Keep Your Ceramic Pans Spotless: Tips For The Bottom

Keeping the bottom of your ceramic pans clean can be a challenge, but it's not impossible. Here are some tips to help you keep your ceramic pans looking like new:

- Always allow the pan to cool down before washing. Ceramic coatings don't respond well to quick temperature changes, so letting the pan cool completely before cleaning will help prevent damage.

- Hand wash with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth or sponge. Avoid using abrasive pads, steel wool, or metal pads as these can scratch the surface and reduce the non-stick quality.

- Wash your ceramic pans after each use to prevent food particles from building up and causing a sticky residue.

- For stubborn stains or burnt-on food, create a paste with baking soda and water, and scrub the affected area with a soft sponge.

- To remove discolouration, use 3% hydrogen peroxide, which will bubble and lift the stains.

- Avoid using harsh chemicals or bleach when cleaning, as these can be too harsh for the finish.

- Dry your pans with a soft cloth or air-dry them to prevent water spots and streaking.

Wash by hand with mild detergent and a soft cloth or sponge

To keep the bottom of your ceramic pans clean, hand-washing is the best method. This gives you full control over the cleaning process and will help to prolong the life of your cookware.

Firstly, always allow your ceramic pan to cool down completely before washing. Then, fill your sink with warm water and add a few squirts of mild liquid dish detergent. Submerge your ceramic pan and use a soft cloth or a non-abrasive sponge to gently clean the surfaces. You should avoid using steel wool, abrasive nylon, metal pads, or abrasive cleaners, as these can cause scratches, which will damage the surface and reduce the non-stick quality of the ceramic finish.

Rinse the pan with warm water and dry it with a soft cloth, or leave it to air-dry in a dish rack. It's important to thoroughly rinse and dry your pan after washing, as leaving it wet can result in limescale appearing on the coating, and the loss of non-stick properties.

Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaning tools

When cleaning ceramic pans, it's important to avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaning tools. While ceramic pans are non-stick, they can develop a brown discolouration, especially when food is burned at high temperatures. Here are some tips to help you keep the bottom of your ceramic pans clean:

• Always allow your ceramic pan to cool down completely before washing it. Ceramic coatings do not respond well to quick, drastic changes in temperature.
• Hand-wash your ceramic pans with mild detergent or baking soda. Fill your sink or a dishpan with warm water and add a few squirts of mild liquid dish soap. Submerge the pan and use a non-abrasive sponge or soft dishcloth to clean it. Avoid using steel wool, abrasive nylon, metal pads, or abrasive cleaners, as they can cause scratches that will damage the surface and reduce the non-stick quality of the ceramic finish.
• For stubborn, burnt-on food, avoid the temptation to use harsh chemicals. Instead, try sprinkling baking soda onto the affected areas and work it in with a soft, damp sponge. You can also add some white vinegar to create a bubbling action that will help loosen the burnt-on food. Rinse well and dry. For very stubborn stains, sprinkle the bottom of the pan liberally with baking soda and add a couple of tablespoons of hot water. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes, then scrub with a sponge in a circular motion. Repeat if needed, then rinse and dry.
• To remove tough stains, a natural solution of vinegar and water can be used. Mix one part white vinegar with four parts water and pour the solution into the pan. Place the pan on the stove and bring the solution to a boil for a few minutes. Let the pan cool down, then scrub with a soft sponge.
• For dark stains, you can use hydrogen peroxide to lighten the finish. Pour enough 3% hydrogen peroxide to cover the bottom of the pan. It should bubble to indicate that the chemical reaction is working. Let it sit for about 30 minutes, then rub down the dissolved stains with a soft cloth.
• To remove scuff marks, use a powdered cleanser with abrasive minerals like oxalic acid powder (such as Bar Keeper's Friend). Sprinkle a small amount of the powder into the pan and add just enough water to coat the surface. Wait about 10 minutes, then gently buff out the stains with a non-scratch sponge or microfiber cloth.
• Avoid using lemon or anything else acidic to clean your ceramic pans, especially if the finish is starting to wear. Acidic substances can cause the finish to wear out more quickly and erode the coating.

