Marianne Martinez
Copper pans are beautiful and elegant, but they require special care and cleaning to keep them in top condition. Copper is highly reactive, delicate, and sensitive, so it's important to know how to clean and maintain your copper pans properly. In this article, we will discuss the dos and don'ts of cleaning non-stick copper pans, from general cleaning tips to tackling tough stains and removing severe tarnish. We will also explore the different types of copper pans and provide essential information on what to look for when buying copper cookware.
How to Clean Non-Stick Copper Pans
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cleaning products | Warm water, mild dish soap, soft sponge, cellulose sponge, ketchup, fine sea salt, distilled white vinegar, all-purpose flour, lemon juice, commercial polishes, unscented ammonia, neutral oil, baking soda, caustic soda, salt, vinegar, lemon and cream of tartar |
| Cleaning methods | Soak in warm, soapy water, scrub with a soft sponge, hand-dry, polish with a soft cloth, use a slurry made of vinegar, salt, and flour, boil in a mix of water, salt, and vinegar |
| Avoiding damage | Do not use rough, abrasive cleaning implements or harsh cleaners, do not let the pan air-dry, do not use bleach, do not use steel wool pads, do not let cast iron soak in water for an extended period of time |
| Removing tough stains | Use a salt and scrub method, use a mixture of lemon juice (or vinegar) with baking soda and make a paste, use a mixture of salt and vinegar, use a mixture of flour, salt, and vinegar, use a mixture of lemon and cream of tartar |
What You'll Learn
- General cleaning: use warm water, a soft sponge, and gentle dish soap
- Tough stains: use lemon juice, vinegar, and baking soda
- Avoid bleach: bleach is corrosive and will damage the pan
- Apply oil: use a light coat of oil to seal the pan from air and slow down tarnishing
- Polish: use a soft cloth and a mild abrasive to buff the pan
General cleaning: use warm water, a soft sponge, and gentle dish soap
To clean a non-stick copper pan, you should always allow it to cool completely before washing. The best way to wash copper pans is with warm water and a gentle dish soap. Use a soft sponge or cloth to scrub away any residue. Avoid using rough, abrasive cleaning tools or harsh cleaning products on your copper pan.
To remove stuck-on food, soak the pan in hot, soapy water for 15 minutes, then scrub again. Always hand-dry your copper pan immediately after washing. Allowing it to air-dry can leave water spots and cause the metal to tarnish more quickly.
Never put your copper pan in the dishwasher. Copper cookware should always be washed by hand.
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Tough stains: use lemon juice, vinegar, and baking soda
To remove tough stains from your non-stick copper pan, you can use a combination of lemon juice, vinegar, and baking soda. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Combine lemon juice and vinegar with baking soda to form a paste. The acid in the lemon juice or vinegar will help break down tough stains, while the baking soda will provide a gentle abrasive action.
- Cover the stained areas of the pan with the paste. Use a soft cloth or sponge to gently buff the paste onto the surface. Avoid using abrasive scouring pads or steel wool, as these can scratch the non-stick coating.
- Let the paste sit for a few minutes. This will allow the ingredients to penetrate and loosen the stains.
- Wash the pan with mild dish soap and warm water. Use a soft sponge or cloth to gently scrub away any remaining residue. Ensure that you rinse the pan thoroughly to remove all traces of the paste.
- Dry the pan thoroughly. Use a clean, soft cloth to dry the pan completely. Do not leave the pan to air dry, as this can cause water spots and accelerate tarnishing.
By following these steps, you can effectively remove tough stains from your non-stick copper pan while also preserving the integrity of the non-stick coating. Remember to avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning tools, as these can damage the pan's surface. Always test any cleaning method on a small area first to ensure it doesn't cause any adverse reactions.
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Avoid bleach: bleach is corrosive and will damage the pan
Bleach is corrosive and will damage your copper pan, so it's best to avoid using it. Copper pans are delicate and sensitive, so they require special cleaning. The best way to wash a copper pan is with warm water and a soft sponge or cloth, along with a gentle dish soap.
