Green Pan Maintenance: Removing Carbonization The Right Way

GreenPan is a popular cookware brand that claims to be eco-friendly and non-toxic. However, there have been lawsuits and accusations of greenwashing against the company. While the ceramic coating on GreenPan cookware makes it a popular option for those looking for easy cleanup, even non-stick cookware has its limits. Carbonization, or brown/black spots, can occur on the non-stick layer due to overheating and the use of incorrect or insufficient oil/fat. This can cause food to stick to the pan and result in stubborn burnt-on stains. To remove carbonization from a GreenPan, it is recommended to fill the pan halfway with water and a little washing-up liquid, bring it to a boil, and then wash the rest of the pan with water and washing-up liquid. If this does not work, a melamine sponge can be used with water to remove the carbonization. Alternatively, a mixture of vinegar, water, and baking soda can be used to loosen and remove any black residue. While GreenPan cookware may be durable and long-lasting, it is important to follow proper care and cleaning instructions to maintain its non-stick properties and remove any carbonization or burnt-on food.

Fill the pan with water and washing-up liquid, then bring to the boil

To remove carbonization from your Green Pan, fill the pan halfway with water and add a little washing-up liquid. You can use warm water, but this is not necessary as you will be bringing the water to a boil anyway.

Add a small amount of washing-up liquid to the water. The amount you add is up to your discretion, but it should be enough to effectively clean the pan. Too much washing-up liquid may also create unwanted suds, so be careful not to overdo it.

Place the pan on your stove and turn it on at a medium to high heat. You want to bring the water to a boil, so ensure the heat is high enough to do so. Keep a close eye on the pan as it heats up to prevent the water from boiling over and making a mess.

Once the water has reached a rolling boil, turn off the stove and remove the pan from the heat. Allow the water to cool completely. This may take some time, so be patient. Do not attempt to speed up the process by pouring out the hot water or placing the pan in a cold environment, as this may damage the pan or cause injury.

After the water has cooled, the burnt-on food and carbonization should be loosened and ready for removal. Use a soft cloth to wipe away the residue, which should now be soft and easy to remove. If any stubborn spots remain, use a soft sponge or cloth to gently scrub them away.

Clean the pan with a melamine sponge

If your Green Pan has persistent carbonization stains that won't come off, you can try using a melamine sponge to clean it. Melamine sponges are widely available at low prices and can be used to remove all kinds of tough stains.

To use a melamine sponge to clean your pan, first, wipe the sponge in clear water and gently dry any excess. Then, gently wipe the stained area of the pan with the sponge. You should only need to use water, but if you wish, you can also use a small amount of washing-up liquid. The carbonization should come off easily, but if not, you can try using a little more force to scrub it away. Once you're done, wipe the dirt away with a rag and then rinse the sponge and soak it in water to clean it.

It's important to note that you should not use a melamine sponge to clean non-stick pots and pans, as they can scratch the surface and release chemicals from the coating. Therefore, you should exercise caution when using melamine sponges to clean your Green Pan, as they may damage the non-stick layer.

Use a non-abrasive sponge or soft cloth to clean the pan

To remove carbonization from your Green Pan, it is important to use a soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge. This is because the non-stick coating on Green Pans is delicate and can be damaged by harsh scrubbing or abrasive materials.

Firstly, empty any loose food from the pan and then fill it about halfway with warm water and a mild washing-up liquid or dish soap. Bring this to a boil on the stove and then turn off the heat and leave the pan to cool. As the pan cools, the water will loosen the burnt-on food and carbonized spots, making them easier to wipe away.

Once the pan is cool, use a soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge to wipe away any remaining residue. If there are still some stubborn spots, you can repeat the process or try using a melamine sponge, which is designed to remove carbonization without damaging the non-stick coating. These sponges are inexpensive and widely available.

After cleaning, rinse the pan with warm water and washing-up liquid, and dry it by hand. It is important to avoid plunging a hot pan into cold water as this can cause thermal shock, which may warp the pan or shatter any glass lids.

To prevent carbonization, it is recommended to use high-smoke-point oils such as grapeseed oil for high-heat cooking and to avoid overheating the pan.

Soak the pan in warm, soapy water for 30 minutes, then scrub with a damp sponge and baking soda

To remove carbonization from your Green Pan, you can try the following method:

First, fill your sink or a large container with warm water and add a generous amount of mild dish soap. Submerge your pan in the soapy water, ensuring that it is fully covered, and leave it to soak for around 30 minutes. This will help loosen any stubborn, burnt-on food and grease.

After 30 minutes, remove the pan from the soapy water and use a damp sponge to gently scrub away any remaining residue. If you come across any particularly tough areas, you can make a paste with baking soda and water and apply it to the affected areas. Baking soda is a mild abrasive and will help lift away carbonized food and grease without damaging the non-stick surface of your Green Pan.

Once you have scrubbed the entire pan, rinse it thoroughly with warm water to remove any remaining food particles, grease, or cleaning solution. Dry your pan by hand with a soft cloth or kitchen towel. Your pan should now be free of carbonization and ready for its next use!

Create a mixture of vinegar, water, and baking soda in the pan, then bring to a boil

To remove carbonization from your Green Pan, a mixture of vinegar, water, and baking soda can be used. Firstly, empty any loose food from the pan. Then, fill the pan with a mixture of vinegar and water and bring it to a boil. The amount of each ingredient depends on the size of your pan and the severity of the carbonization. For a stronger solution, use less water. Boil the solution for around 15-20 minutes. The acid in the vinegar will help to break down the carbonization.

After boiling, remove the pan from the heat and add baking soda. This will cause a fizzing reaction, which helps to loosen the burnt-on food. The amount of baking soda depends on the size of your pan and the severity of the carbonization. For a smaller pan, start with two tablespoons of baking soda. For a larger pan, you may need up to a cup of baking soda.

Once the fizzing has stopped, set the pan aside and wait for it to cool. The pan should then be easy to wipe clean, removing the carbonized residue. If any burnt spots remain, you can repeat the process or try scrubbing the pan with a soft cloth or sponge.

It is important to note that you should not use steel wool or other abrasive materials to scrub your Green Pan, as this may damage the non-stick coating.

Once your pan is clean, be sure to wash, rinse, and dry the pan as normal.

Frequently asked questions