Clean Your Pots And Pans: Back To Basics

Burnt pots and pans are a common problem for home cooks, but there are several ways to clean them. One method is to boil water in the pan for 5-7 minutes, which will loosen burnt-on food. For glass or metal pans, adding boiling water and letting it sit for a few minutes can also help. Another option is to use a combination of baking soda, vinegar, and lemon juice. These ingredients can be used separately or together to scrub away burnt residue. For example, a paste made from baking soda and water can be applied to the bottom of a pan and scrubbed off after 10 minutes. Similarly, ketchup can be applied to the bottom of copper-bottom pans and scrubbed off after 10 minutes.

Use boiling water to loosen burnt food

Boiling water is an effective way to loosen burnt food from pots and pans. This method works on stainless steel, glass, and metal cookware.

To clean your cookware with boiling water, first, fill the pan with water and bring it to a boil for 5-7 minutes. The steam will help loosen any food stuck to the sides of the pan. After boiling, the food should be loosened and easy to remove. Pour out the hot water and wipe away any remaining food with a sponge.

For glass or metal baking dishes, add boiling water and let it sit for several minutes before using the scrubby side of a sponge to wipe away any residue.

A hot water soak can also be used to loosen baked-on food from dishes. Fill the dish with warm to hot water, covering the sides, and let it soak for 15-20 minutes or until the food softens. If you didn't soak the dish immediately after cooking, you can add hot water later and let it soak overnight. Then, wash the dish in the morning.

Try a paste of baking soda and water

Baking soda is a versatile natural cleaner that can be used to clean pots and pans. It has mild abrasive properties and its alkaline pH can help neutralise acidic burnt foods. It is also non-toxic and inexpensive.

To clean the back of your pots and pans with baking soda, start by sprinkling a layer of baking soda at the bottom of the pan. Then, add a few tablespoons of water to create a paste. You can also try covering the bottom of the pan with a thin layer of warm water and then adding baking soda to create a paste. Let the mixture sit for a few hours or overnight. If you don't want to wait, add a little more water to thin the paste and then put the pan on the stove. Bring the mixture to a boil and then remove the pan from the heat. Allow the pan to cool and then wipe or scrub to remove the burnt bits. You can also use a nylon brush or scouring sponge to scrub away the residue.

For tougher stains, you can try a few different methods. One method is to fill the pan with water and bring it to a boil. Add a cup of white vinegar to the hot water and let it simmer for a few minutes. Remove from heat and add a cup of baking soda. You will see a fizzing reaction. Set the pot aside and wait for the fizzing to stop. Then, discard the liquid and scrub the pan with a nylon brush or sponge.

Another method is to use a combination of baking soda and lemon. Remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible. Keep a thin layer of water in the pan and then sprinkle baking soda liberally at the bottom. Cut a lemon in half and use the flesh side to scour the pan with the baking soda. The combination of acidic lemon juice and alkaline baking soda will create a fizzing reaction, which is normal.

For cast iron pans, refrain from using water, soap, and acidic items like vinegar or lemon juice as they can create rust and destroy the pan's seasoning. Instead, create a paste with baking soda and water. Scrub the pan with a stiff-bristle brush or scouring pad. Rinse and repeat if necessary. Fully dry the pan and then rub it with vegetable oil.

Use vinegar and baking soda to brighten the pan

To brighten the back of your pans, vinegar and baking soda are a great combination. This method is particularly useful for stainless steel pans with burnt-on food or tough stains. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Firstly, sprinkle a liberal amount of baking soda onto the base of the pan. The baking soda should cover any burnt or stained areas. Next, add a cup of water to the pan.

Step 2: Add Vinegar

With the baking soda and water in the pan, it's now time to add the vinegar. Measure out half a cup of white distilled or apple cider vinegar and pour it into the pan. The vinegar will react with the baking soda, creating a powerful foaming cleaner.

Step 3: Boil the Solution

Place the pan on the stove and turn the heat on. Bring the mixture in the pan to a boil. The boiling process will take around 10 minutes. The heat and the chemical reaction between the vinegar and baking soda will loosen even the most stubborn stains.

Step 4: Cool and Wipe

After boiling, remove the pan from the heat and let it cool down. Once it's cool enough to handle, use a sponge or cloth to wipe away the loosened residue. The food or stain should come off easily. If there are any remaining traces, you can repeat the process.

Tips and Precautions:

• Always ensure the pan has cooled sufficiently before handling to avoid burns.
• Avoid using this method on cast iron pans, as the vinegar can cause rusting.
• For extra shine, rub the bottom and sides of the pan with a lemon half after cleaning and then rinse and air dry.
• To remove any residual odours, squirt some vinegar into the pan, rinse with water, and let it air dry.
• Baking soda is a mild abrasive, so it's gentle enough to use frequently without damaging your cookware.

By following these steps, you can effectively brighten the back of your pans, removing burnt-on food and stains, and restoring them to their former glory.

For cast iron, use kosher salt, warm water and a soft sponge

Cast iron pans are durable and can last forever with the right care. To clean the back of a cast iron pan, you'll need kosher salt, warm water, and a soft sponge.

First, rinse the pan with hot or boiling water. If there is any residue left, use kosher salt, warm water, and a soft sponge to loosen it. Rinse the pan again.

Once the pan is completely dry, apply a thin layer of vegetable oil to the bottom and sides of the pan. This will keep it lubricated and prevent rusting.

• Avoid using abrasive sponges, as these can ruin the seasoning (the oil-treated surface that protects the pan and your food).
• Don't let the pan soak in water, as this can cause rusting.
• If there are still bits of food stuck to the pan, add some water and bring it to a simmer. Let it simmer until the water evaporates, then wipe or scrub the pan again.
• Mild detergent can be used, but it is not necessary.
• After cleaning, dry the pan on the stove over medium heat for a few minutes.

For copper, use boiled water and vinegar

Copper cookware is delicate and highly reactive, so it's important to clean it properly to keep it in good condition. To clean copper with boiled water and vinegar, follow these steps:

• Mix one cup of vinegar, three cups of water, and one tablespoon of salt in a large pot.
• Place your copper item in the pot, ensuring it is fully submerged.
• Bring the mixture to a boil and let it cook until the tarnish starts to come off.
• Remove the pot from the heat and let the water cool before taking out your copper item.
• If necessary, use another cleaning method to remove any remaining tarnish.

This method is especially useful for smaller copper pieces, such as gratin dishes or kettles, that can fit inside a larger pot.

It's important to note that copper should not be cleaned with abrasive products or left wet, as this can accelerate the tarnishing process. Always dry your copper items thoroughly after cleaning and consider applying a light coat of oil to slow down future tarnishing.

Frequently asked questions