The Ultimate Guide To Cleaning Riverware Pans

Riverware pans are known for their durability and even heat distribution, but they can become stained and discoloured over time. To keep your pans in good condition, it's important to clean them properly. Here are some tips on how to clean your riverware pans to keep them looking like new.

Removing burnt-on food

The Deglazing Technique

This method involves using heat and water or a water-vinegar mixture to loosen the burnt-on food. First, remove as much burnt food and debris from the pan as possible. Then, put the pan back on the stove and heat it until a droplet of water sizzles. Add a cup of water or a mixture of half water and half white vinegar to the hot pan and let it boil. Use more liquid for larger pots or pans. As the liquid simmers, use a spatula or scraper to deglaze the bottom of the pan, loosening the burnt food. Pour out the liquid and, without drying or wiping the pan, sprinkle the bottom with baking soda. Let the pan cool, then scrub vigorously with a wet scouring sponge or nylon brush. Finally, wash and dry the pan as usual.

The Baking Soda and Water Method

This technique is suitable for scorched pans with burnt food. First, remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible. Make a paste of three parts baking soda to one part water, enough to cover the scorched portion of the pan. For a full pot bottom, try one cup of baking soda and one-third cup of water. Apply the paste liberally to the burnt pan. Alternatively, cover the bottom of the pan with a thin layer of warm water and 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're in a hurry, add a quarter to a half cup of water to thin the paste, then boil the pan briefly before cooling and scrubbing.

The Baking Soda and Vinegar Method

For heavier-duty cleaning, try combining baking soda with white vinegar. First, 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 half an inch of liquid. Boil the vinegar and let it simmer for a few minutes. Remove from heat and add a cup of baking soda, which will cause a fizzing reaction. Set the pan aside until the fizzing stops. Discard the liquid and scrub the pan with a nylon scrub brush or scouring sponge, adding more baking soda if needed. Rinse and dry the pan.

The Baking Soda and Lemon Method

Lemons are an effective and natural way to clean and shine stainless steel or copper cookware. First, remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible. Keep a thin layer of water in the pan and sprinkle baking soda liberally onto the bottom. Cut a lemon in half and use the fleshy side to scour the pan with the baking soda and water mixture. The combination of acidic lemon juice and alkaline baking soda will create a slight fizzing reaction, which is desirable. If your pan has a copper bottom that has become blackened or tarnished, turn the pot upside down and use this method to remove stains and restore shine.

The Dishwasher Detergent Method

Fill the burnt pan with water and add a generous amount of automatic dishwasher detergent and some vinegar. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it boil for 15 minutes to half an hour. Check the progress by poking at the burnt food to see if it has loosened. When done, the burnt food should slide right off.

The Bar Keepers Friend Method

Bar Keepers Friend is a popular and effective cleaning product that can be used on Revere Ware and other types of cookware. For burnt-on food, fill the pan with hot water and add a few drops of dish soap. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This will loosen any stubborn food particles. Once the pan has cooled, scrub it with a non-abrasive sponge and rinse thoroughly with hot water. For tougher stains, make a paste with Bar Keepers Friend and rub it onto the pan with a soft scrub sponge. Let the cleaner sit for a while before scrubbing and rinsing.

Cleaning with vinegar

Step 1: Cool Down and Initial Rinse

Before you begin cleaning, ensure that your Riverware pan has cooled down completely. Never attempt to clean a hot pan, as it can cause serious injuries. Once it has cooled, rinse the pan with hot water to remove any loose debris and food particles.

Step 2: Prepare the Vinegar Solution

For cleaning Riverware pans, it is recommended to use equal parts water and vinegar. Mix this solution in a spray bottle. You can also use white vinegar directly from the bottle if you don't have a spray bottle.

Step 3: Apply the Vinegar Solution

Spray or pour the vinegar solution onto the stained or dirty areas of the pan. Make sure to cover all the surfaces that need cleaning. If you're cleaning a shallow pan, swirling the vinegar around should be sufficient. For deeper pots, use a rag or sponge to wipe the vinegar up the sides, ensuring that all interior surfaces are coated.

Step 4: Let It Sit

Let the vinegar solution sit on the pan for a few minutes. This gives the vinegar time to react with the metal and break down any tough stains or burnt-on food residue. You will notice that the vinegar instantly removes any rainbow sheen that may have formed on your pans.

Step 5: Scrub Gently

After the vinegar solution has been allowed to sit, use a non-abrasive sponge or soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the pan. You can also use a scrubber designed for uncoated cookware. Avoid using steel wool, abrasive scrubbers, or harsh chemicals, as these can scratch or damage the surface of your Riverware pans.

Step 6: Rinse and Dry

Once you've finished scrubbing, thoroughly rinse the pan with hot water to remove any remaining vinegar and loosened debris. Finally, dry the pan with a clean, dry cloth or leave it to air dry.

Additional Tips:

• Vinegar is also effective for cleaning the outside of your pans, but it may leave smeary droplets. Use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe away any streaks or droplets after using vinegar on the exterior.
• If you're cleaning a burnt Revere Ware pan, you can use a combination of vinegar and water. Bring this solution to a boil in the pan, then let it simmer for a few minutes. The acidity of the vinegar will help break down burnt-on food, making it easier to scrub away.
• Remember to always handle your Riverware pans with care and avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that could damage them.

