Restore Pots And Pans: Remove Oxidation

Burnt pots and pans are a common occurrence in the kitchen, and a simple wash with soap and water won't always do the trick. To restore your cookware to its former gleaming glory, you'll need to employ some additional household ingredients or cleaning products that can cut through grease and lift away stubborn, stuck-on grime. The method you choose will depend on the type of cookware you're dealing with, as some materials like non-stick pans can be damaged by abrasive cleaning methods.

Baking soda and vinegar

To use this method, follow these steps:

• First, remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible.
• Next, add a cup of water and a half cup of white vinegar to the pan and bring it to a boil.
• Once the mixture is boiling, let it simmer for a few minutes.
• Remove the pan from the heat and add 1 cup of baking soda. This will cause a fizzing reaction, so it may be best to do this over the sink.
• Set the pot aside and wait for the fizzing and bubbling to stop.
• Discard the liquid and scrub the pan with a nylon scrub brush or scouring sponge, adding more baking soda as necessary.
• Rinse and dry the pan as usual.

For cast iron cookware, the process is slightly different. After removing debris and scorched food, cover the bottom of the pan with baking soda and add 2-3 tablespoons of water to create a paste. Use a stiff-bristle brush or scouring pad to scrub the pan, but do not add soap. Rinse and repeat if necessary. Finally, dry the pan and rub the entire surface with oil. Place the pan in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for an hour.

This method can also be used to clean non-stick and ceramic pans, but it is important to use a non-stick-safe nylon brush or sponge to avoid damaging the surface.

Lemon juice and baking soda

To use lemon juice and baking soda to deoxidize and clean your pots and pans, follow these steps:

• Remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible. It's important to note that you should never use abrasive sponges or steel wool on non-stick pans, as they can scratch or damage the surface.
• Keep a thin layer of water in the pan. You can cover the bottom of the pan with warm water or simply leave a small amount of water in the pan after rinsing.
• Sprinkle baking soda liberally over the water to create a thin paste. The amount of baking soda will depend on the size of your pan, but aim for a consistency that will coat the surface evenly.
• Cut a lemon in half and use the flesh side to scour the pan, rubbing the lemon against the baking soda paste. The combination of acidic lemon juice and alkaline baking soda will create a fizzing reaction, which is normal and effective.
• If your pan has a copper bottom that has become blackened or tarnished, turn the pot upside down and use the same method to remove stains and restore shine.
• Let the mixture sit for several hours or even overnight. The longer you let it sit, the more effective it will be at loosening burnt-on food and stains.
• After the mixture has sat for a while, scrub the pan with a non-stick-safe nylon brush or a non-scratch sponge. You can also add more baking soda at this point for extra scrubbing power.
• Rinse the pan thoroughly with warm water and dry it with a clean cloth.

This method is not suitable for cast iron pans, as the acidity of lemon juice can create rust and damage the pan's seasoning. However, for other types of pans, lemon juice and baking soda are a safe and effective way to remove burnt-on food, stains, and discolouration.

Boiling water method

The boiling water method is a great way to deoxidize pots and pans and remove burnt-on food. Here is a step-by-step guide:

First, fill your pan with water. If your pan has a lot of burnt-on food, make sure the water level is high enough to cover the dirty sides. Turn up the heat and bring the water to a boil. For stainless steel pans with burnt-on food, boil the water for around 5-7 minutes. The steam from the boiling water will help loosen the food.

Once the food starts to loosen and comes off easily, pour out the hot water. Wipe any remaining food from the pan with the scrubby part of a sponge. If you are cleaning glass or metal baking dishes, you can add boiling water and let it sit for several minutes before using the scrubby side of a sponge to wipe away any residue.

If there is still baked-on or caked-on food, you can try a hot water soak. Fill the dish with warm to hot water, making sure to cover the sides. Let the dish soak for 15-20 minutes or until the food loosens. If you didn't soak the dish right after cooking, don't worry! You can add hot water later and let it soak overnight, then wash it in the morning.

You can also add a dash of baking soda or vinegar during the boil to help clean scorched pans. Soak pots, baking dishes, or cookie sheets in hot to boiling water with baking soda and fresh lemon juice for a more thorough clean. For extra shine, rub half a lemon around the bottom and sides of stainless steel cookware, then rinse and let it air dry. A squirt of vinegar followed by a rinse of water is also effective for removing any residual odors.

