Emilie Meyer
How to Hand Wash Pots and Pans
Washing pots and pans by hand can be a tedious task, but it's important to do it properly to maintain the quality and taste of your food and prolong the life of your cookware. Here are the steps to hand wash your pots and pans effectively:
Step 1: Prep the Cookware
Start by scraping off any significant food build-up from your pots and pans using a gentle cleaning tool or paper towel. If there are stubborn pieces of food stuck on, you can soak the cookware in a mixture of dish soap or baking soda and hot water for about 15 to 30 minutes. This will help loosen the food residue.
Step 2: Wash the Cookware
Fill your sink or a dishpan with hot water and add a mild dish soap. Then, place the pots and pans in the sink and use a sponge or soft cloth to gently scrub each piece all over, including the bottom. Make sure to concentrate on areas with stuck-on food. Avoid using abrasive sponges or steel wool, especially on non-stick or stainless-steel pots, as they can scratch the surface.
Step 3: Rinse the Cookware
Once you've removed all the food residue, rinse each pot and pan with hot water from the faucet until all the soap suds are gone. This step is important to prevent your food from tasting like soap.
Step 4: Dry the Cookware
After rinsing, dry the pots and pans with a clean towel or rag. You can also let them air dry on a drying rack. Ensure that you dry them thoroughly, especially cast iron cookware, to prevent rusting.
Tips for Different Types of Cookware:
- Copper Pots and Pans: Copper cookware should be hand-washed only. If your copper pots and pans start to discolour, create a solution of white vinegar and salt and use a sponge to rub it on the copper. Avoid using regular soap and water, as copper tends to oxidize and turn green.
- Cast Iron Pots and Pans: Never use detergent or soap on cast iron cookware as it will remove the seasoning and cause corrosion. Instead, clean cast iron with hot water and a stiff brush. Dry it immediately and apply a light coat of vegetable oil to prevent rusting.
- Non-stick Pots and Pans: Most non-stick cookware has a fragile finish, so it's best to hand wash them to protect the coating. Use mild dish soap and avoid abrasive sponges to prevent damage to the coating.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to wash | It is best to wash pots and pans when they are still hot from cooking. |
| What to use | Hot water, a sponge or scourer, dish soap, baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice, salt, olive oil, vegetable oil, paper towels, microfiber cloth, scouring pad, brush, pan scraper, oven gloves, rubber gloves, rubber spatula, coarse salt, detergent, mild abrasive cleaner, plastic mesh pad, liquid hand dishwashing detergent, plastic scouring pad, sandpaper, kosher salt, soft sponge, vinegar-water solution, cleansing powder, Alka-Seltzer, wooden spoon, aluminium foil, parchment paper, wax paper, non-stick cooking spray, paper towel, gentle cleaning tool, cleaning solution, towel |
| What to avoid | Abrasive sponges, steel wool, soaking cast iron pans, using detergent or soap on cast iron pans, using abrasive cleaners on copper pans, using steel wool or abrasive cleaners on non-stick pans, using automatic dishwasher detergent for hand washing unless recommended by the manufacturer, using high heat when drying in the dishwasher, putting non-stick, cast iron, steel, tin, non-anodized aluminium, hand-painted or embellished ceramic cookware in the dishwasher |
What You'll Learn
How to hand wash non-stick pots and pans
Non-stick pots and pans are better off being hand-washed. The non-stick coating usually has a fragile finish, leaving it susceptible to damage during a dishwasher cycle. To hand-wash your non-stick pots and pans, follow these steps:
Step 1: Prep the cookware
Scrape off areas of significant food build-up with a gentle cleaning tool or paper towel. For particularly stubborn pieces of food, soak the cookware in a mixture of cleaning solution (such as dishwashing soap or baking soda) and hot water for about 15 to 30 minutes.
Step 2: Wash the cookware
Once you've removed the leftover food, fill the sink or a dishpan with hot water, adding a bit of dish soap before placing the items in as well. Using a sponge, gently scrub each piece of cookware all over (including the bottom) until all traces of food have been removed, checking frequently for any missed areas. Do not use abrasive sponges or steel wool to clean non-stick pots and pans as you can scratch them.