Use baking soda to clean off food particles

Baking soda is an excellent option for cleaning ceramic pans as it is mildly abrasive and can break down tough, burnt-on food residue. It is also alkaline, which helps to neutralise acidic burnt foods. To use baking soda to clean your ceramic pan, follow these steps:

Step 1: Let the Pan Cool

Always let your ceramic pan cool down completely before cleaning it. This is because ceramic coatings do not respond well to quick, drastic changes in temperature. Letting the pan cool down will prevent it from shattering due to "thermal shock".

Step 2: Remove Large Food Particles

Scrape off any large chunks of burnt food from the pan using a rubber spatula.

Step 3: Apply Baking Soda

Drizzle about 2 tablespoons of baking soda onto all the dirty spots on the pan. You can also sprinkle the bottom of the pan liberally with baking soda. For very stubborn food residue, sprinkle the bottom of the pan with baking soda and add 1 to 2 tablespoons of hot water.

Step 4: Wait

Wait for about 25 to 30 minutes. This will allow the baking soda to work its magic and start breaking down the food particles.

Step 5: Scrub

Dampen a non-scratch scrub sponge or a soft dishcloth. Using circular motions, scrub the pan to remove the food particles. Rinse the pan with water and repeat the process if necessary.

Alternative Method: Baking Soda and Vinegar

Alternatively, you can create a mixture of baking soda and vinegar and use it to scrub the stains. First, remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible. Then, add enough white vinegar to cover the bottom of the pan with at least 1/2 inch of liquid. Boil the vinegar in the pan and let it simmer for a few minutes. Remove from heat and add 1 cup of baking soda, which will create a fizzing reaction. Set the pan aside and wait until the fizzing stops. Then, discard the liquid and scrub the pan with a nylon brush or scouring sponge. Rinse and dry the pan.

Remove tough stains with a vinegar solution

To remove tough stains from your ceramic pans, a vinegar solution is an effective method. Firstly, let your pan cool down completely. Then, scrape off any large chunks of burnt food with a rubber spatula. Next, mix a solution of one part white vinegar to four parts warm water. Pour this mixture into your pan and place it on the stove over medium-high heat. Let the solution boil for around three to four minutes. Turn off the heat and let the pan cool down to room temperature. Finally, scrub the pan with a soft sponge, rinse it with warm water, and dry it with a soft towel or let it air-dry.

For very stubborn stains, you can also try the following method: mix two cups of water with half a cup of vinegar and pour this solution into your pan. Leave it to soak overnight, or you can boil the solution in the pan for a few minutes to loosen the stain. After letting the pan cool, scrub out the burnt food.

Dry with a soft cloth or paper towel

Drying your ceramic pans with a soft cloth or paper towel is an important step in keeping them clean and maintaining their longevity. After washing your ceramic pan, it is recommended to gently dry it with a soft cloth or paper towel. This will help to prevent water spots and ensure that your pan is ready for its next use.

Using a soft cloth or paper towel to dry your ceramic pan is crucial because it helps to avoid scratching the surface. Ceramic pans have delicate surfaces that can be easily damaged by harsh materials. By using a soft cloth or paper towel, you minimise the risk of scratching and maintain the integrity of the pan's coating.

Additionally, drying your ceramic pan with a soft cloth or paper towel can help to prevent rusting. While ceramic pans are less susceptible to rusting than other types of pans, ensuring that they are thoroughly dried after washing can further reduce the risk of rust formation.

It is also worth noting that, if you prefer, you can let your ceramic pan air-dry. This method may take longer, but it can be a convenient option if you are short on time or need to move on to other tasks after washing your pan.

Overall, drying your ceramic pans with a soft cloth or paper towel is a simple yet important step in maintaining the condition and performance of your cookware. By taking the time to properly dry your pans, you can help ensure that they remain in optimal condition for years to come.

Frequently asked questions