Cleaning Ceramic Pans: Tips For Sparkling Cookware

Ceramic pans are celebrated for their sleek design, non-stick convenience, and healthier cooking options. However, they require proper care and maintenance to keep them in good condition. One important aspect of ceramic pan care is cleaning the outside or exterior of the pan, which can become stained or discoloured over time. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to effectively clean the outside of your ceramic pan:

1. Allow the pan to cool down: Before attempting to clean your ceramic pan, always let it cool down completely. Ceramic coatings do not respond well to quick, drastic changes in temperature, so give it a few minutes to stop sizzling and cool down.

2. Mix vinegar and water: In a separate container, create a mixture of vinegar and water. The vinegar will help remove exterior stains and restore shine to your pan.

3. Apply the mixture to the outside of the pan: Use a soft-bristled cleaning brush or a sponge to gently rub the vinegar and water mixture onto the exterior stains of your ceramic pan. Avoid using steel wool, metal pads, or abrasive cleaners as they can damage the finish.

4. Rinse and dry: Once you've finished applying the mixture, thoroughly rinse the outside of the pan with clean water to remove any remaining residue. Finally, dry the pan with a soft towel or cloth.

By following these steps, you can effectively clean the outside of your ceramic pan, maintaining its aesthetic appeal and extending its lifespan. Remember to always handle your ceramic cookware with care and avoid harsh chemicals or abrasives to preserve its non-stick coating.

Use baking soda to clean off food particles

Baking soda is a mild abrasive that can help break down food particles stuck to your ceramic pan. To use it, start by drizzling about 2 tablespoons of baking soda onto the dirty spots on your pan. Then, wait for 25 minutes before dampening a non-scratch scrub sponge and working the baking soda into the stains using circular motions. Finally, rinse the pan with water and repeat the process if necessary.

Alternatively, you can create a mixture of baking soda and vinegar and gently scrub the stains with this paste, using a towel or a microfiber cloth.

If the food particles are particularly stubborn, you can try sprinkling the bottom of the pan liberally with baking soda and adding 1 to 2 tablespoons of hot water. Allow the mixture to sit for 30 minutes, then scrub the pan with a sponge or dish wand in a circular motion for several minutes. Repeat the process if needed, then rinse and dry the pan.

Remove scuff marks with a powdered cleanser

To remove scuff marks from the outside of a ceramic pan, you can use a powdered cleanser. This method is also useful if you want to remove scratches from your pan. Firstly, pour enough water into the pan to coat the bottom. Then, sprinkle in a small amount (around 2-3 shakes) of oxalic acid powder, such as Bar Keeper's Friend. Wait for about 10 minutes, then gently buff out the scuff marks and scratches with a non-scratch sponge or a microfiber cloth. Finally, rinse and dry your pan.

Wash with warm water and a soft sponge

When cleaning the outside of your ceramic pan, it's important to use warm water and a soft sponge to avoid damaging the pan's exterior finish. Here are some detailed steps to guide you through the process:

Step 1: Allow the Pan to Cool

Before you begin cleaning, always let your ceramic pan cool down completely. This is crucial because ceramic coatings do not respond well to quick, drastic changes in temperature. Allowing the pan to cool prevents "thermal shock" and potential damage to the pan.

Step 2: Prepare Warm Water and a Soft Sponge

Fill your sink or a large dishpan with warm water. Add a few squirts of mild dish soap to create soapy water. You can also use a gentle, non-abrasive sponge or a soft dishcloth. Avoid using steel wool, abrasive nylon, metal pads, or abrasive cleaners, as they can scratch and damage the surface.

Step 3: Wash the Outside of the Pan

Once you have prepared the warm soapy water and gathered your soft sponge, you're ready to start washing the outside of your ceramic pan. Gently clean the exterior surface of the pan with the soft sponge. Ensure you wash it thoroughly but gently to prevent any scratches. Rinse the pan with warm water after you're done.

Step 4: Dry the Pan

After rinsing, it's important to dry the pan thoroughly. You can use a soft dish towel to dry it, or you can let the pan air-dry in a dish rack. Make sure no water spots or residue are left on the exterior of the pan.

Additional Tips:

• Always wash your ceramic pan by hand after each use to maintain its integrity and functionality.
• Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning pads, as they can erode the non-stick coating over time.
• For stubborn exterior stains, create a paste with baking soda and water. Apply it gently to the stained area, let it sit for a few hours or overnight, and then rinse and wash as usual.
• You can also use a mixture of vinegar and water to remove exterior stains and restore shine. Just be sure to rinse and dry the pan thoroughly afterward.

Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasives

When cleaning the outside of a ceramic pan, it is important to avoid harsh chemicals and abrasives. This is because ceramic pans have a non-stick coating that can be damaged by harsh cleaning products and tools.

To effectively clean the exterior of your ceramic pan, you should use a soft-bristled cleaning brush or a non-abrasive sponge. Create a paste by mixing baking soda with a small amount of water and gently rub this onto any stains on the outside of the pan. Rinse the pan with white vinegar to remove any remaining residue, and then give the pan a final rinse and dry it with a towel.

It is also important to avoid using steel wool, metal pads, or abrasive cleaning products on the exterior of your ceramic pan. These can cause scratches that will damage the surface and reduce the quality of the non-stick finish.

By following these steps, you can effectively clean the outside of your ceramic pan while preserving the integrity of the non-stick coating.

Remove discolouration with hydrogen peroxide

To remove discolouration from the outside of a ceramic pan with hydrogen peroxide, follow these steps:

Allow the pan to cool: Always let ceramic cookware cool down completely before attempting to wash it. This is because ceramic coatings do not respond well to quick, drastic changes in temperature.

Pour hydrogen peroxide into the pan: To remove discolouration, pour enough 3% hydrogen peroxide into the pan to cover the bottom. The hydrogen peroxide should bubble to be effective. If it doesn't bubble, the solution is not fresh and a new bottle is required.

Let the solution sit: Leave the hydrogen peroxide in the pan for around 30 minutes. The slight bleaching action of the peroxide will brighten the finish.

Rinse and dry: After letting the solution sit, rinse the pan with warm water and dry it with a soft dish towel or a dishtowel. Alternatively, you can let the cookware air-dry in a dish rack.

Frequently asked questions