Step 3: Rinse the cookware
Once you've washed the item, rinse it with hot water from the faucet until all the suds are gone.
Step 4: Dry the cookware
Finally, set the pots and pans out on your counter to air dry or dry them by hand using a towel. Paper towels work well for drying pots and pans, especially if they contain traces of grease.
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How to hand wash copper pots and pans
Copper is a delicate metal that is highly reactive to other substances. It is also susceptible to tarnishing, so it's important to hand-wash and thoroughly dry your copper pots and pans to keep them in good condition. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to hand wash your copper pots and pans:
Step 1: Fill your sink with warm water and add a mild dish soap
Use a mild dish soap to avoid damaging the copper. Fill your sink about one-third full to ensure you have enough water to clean your copper cookware effectively.
Step 2: Soak any stubborn residue
If you have stuck-on food or stubborn residue, soak your copper pots and pans in the warm soapy water for 10 to 15 minutes. This will help loosen the residue and make it easier to clean.
Step 3: Use a soft sponge or cloth to scrub
Avoid using abrasive sponges or steel wool, as these can scratch the copper. Gently scrub the inside and outside of your copper cookware with a soft sponge or cloth. Concentrate on areas with stuck-on food or stubborn residue.
Step 4: Rinse with hot water
Rinse your copper pots and pans under hot running water to remove any remaining soap. Ensure that you thoroughly rinse all surfaces to avoid a soapy taste or residue on your cookware.
Step 5: Dry immediately and thoroughly
Use a soft cloth or rag to dry your copper pots and pans immediately after rinsing. Be sure to dry both the inside and outside of the cookware. Leaving copper wet can accelerate the tarnishing process, so it is crucial to dry your copper items completely.
Additional tips for cleaning copper:
- To remove tough tarnish, create a paste with lemon juice and baking soda, or use a combination of lemon and salt. Rub this onto the tarnished areas and rinse and dry your copper cookware afterward.
- For heavily tarnished copper, try a combination of vinegar, water, and salt. Bring this mixture to a boil in a large pot and place your copper item inside. Let it boil until the tarnish starts to fall off, then remove and rinse your copper item.
- To prevent tarnishing, apply a clear coat varnish designed for copper. You can find these products on Amazon, such as Guardsman Weather Defense.
- Avoid using abrasive products, harsh chemicals, or bleach when cleaning copper.
- Do not put copper in the dishwasher.
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How to hand wash cast iron pots and pans
Step 1: Prep your cookware
Scrape off any large pieces of leftover food with a gentle cleaning tool or paper towel. If there are any stubborn pieces of food, you can try soaking the cookware in a mixture of hot water and a mild cleaning solution like dish soap or baking soda for 15 to 30 minutes.
Step 2: Wash the cookware
Fill your sink or a dishpan with hot water and add a bit of mild dish soap. Place the cast iron cookware in the sink and use a sponge or stiff brush to gently scrub the item all over (including the bottom) until all traces of food have been removed.
Step 3: Rinse the cookware
Once you’ve washed the item, rinse it with hot water from the faucet until all the suds are gone.
Step 4: Dry the cookware
Finally, dry the cast iron cookware by hand using a towel. Make sure to remove all moisture from the cast iron before storing it.
Additional Tips:
- Never use detergent or soap as this will remove the seasoning and cause corrosion.
- Avoid using abrasive sponges as it will ruin the seasoning (the oil-treated surface that protects the pan and your food).
- If there is still anything stuck to the pan, use kosher salt, warm water and a soft sponge to loosen residue and then rinse again.
- After the dish is totally dry, run some vegetable oil in a thin layer onto the bottoms and sides to keep it lubricated and prevent rusting.
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How to hand wash stainless steel pots and pans
Step 1: Prep your cookware
Scrape away any large pieces of leftover food with a gentle cleaning tool or paper towel. If there are any stubborn bits of food, try soaking the cookware in a mixture of hot water and dish soap or baking soda for 15 to 30 minutes.
