Cleaning Flood-Damaged Cookware: Effective Restoration Techniques

Pots and pans that have been in contact with floodwater should be carefully inspected, washed, and disinfected before being used again. First, inspect all items and discard any made of porous materials, such as wood, plastic, or rubber, as well as any with deep cracks. Wash the remaining items in hot detergent solution, using a brush if necessary to remove dirt. If handles are removable, clean them separately. After sudsing and brushing, rinse in clear hot water, then immerse in a chlorine solution to sanitize. To sanitize metal items, boil them in water for at least two minutes. Let all items air-dry.

How to clean cast iron pans

Step 1: Clean the pan while it's still hot

As tempting as it might be to let the pan sit while you enjoy your freshly prepared meal, taking a few minutes to care for your cast iron immediately after you use it will save you a lot of time later. That's because stuck-on food hardens as it cools.

Step 2: Wash your cast iron cookware by hand

Use a small amount of mild dish soap and hot water. If needed, use a pan scraper or a non-abrasive sponge for stuck-on food. For stubborn, stuck-on food, simmer a little water for 3-5 minutes, then use the scraper after the pan has cooled. Be sure to thoroughly dry your pan before storing it, otherwise it may rust.

Step 3: Dry your pan

Dry promptly and thoroughly with a lint-free cloth or paper towel. If you want to be extra sure that your pan is completely dry, place it on the stove and gently heat until all the water evaporates.

Step 4: Season your pan

Apply a very thin, even layer of cooking oil (a couple of drops are all you need) to the inside and outside of the pan, including the handle. Use a paper towel or clean rag to rub the oil all over the pan. Then, use a paper towel to wipe the surface until no oil residue remains.

Removing rust from your cast iron pan

If your cast iron pan has rust, don't panic! The simplest way to remove rust is to use the rough side of a dry Scotch-Brite sponge to gently rub it off. You can add a little water and a drop of mild dish soap if necessary. Rinse the pan, dry it thoroughly, and then re-season it.

If your cast iron has more than a few rust spots, a rust eraser will help remove rust from a large area. Simply rub the rust eraser gently on rusty spots to remove them, but be sure to only apply light to medium pressure when using a rust eraser, or it can cause micro-cracking. Once you've removed the rust, wash and thoroughly dry the pan. Follow the steps above to re-season your pan.

If your cast iron is completely covered in rust, the simplest way to remove the rust is to make a solution of equal parts distilled white vinegar and water and submerge the pan. Keep an eye on the pan and remove it as soon as most of the rust is gone or when the rust looks manageable enough to scrub off. Do not leave it submerged for more than 24 hours, or you could cause permanent damage to the pan. After removing the pan from the solution, rinse it with running water. Make a slurry of Bar Keepers Friend and a couple of tablespoons of water in the pan and scrub any remaining rust off using a stainless steel scrubber. Wash, dry, and re-season the pan afterward.

How to clean copper pots and pans

If your copper pots and pans have been affected by a flood, it's important to act quickly to clean and sanitise them. Floodwater can bring silt, raw sewage, oil, and chemical wastes into your home, and if these compounds come into contact with your cookware, it is unsafe to use them. Here is a step-by-step guide to cleaning your copper pots and pans after a flood:

• Inspection: Before you begin cleaning, carefully inspect your copper pots and pans. Discard any items made of porous materials, such as wood, plastic, or rubber. Also, discard any items with deep cracks or damage. These items cannot be sanitised and pose a health risk if used.
• Initial Wash: For the remaining copper items, start by washing them in hot soapy water. Use a brush or sponge to remove any dirt or debris. If your copper items have detachable parts, such as handles, remove them and clean them separately.
• Rinse: After washing, rinse the copper pots and pans in clear, hot water. This will help remove any remaining soap or dirt.
• Sanitise: To sanitise your copper items, you can use a chlorine solution or boiling water. For the chlorine solution, mix 1 tablespoon of unscented liquid chlorine bleach with 1 gallon of warm water. Completely immerse the copper items in this solution for 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, you can boil the copper items in water for at least 2 minutes.
• Air Dry: After sanitising, let the copper items air dry on a clean rack. Do not use a dishtowel as it may recontaminate the items.
• Remove Rust (if any): If your copper items have developed rust, use steel wool or a commercial rust remover to remove it. Wash the items again in hot soapy water, rinse, and dry thoroughly.
• Polish: To restore the shine of your copper pots and pans, you can use a variety of natural ingredients like lemon, salt, or vinegar. Cut a lemon in half, sprinkle salt on it, and scrub the copper surface. For stubborn stains, make a paste with lemon juice, salt, and baking soda, and apply it to the stained areas. You can also use vinegar instead of lemon juice. After polishing, rinse the copper items with warm water and dry them thoroughly.
• Disinfect Countertops: If your countertops were affected by the flood, wash them with hot soapy water and sanitise them using a solution of 1 tablespoon of unscented liquid chlorine bleach per gallon of water. Allow the surfaces to air dry.

By following these steps, you can effectively clean and sanitise your copper pots and pans after a flood, ensuring they are safe to use again.

