Deep Cleaning Ceramic Pans: A Step-By-Step Guide

Keeping your ceramic pans clean can be a challenge, but it's important to do so to maintain their non-stick properties and keep them performing well. Here are some tips to help you deep clean your ceramic pans and keep them in good condition. Firstly, always allow your pan to cool before cleaning, as drastic temperature changes can damage the non-stick coating. Avoid using harsh scrubbers like steel wool or metal pads, as these can scratch the surface. Instead, opt for non-abrasive sponges or soft cloths. For daily cleaning, a mild dish soap and warm water are usually sufficient. For more stubborn stains, you can try soaking the pan in warm soapy water, using a baking soda and vinegar solution, or simmering water in the pan to loosen burnt-on food. Remember to dry your pans thoroughly after cleaning and store them properly to prevent scratches. With the right care, your ceramic pans will last for years and provide an easy, healthy cooking experience.

Soak in warm soapy water

Soaking your ceramic pan in warm soapy water is an effective way to deep clean it. Here is a step-by-step guide:

First, fill your ceramic pan with hot water. You can simply use hot water from the tap, or boil some water in the pan itself. Make sure the water level is high enough to cover any stuck-on food or stains.

Next, add a small amount of liquid dish detergent to the pan. You can also use a mild dish soap or a few drops of grease-busting liquid soap. Avoid using harsh detergents as they can damage the ceramic coating.

Let the pan soak for up to three hours. During this time, the warm soapy water will help to loosen burnt-on food, oil, and stains. If you are soaking the pan in a sink, be sure to check what the pan is made of first, as some materials, like cast iron, should not be submerged in water for extended periods.

After soaking, use a non-abrasive sponge or soft cloth to wipe away any remaining food or stains. Be gentle to avoid scratching the ceramic surface. If necessary, use a plastic spatula to gently lift away stubborn residue.

Finally, rinse the pan thoroughly with warm water and dry it with a soft towel or cloth. Your ceramic pan is now clean and ready to be stored away or used for your next cooking adventure!

Use baking soda as a scrub

Baking soda is an excellent option for cleaning your ceramic pan, thanks to its mild abrasive properties. It can break down even the most stubborn, burnt-on food residue. Here's how to use baking soda as a scrub to deep clean your ceramic pan:

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Before you begin scrubbing, ensure the pan is cool. Always let your ceramic pan cool down to room temperature before cleaning it. This will prevent thermal shock, which can cause the pan to crack or warp. Once the pan is cool, fill it with warm, soapy water and let it soak for about 30 minutes. This will help loosen any stuck-on food and make it easier to remove.

Step 2: Make a Baking Soda Paste

In a small bowl, mix baking soda with a little water to form a paste. You want a thick, spreadable consistency. The paste should be enough to cover all the burnt or stained areas of the pan. Adjust the amounts as needed—a good starting point is 1 cup of baking soda with 1/3 cup of water.

Step 3: Apply the Paste

After your pan has soaked, pour out the soapy water. Then, apply the baking soda paste liberally to the affected areas of the pan. Make sure the paste is thick enough to fully coat the surface. Alternatively, you can sprinkle baking soda directly onto the pan and then add just enough warm water to create a paste.

Step 4: Let it Sit

Let the baking soda paste sit on the pan for several hours or even overnight. The longer it sits, the more effective it will be at breaking down the burnt-on food and stains. If you're short on time, you can place the pan on the stove and heat it gently. However, be careful not to let it burn again. Once the paste starts to bubble and fizz, remove it from the heat and let it cool.

Step 5: Scrub and Rinse

After the paste has had time to work its magic, it's time to scrub. Use a non-scratch scrub sponge or a soft-bristled brush to work the paste into the affected areas in a circular motion. Rinse the pan with warm water and repeat the process if necessary. If you're dealing with very stubborn stains, you can add a bit more baking soda and scrub again. Finally, rinse the pan thoroughly and dry it with a soft cloth or let it air dry.

Using baking soda as a scrub is an effective and gentle way to deep clean your ceramic pan. It's important to be patient and let the baking soda do its work, but the end result will be a sparkling clean pan!

Clean with hydrogen peroxide

If your ceramic pan has become discoloured, a quick fix is to soak it in hydrogen peroxide. This will lighten the finish of your pan and brighten its overall appearance.

First, allow your pan to cool down to room temperature. Then, pour enough 3% hydrogen peroxide into the pan to cover the bottom. The hydrogen peroxide should bubble. If it doesn't, the solution is not fresh and you will need to use a new bottle.

Let the solution sit in the pan for 30 minutes. Then, rinse the pan and dry it with a soft dishcloth. The slight bleaching action of the peroxide will brighten the finish.

Avoid harsh detergents

When cleaning a ceramic pan, it is important to remember that you should never put your pan in the dishwasher. The harsh detergents used in dishwashers are too abrasive for the sensitive ceramic coating. The same goes for other abrasive cleaners. Instead, opt for a mild dish soap.

The reason that harsh detergents should be avoided is that they can damage the ceramic coating. This coating is what makes ceramic pans a healthier alternative to non-stick pans, as they are free from harmful chemicals such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or Teflon. These chemicals can leach into food when heated and can have lasting repercussions on the body. Therefore, it is important to only use mild detergents to protect the integrity of the ceramic coating.

Additionally, when cleaning a ceramic pan, it is important to avoid using abrasive sponges, such as metal pads and steel wool. These can also damage the non-stick surface, wearing it down over time. Instead, use a soft sponge or cloth to clean your ceramic pan.

In terms of the cleaning process, it is recommended to first let your pan cool before cleaning. Then, fill the pan with hot water and a mild dish soap, scrubbing gently with a non-abrasive sponge. For stubborn stains, you can soak the pan in hot, soapy water for up to three hours, or create a paste with baking soda and water, scrubbing this into the stain with a soft sponge.

Hand wash

To hand wash a ceramic pan, it is important to first let the pan cool down. Then, fill the pan with hot water and a few squirts of dish soap. Using a non-abrasive sponge or soft cloth, gently scrub the pan in circular motions. Be sure to clean all crevices and narrow areas to prevent food debris from accumulating. Rinse the pan with clean water and dry it with a soft towel or paper towel. If there are stubborn stains, there are several methods you can try.

One method is to create a paste with baking soda and water. Apply this paste to the stained area and use a soft-bristled brush or sponge to gently scrub the stain. Rinse the pan with clean water and dry it with a soft towel. Another method is to fill the pan with hot water and add a few drops of liquid soap. Let the pan soak for approximately 30 minutes, then use a sponge or dishcloth to clean away any loosened food residue. Rinse and dry the pan as before.

If you are dealing with burnt food, you can try simmering an inch of soapy water in the pan on low heat. Once the food has loosened, let the water cool and then pour it out. Wipe away any remaining food with a non-abrasive sponge and rinse the pan with warm water. Alternatively, you can fill the pan with warm water and add a few tablespoons of baking soda. Stir the mixture with a wooden spoon for 2-3 minutes, then let it cool down. Wash the pan with dish detergent, rinse, and dry.

It is important to note that you should avoid using metal pads, steel wool, abrasive nylon, or harsh detergents when cleaning ceramic pans, as these can damage the non-stick surface. Always be sure to let the pan cool down before washing and dry the pan thoroughly after rinsing to prevent water spots and streaking.

Frequently asked questions