Natural acids

Lemon or Lime and Salt

Cut a lemon or lime into quarters and place them in a pot or pan filled with water. Bring the water to a boil and let it boil for about 5 minutes. Then, pour out the lemons/limes and water and use a wooden spatula or spoon to scrape away any burnt-on food. The high citric acid content in lemons/limes makes them excellent at cutting through grease and killing bacteria. Plus, they'll leave your pans smelling fresh!

Vinegar and Citrus Peel

Take some citrus peels, such as orange peels, and place them in a jar. Cover the peels with cleaning vinegar (which has a higher acidity level of 6% as compared to the usual 5%). Secure the jar with a lid and shake the mixture. Place the jar in a sunny spot for a few days, then strain the mixture and transfer it to a spray bottle. Spray this natural cleaner onto your pots and pans, let it sit for 20-30 minutes, and wipe away any gunk.

Lemon and Table Salt

Cut a lemon in half and apply table salt to the pulp, creating a natural abrasive sponge. Rub the lemon on the surface of your copper cookware. The acid in the lemon will help remove tarnish, while the salt provides extra scrubbing power.

White Vinegar and Table Salt

Create a paste using white vinegar and table salt. Apply this paste to your pots and pans, then buff it off using a soft cloth. If there is dirt in any dents or crevices, use a toothbrush to gently scrub it away.

Other Natural Acid Options

Other natural acids that you can use to clean your pots and pans include orange essential oil, ketchup, and fresh lime juice. Simply apply these substances to the affected areas, let them sit for a few minutes, and then wipe or scrub away any built-up gunk.

Remember to always rinse and dry your pots and pans after using any of these natural acid cleaning methods. Enjoy your sparkling clean cookware!

Cleaning cast iron pans

Cast iron pans are a great investment for your kitchen, but they do require some special care. Here's a detailed guide on how to clean and maintain your cast iron pans to keep them in top condition:

Washing and Drying

After cooking with your cast iron pan, start by gently scrubbing it with mild dish soap, hot water, and a non-abrasive sponge or scrub brush. Avoid using abrasive sponges or steel wool as they can strip the seasoning from your pan. If there are stuck-on bits of food, you can use kosher salt, warm water, and a soft sponge to loosen the residue. Rinse the pan with warm water and then dry it thoroughly with a lint-free cloth or paper towel. It's important to ensure the pan is completely dry to prevent rusting.

Removing Rust

If your cast iron pan does develop rust, don't panic! You can remove the rust and continue using your pan. Start by scouring the rusty pan with warm, soapy water and steel wool. Rinse and dry the pan thoroughly. Then, apply a thin layer of cooking oil to the pan, inside and out. Place the pan upside down on the top rack of the oven, with a baking sheet or aluminium foil on the rack below to catch any drips. Bake at 450-500 degrees Fahrenheit for one hour, then allow the pan to cool. Repeat this process as needed until the cast iron's classic black patina is restored.

Removing Stuck-on Food

If you have stubborn, stuck-on food in your cast iron pan, you can try simmering a little water for 3-5 minutes and then using a pan scraper after the pan has cooled. Alternatively, you can use the boiling water method. Add 1-2 cups of water to the pan and bring it to a boil until the food loosens. You can use a wooden spatula to help scrape up any remaining bits. Afterward, wash, dry, and wipe the pan with oil.

Seasoning

To protect your cast iron pan and maintain its non-stick properties, it's important to season it regularly. This involves rubbing the pan with a thin layer of cooking oil, such as canola, vegetable, or corn oil, and then heating it. Place the pan in the oven, preheated to 450-500 degrees Fahrenheit, for 5-10 minutes. Remove the pan and use a paper towel to rub a small amount of oil all over the pan's surface, including the handle. Wipe away any excess oil with a clean towel, as too much oil can produce a blotchy, uneven seasoning. Finally, bake the pan, inverted, in the oven for one hour. Repeat this process to build up multiple layers of seasoning.

Storage

To maintain the seasoning on your cast iron pan, use it often, especially for cooking with fat or oil. Store the pan in a dry place, and if you leave it on the stove, ensure the stove is turned off.

Frequently asked questions