How to clean aluminium pots and pans

Aluminium pots and pans are affordable, lightweight, and durable, but they can get grimy and discoloured over time. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean them, especially after a flood:

Step 1: Initial Wash

Start by washing any existing grease or grime with warm water, dish soap, and a sponge. Use the rough side of the sponge to scrub any burnt food bits. You may also use a wooden spoon to dislodge stubborn food particles. Ensure the pot or pan cools down before cleaning.

Step 2: Make a Cleaning Solution

Fill the pot or pan with water, adding an acidic ingredient like cream of tartar, white vinegar, or lemon juice. For each quart of water, add two tablespoons of your chosen acid. This will reduce discolouration due to aluminium oxidation.

Step 3: Boil the Mixture

Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes. Turn off the heat and pour out the mixture. Your aluminium cookware should now be bright and shiny.

Step 4: Final Clean

Use dish soap, warm water, and the rough side of a sponge to address any remaining discolouration. Avoid using steel wool or abrasive scrubbers to prevent scratching. Rinse the pot or pan and dry it with a dish towel.

Step 5: Clean the Exterior

Use silver polish or a DIY lemon and table salt mixture to clean any discolouration on the exterior. Cut a lemon in half, dip it in salt, and scrub the exterior gently with circular motions. Rinse with warm water and hand-dry with a microfiber cloth.

Additional Tips:

• Always clean your aluminium cookware after each use, even if it's just for boiling water.
• Store your pots and pans in a cabinet or drawer to prevent dust and grease buildup.
• Avoid putting aluminium cookware in the dishwasher, as the harsh chemicals and temperatures can cause irreversible discolouration and warping.

How to clean stainless steel pans

To clean stainless steel pans, it is recommended to always hand-wash and avoid using abrasive tools or harsh cleaning agents. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to effectively clean your stainless steel pans:

Step 1: Cool Down and Rinse

Let the pan cool down to avoid warping. Then, rinse off any excess food with warm water.

Step 2: Soak in Soapy Water

Fill the pan with warm, soapy water and let it soak for a few minutes. This helps to loosen any stuck-on food particles.

Step 3: Scrub with Non-Abrasive Sponge

Use a soft or non-abrasive sponge to gently scrub the pan. Avoid using steel wool or harsh scrubbers, as they can damage the surface.

Step 4: Rinse and Dry

Rinse the pan with clean water and dry it immediately with a microfiber cloth or let it air dry.

Removing Burnt Food:

If you have burnt food or oil stuck on your stainless steel pan, follow these additional steps:

Step 1: Sprinkle Baking Soda

Generously sprinkle baking soda on the surface of the pan. Baking soda is an inexpensive and effective way to clean burnt stainless steel.

Step 2: Add Water and Bring to a Boil

Add enough water to cover the burnt areas and bring it to a boil. Simmer until most of the water evaporates. The baking soda and boiling water will help loosen and lift the burnt residue.

Step 3: Scrub and Wash Again

Turn off the heat and let the pan cool down. Then, scrub away any remaining buildup with a non-abrasive sponge and wash the pan with hot, soapy water.

Removing Discoloration:

Discoloration on stainless steel pans is typically caused by overheating. To remove rainbow-colored stains or hard water residue, follow these steps:

Step 1: Use Vinegar

Pour some distilled white vinegar into the pan and let it sit for a few minutes. Vinegar is an effective and gentle way to remove stains without damaging the surface.

Step 2: Scrub and Rinse

Use a soft or non-abrasive sponge to scrub the stained areas. Then, rinse the pan with cold water to remove any remaining vinegar.

Step 3: Dry Thoroughly

Wipe the pan dry with a microfiber towel or let it air dry.

How to sanitise pots and pans after a flood

Floodwater can bring silt, sewage, oil, and chemical waste into your home, making it unsafe to use any pots, pans, and dishes that have been in contact with it. Here is a guide on how to sanitise your pots and pans after a flood:

Inspect all items

Discard any items made of porous material, such as wood, plastic, or rubber. Also, throw away any dishes with deep cracks. These items cannot be sanitised.

Wash the remaining items

Wash the remaining items in hot soapy water, using a brush if necessary to remove dirt. If the handles from frying pans and saucepans are removable, clean them separately. Equipment that can be taken apart should be cleaned in pieces.

Rinse

After sudsing and brushing, rinse the items in clear hot water.

Sanitise

There are different ways to sanitise your pots and pans, depending on the material:

• Metal items: Boil them in water for at least two minutes.
• Iron items: If they are rusted, scour them with steel wool. Then, season them before use to prevent food from sticking to them. Lightly coat the cooking surfaces with cooking oil and place them in an oven at 250°F for two to three hours.
• Glass, ceramic, and other non-metal items: Disinfect them by immersing them in a chlorine solution. Use a solution of one tablespoon of unscented liquid chlorine bleach to a gallon of water. Soak the items for 10 to 15 minutes.

Air-dry

Let all items air-dry. Do not dry them with a dishtowel.

Frequently asked questions