Step 2: Wash the cookware
Fill your pot or pan one-third of the way with hot water and add two drops of mild dish soap. Mix the soap and water together until it starts to sud. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes before scrubbing the inside and outside of the pot or pan with a sponge.
Step 3: Rinse the cookware
Rinse the pot or pan with hot water from the faucet until all the soap suds are gone. Make sure to remove all the soap, otherwise, your food may taste soapy next time you use the cookware.
Step 4: Dry the cookware
Finally, dry the cookware by hand using a towel or place it on your counter to air dry.
Removing scratches from stainless steel
Wipe off any debris from the cookware and pour olive oil onto a soft cloth. Buff the cookware firmly until the surface shines.
Tips
- Always wash stainless steel by hand as dishwashers can damage and discolour the surface.
- Dry stainless steel cookware quickly after washing to prevent watermarks.
- Avoid using abrasive sponges or steel wool to clean stainless steel cookware as this can cause scratches.
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How to hand wash aluminium pots and pans
Aluminium pots and pans are a popular choice for many home cooks due to their affordability, lightweight nature, and durability. However, like other metals, they can become grimy and discoloured over time. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to hand wash your aluminium pots and pans to keep them in pristine condition:
Step 1: Wash Dirt or Grease
Allow your aluminium pots and pans to cool. Start by washing any existing grease or grime with warm water, a mild dishwashing detergent, and a sponge or cloth. Use the rough side of the sponge to scrub away any burnt food bits. You may also use a wooden spoon to dislodge stubborn food.
Step 2: Make a Cleaning Solution
Using an acidic solution will help reduce discolouration due to aluminium oxidation (that chalky, white substance on your pans). Fill your pot or pan with water, adding two tablespoons of an acidic substance (such as cream of tartar, white vinegar, or lemon juice) per quart of water. Stir the mixture.
Step 3: Boil the Mixture
Bring the mixture to a boil in your pot or pan and let it boil for about 10 to 15 minutes. Turn off the heat and pour out the mixture. Your aluminium cookware should now be bright and shiny again!
Step 4: Final Clean
Use dish soap, warm water, and the rough side of a sponge to remove any remaining discolouration. Avoid using steel wool or other abrasive scrubbers, as they may scratch your cookware. Rinse your pot or pan and dry it with a dish towel or microfiber cloth.
Step 5: Clean the Exterior
Use silver polish or a natural alternative, such as a lemon and table salt mixture, to clean any discolouration on the exterior of your pot. Give the exterior a final wash with warm water, dish soap, and a sponge to remove the polish before drying.
Tips for Maintaining Your Aluminium Cookware:
- Always clean your aluminium pots and pans after each use, even if it is just for boiling water.
- Store your aluminium cookware in a cabinet, drawer, or pantry to prevent dust and grease buildup.
- Avoid putting your aluminium pots and pans in the dishwasher, as the harsh chemicals and temperatures can cause irreversible discolouration and warping.
- Prevent future discolouration by applying a thin layer of cooking oil to clean and dry aluminium cookware. The oil acts as a protective barrier and helps maintain the shine.
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Frequently asked questions
To hand wash pots and pans, first, scrape off any excess food. Then, fill your sink with hot water and add a bit of dish soap. Place the pots and pans in the water and scrub them gently with a sponge. Rinse them with hot water and then dry them with a towel or let them air-dry.
There are several ways to clean burnt pans. One way is to fill the pan with water and bring it to a boil for 5-7 minutes. Then, pour out the hot water and wipe away any remaining food with a sponge. Another method is to create a mixture of vinegar, baking soda, and water, and bring it to a boil in the pan. Remove the pan from the heat, add some dish soap, and let it cool. Finally, scrub the pan with baking soda on a sponge and then rinse and dry.
Cast iron pans should not be washed with detergent or soap, as this will remove the seasoning and cause corrosion. Instead, use hot water and a stiff brush to clean them. Dry the pan immediately and apply a light coat of vegetable oil.