If your pan has some stuck-on food, you can soak it in hot, soapy water for 15 minutes and then scrub it again. It's important to avoid using harsh, abrasive cleaning tools and chemicals on your copper pan. Always hand-dry your pan immediately after washing to prevent water spots and faster tarnishing.
If you want to restore the shine to your copper pan, you can use a natural mixture of lemon juice (or vinegar) with baking soda, creating a paste. Cover the pan with the paste and buff it with a soft cloth. You can also use ketchup for this purpose.
For more stubborn tarnish, you can try a mixture of vinegar and salt. Dip a cut lemon into the salt, scrub the surface of the pan, and then wash and dry the pan as usual.
Another method for removing tough tarnish involves boiling a mixture of vinegar, water, and salt in a larger pot, and then placing the copper pan inside to submerge it in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a boil and then allow it to cool before removing the pan. Finish by cleaning the pan with one of the other methods to remove any remaining tarnish.
Remember, always avoid using bleach or other harsh chemicals when cleaning your copper pan, as it will cause corrosion and pitting.
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Apply oil: use a light coat of oil to seal the pan from air and slow down tarnishing
To keep your non-stick copper pans in good condition, it's important to apply a light coat of oil after cleaning. This step helps to seal the pan from exposure to air, which can cause tarnishing and discolouration over time.
Firstly, ensure your pan is completely dry after washing and rinsing. Any water residue can cause issues when applying the oil, so it's best to hand-dry your pan with a soft, clean cloth or towel.
Next, choose an appropriate oil. A neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as canola or peanut oil, is ideal. Avoid using drying oils like linseed or tung oil, as these can oxidise and form a sticky residue. Semi-drying oils like corn, sunflower, or soybean oil are also best avoided for this reason.
Now, apply a light coat of oil to the pan. Use a paper towel or clean cloth to rub a small amount of oil evenly across the surface. You only need a thin layer to protect the pan. Make sure to cover the entire cooking surface, taking care to get the oil into any grooves or crevices.
Once you've coated the pan, use a fresh cloth or paper towel to wipe away any excess oil. Your pan should now have a very thin, barely perceptible layer of oil, which will help protect it from tarnishing.
Finally, store your pan in a cool, dry place until you're ready to use it again. This simple step of applying oil will help keep your non-stick copper pans looking their best for years to come.
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Polish: use a soft cloth and a mild abrasive to buff the pan
To polish your non-stick copper pan, you'll need a soft cloth and a mild abrasive. The soft cloth will help you apply the polish without scratching the surface of the pan, while the mild abrasive will help lift away any remaining tarnish and restore the pan's shine.
Firstly, ensure you have the right tools. A soft cloth, such as a microfiber cloth or an old t-shirt, will be gentle enough not to scratch the surface of the pan. For the mild abrasive, you can use a commercial copper polish, or make your own using ingredients like flour, salt, vinegar, or lemon juice.
Next, you'll want to prepare your pan. Wash the pan with warm water and a mild dish soap, using a soft sponge or cloth to avoid scratching. Rinse the pan thoroughly and dry it completely with a clean cloth. It's important to ensure the pan is dry before polishing, as moisture can increase tarnishing.
Now you're ready to polish! If using a commercial polish, follow the instructions on the product. If using a homemade polish, create a thin paste by mixing your chosen ingredients. Apply the polish or paste to the surface of the pan, using your fingers or a soft cloth. Leave the polish to sit for a few minutes, then buff the pan with a soft cloth, using gentle circular motions.
Finally, rinse the pan with warm water to remove any remaining polish, and dry it thoroughly with a clean cloth. Your non-stick copper pan should now be shining like new!
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Frequently asked questions
For regular cleaning, use warm water, a soft sponge or cloth, and a mild dish soap. Dry the pan with a clean cotton cloth and avoid air-drying to prevent water spots.
For stuck-on food, fill the pan with warm, soapy water and let it soak for a few minutes. Then, use a soft sponge to wash the pan. If the residue is particularly stubborn, make a paste with lemon juice or vinegar and baking soda, cover the pan with it, and buff with a soft cloth.
To maintain the beauty of your pan, polish it regularly and at least twice a year. You can make your own polishing paste with vinegar, salt, and flour, or use a commercial copper cleaner.
