clean a pan with vinegar and a sponge, first, fill a spray bottle with undiluted white vinegar. Put on gloves and a mask to protect yourself from the vinegar fumes and the mould spores. Spray the affected area with the vinegar and let it sit for at least an hour.

Next, create a baking soda solution by adding a teaspoon of baking soda and two cups of water to a spray bottle. Shake the bottle to mix the ingredients. Spray the solution directly onto the mould and scrub with a sponge. Rinse the pan with clean, warm water.

Finally, finish with a final spray of vinegar to prevent mould from growing back.

Frequently asked questions