Using baking soda

To clean your Revere Ware pans, it's important to first let them cool down completely. Never try to clean hot cookware as this can be dangerous. Once the pan is cool, rinse it with hot water to remove any loose debris.

If your pan has burnt-on food, fill it with hot water and add a few drops of dish soap. Bring the water to a boil and then let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This will loosen any stubborn food particles, making them easier to remove. Once the pan has cooled, scrub it with a non-abrasive sponge and rinse thoroughly with hot water.

For tough stains, a paste made from baking soda and water can be very effective. Simply make a paste by mixing baking soda and water, and then apply it to the stained area of the pan. Let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing with a fine steel wool or a scratch-resistant scrubbing pad and rinsing with hot water. This method can also be used to clean the outside of a long-abused pan. Slowly add a large amount of baking soda to boiling water in a large pot. Place the pan to be cleaned into the larger pot and let it soak in the boiling water for a while. Take the pan out of the water every 15 minutes and work the burnt-on food with an old toothbrush or an acrylic scrubbing sponge.

For more scrubbing power, make a paste out of baking soda and water and use this to scrub the pan. It may take several hours of this method to get the pan clean. For slight grease stains on the stainless steel, first try a gentle cleaner such as Bar Keeper's Friend. If this doesn't work, fill the pan with water and bring it to a boil. While the pan is still hot, apply some baking soda and scrub the grease stains. If you can, do this while leaving the water in the pan, as this will make it more effective.

Remember to always use gentle cleaning products and avoid abrasive sponges or harsh chemicals that can damage the surface of your Revere Ware pans. Always dry the pans thoroughly after cleaning to prevent any water spots from forming.

Polishing copper

Step 1: Choose a Copper Polish

Select a good-quality, non-abrasive commercial copper polish. Popular options include Wright's Copper Cream, Mother's Mag and Aluminium Polish, and Kleen King. You can also use natural ingredients like lemon juice and salt, or vinegar and salt. If you're looking for a heavy-duty solution for badly tarnished copper, try a paste made from equal parts salt and flour, with vinegar or lemon juice added.

Step 2: Prepare the Copper Surface

If there is burnt-on or long-term grime, you may need to start by scrubbing the copper with a soft-bristled brush or sponge. Be gentle, as copper is a soft metal, and avoid using abrasive materials that could scratch the surface. For tough stains, you can use a commercial cleaner specifically designed for stainless steel, such as Bar Keeper's Friend.

Step 3: Apply the Polish

Using a soft, moistened sponge or cloth, carefully apply the polish or natural solution to the copper surface. Be sure to completely coat the piece. You can also use a soft-bristled brush for tight spaces and intricate designs. Let the polish sit for a few minutes to give it time to work on the grime.

Step 4: Scrub and Rinse

After allowing the polish to sit, scrub the copper gently, moving in a circular motion. Then, give the piece a thorough rinse with regular dish soap and water. Wash the copper with your hands, as the aggressive chemicals and high temperature of a dishwasher will cause copper surfaces to dull over time.

Step 5: Dry and Protect

Dry the copper item immediately with a soft towel to avoid watermarks. You can then apply a light coat of baby or mineral oil to seal the copper from the air and slow down future tarnishing.

Avoiding corrosion

Riverware pans, also known as Revere Ware, are made of stainless steel with a copper bottom. They are quite durable and can withstand a good scrubbing. However, to avoid corrosion and keep them in good condition, there are some important care and cleaning guidelines to follow.

Firstly, it is crucial to avoid using steel wool, SOS pads, or Brillo pads when cleaning Riverware pans. These abrasive materials can leave behind residue and cause corrosion. Instead, opt for a soft-bristled brush, a non-abrasive sponge, or an acrylic scrubbing sponge. For more stubborn stains, a Scotch-Brite pad (the green one) can be used, but it may dull the surface of the pan.

Always allow your Riverware pans to cool completely before cleaning. Applying cold water to a hot pan can cause warping, except in the case of a pressure cooker, which is designed to handle rapid temperature changes. Fill the pan with hot water and use a gentle dish soap. For burnt-on food or tough stains, bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This will help loosen any stubborn particles. Once the pan has cooled, scrub gently and rinse thoroughly with hot water.

To remove grease stains, Bar Keepers Friend or a similar product can be very effective. Apply it while the pan is still hot for better results. If you need to remove hard water deposits, combine equal parts vinegar and water in the pan and simmer for about 10 minutes until the deposits flake off. You can also fill the pan with a vinegar and water mixture and let it soak overnight.

To polish the copper bottom of your Riverware pans, use a copper polish such as Wright's copper cleaner or Kleen King. Alternatively, a mixture of salt and vinegar can be used. Spray the vinegar onto the copper, sprinkle with salt, and scrub with a vinegar-soaked sponge. This creates a reaction that removes copper oxidation.

It is important to note that Riverware pans should not be placed in the dishwasher or oven, as the high temperatures can damage the Bakelite parts. Additionally, avoid using them in the microwave unless specifically designed for it, such as the micro-fryer. Always start with medium heat and reduce it to low once the food starts cooking.

By following these care and cleaning tips, you can help prevent corrosion and maintain the quality and longevity of your Riverware pans.

Frequently asked questions