Cleaning Green Pans: Removing Residue The Right Way

GreenPan is a ceramic non-stick cookware brand that has been around since 2007. The pans are coated with Thermolon, a ceramic non-stick coating that does not release toxic fumes, even if the pan is accidentally overheated. To get residue off a Green Pan, it is recommended to fill the pan halfway with water and bring it to a near boil for about 2 minutes. After pouring out the water, the pan should be placed on a sturdy surface such as a wooden cutting board. The warm surface can then be carefully cleaned with a melamine or restoring sponge. For the exterior, a smooth paste made from baking soda and water can be applied and rubbed with kitchen paper. It is important to note that abrasive detergents, steel wool, and iron sponges should be avoided when cleaning Green Pans.

Use a melamine sponge to wipe away carbonization spots

If you're looking to get rid of carbonization spots, a melamine sponge is your best bet. Melamine sponges are designed to wipe away stains and stubborn spots, protecting your pan's coating while tackling those little areas that cause big headaches. They're abrasive enough to grip and remove stains and burnt-on spots, but won't damage the coating of your pan.

To use a melamine sponge to remove carbonization spots, first, fill your pan halfway with water and bring it to a boil for about 2 minutes. Then, pour out the water and place the pan on a sturdy surface, like a wooden cutting board. Now, carefully take your melamine sponge and wet it, then wipe away those carbonization spots.

You can purchase melamine sponges from GreenPan, which are designed to be used with their cookware. These sponges are 3.94 inches long and 2.36 inches wide. Simply wet the sponge and wipe to remove those sticky spots. After scrubbing your GreenPan cookware, remember to rinse the sponge and allow it to air dry.

Avoid spray oils, use butter or high-smoke-point oils instead

Spray oils are a no-go when it comes to Green Pans. The small droplets of oil in sprays heat up quickly and carbonize easily, leaving a sticky residue on your pan. This residue can be removed with a melamine sponge and warm water, but it's best avoided in the first place.

So, what are the alternatives? Well, you can use butter or oils with a high smoke point. High-smoke-point oils are those with a higher temperature threshold before they start to smoke. Using these alternatives gives you more room for error when cooking.

Some examples of oils with a high smoke point include:

• Peanut oil
• Canola oil
• Coconut oil
• Grapeseed oil
• Avocado oil

When using these oils, it's still important to control the temperature. Even oils with a high smoke point can burn if the temperature is too high, and burnt-on oils can damage the non-stick coating of your Green Pan.

In addition to the type of oil, you should also consider the amount you're using. A minimal amount of oil is usually enough for Green Pans, but you can use more if you prefer.

Wash by hand with a soft sponge and warm, soapy water

To wash your Green Pan by hand with a soft sponge and warm, soapy water, start by filling your sink with warm water and adding a mild dish soap. Avoid using abrasive detergents, as these can damage the non-stick coating. Instead, opt for a gentle, soft sponge or dish sponge. Soak the pan in the warm, soapy water for a few minutes to loosen any stuck-on food or residue.

Next, gently scrub the pan with the sponge, paying extra attention to any stubborn areas. If you come across particularly tough spots, you can use a soft-bristled brush or even a melamine sponge (such as a magic eraser) to help lift the residue without damaging the pan's surface. Be sure to avoid steel wool or iron sponges, as these can scratch and damage the coating.

Rinse the pan thoroughly with warm water to ensure all the soap and residue are removed. If your pan has a handle, be sure to rinse and dry it as well, as food and grease can build up there over time. Finally, dry the pan with a soft cloth or kitchen towel. You can also let the pan air dry, but be sure to wipe it down before storing it to prevent water spots and streaking.

By following these steps, you can effectively hand-wash your Green Pan, ensuring it remains in optimal condition for cooking.

Avoid abrasive detergents, steel wool, and iron sponges

To get residue off a Green Pan, it is important to avoid using abrasive detergents, steel wool, or iron sponges. These can damage the pan's surface and coating, reducing its effectiveness and durability. Instead, opt for gentle cleaning methods using soft sponges, warm soapy water, and non-abrasive detergents.

Green Pans are designed with a Thermolon™ coating, which makes them easy to clean and maintain. This coating is delicate and can be damaged by harsh cleaning materials like steel wool or iron sponges. Using these abrasive tools can scratch the coating, reducing its non-stick properties and potentially exposing the pan's base material. This can lead to food sticking to the pan, making it more difficult to clean over time.

Abrasive detergents should also be avoided as they can contain chemicals that are too strong for the pan's coating. These chemicals can break down the coating, causing it to deteriorate and become less effective at preventing food from sticking. Opt for mild dish soaps or a mixture of baking soda and water to safely and effectively clean your Green Pan.

Additionally, when cleaning your Green Pan, always allow it to cool down before washing. Plunging a hot pan into cold water can cause thermal shock, leading to warping of the pan or shattering of any glass lids. By following these care instructions, you can maintain the quality and longevity of your Green Pan.

If you encounter stubborn residue or burnt-on food, a gentle approach is still best. Fill the pan with warm soapy water, bring it to a boil, then turn off the heat and let it cool. The burnt-on food should then be able to be easily wiped away. For more intensive cleaning, create a baking soda solution by mixing 2 tablespoons of baking soda per cup of water, boil this in the pan for 15-20 minutes, and then wipe away any remaining residue.

Allow the pan to cool before washing to avoid thermal shock

It is important to let your Green Pan cool down before washing to prevent thermal shock. Thermal shock can ruin your pan over time. When a hot pan is placed under cold water, it experiences thermal shock, which can cause warping and cracking. This is because metals expand when heated and contract when cooled. Introducing a sudden change in temperature forces the expansion and contraction of the metal at an unnatural speed, which can cause the pan to warp or even break.

Even if thermal shock doesn't crack the pan, it can slowly reduce the integrity of the pan over time. This can lead to spots on your cookware that affect how effective it is. These spots can cause your pan to not conduct heat as evenly, which will affect how your food cooks.

To avoid thermal shock, let your pan cool down gradually on the stovetop. If you need to make space, place the pan on a trivet or another heat-proof surface. If you're using granite countertops, wipe them clean first to ensure the pan doesn't sit in a puddle of water.

Once your pan has cooled down, it can be cleaned with a soft sponge and some warm, soapy water. Avoid using abrasive detergents, steel wool, or iron sponges.

Frequently asked questions