Shining Pots And Pans: Quick Tips

Keeping your pots and pans sparkling clean can be a challenge, especially when food gets burnt on or caked on. But there are several ways to make your pots and pans shine like new again, and most of them involve common household products.

For example, you can use baking soda, vinegar, and water to make a DIY scouring paste. Apply the paste to your pan and let it sit for 20 minutes, then scrub off any stains with a sponge or scouring pad. You can also try filling your pan with equal parts vinegar and water and boiling the mixture to remove stubborn burnt spots. Just be sure to use methods that are safe for the type of pan you're cleaning, as some methods can damage non-stick coatings.

Cleaning stainless steel with vinegar and baking soda

General Clean-and-Shine Solution:

To remove minor food buildup, grease, and water spots, start by dipping a dishcloth into warm water mixed with a little dish soap. Next, pour some water into the pan and sprinkle a tablespoon or two of baking soda inside. Use the dishcloth to scrub the inside and outside of the pan, allowing the baking soda to act as an abrasive that shines the metal. If the residue is stubborn or the steel still looks dull, add a splash of vinegar and wipe down the pan, inside and out, before rinsing and drying it.

Homemade Baking Soda Scrub:

Create a mild cleaning solution by mixing two tablespoons of baking soda into a pint of warm water. Dip a soft cloth into this mixture and wipe down the inside and outside of the pan. For tough spots, use a clean, damp toothbrush or vegetable brush dipped in baking soda to scrub the affected area. Rinse and dry the pan afterward. For an extra shine, wipe the outside of the pan with a soft cloth soaked in vinegar and let it air dry.

Removing Stubborn Grease:

For burnt-on grease, boil equal parts water and vinegar in the pan for several minutes. Allow the liquid to cool, then use paper towels to remove any grease that floats to the top. Dispose of the paper towels and the grease-free vinegar solution. If the stubborn grease is on the outside of the pan, heat the vinegar and water solution in a separate pan or a microwave-safe glass. Dip a folded paper towel into the hot liquid using tongs, then place it on the grease spot for several minutes. Remove the vinegar-soaked paper and wipe the area clean with a damp dishcloth or paper towel. Reapply the warm vinegar treatment if necessary.

Preventative Maintenance:

To make cleaning easier and keep your pans looking their best, it's important to rinse them out after cooking and once they have cooled to room temperature. Wipe away any food debris on the inside before it becomes caked on. For spills on the outside of the pan, use a damp cloth with a little salt or baking soda to remove them before they harden. Even if you don't have time for a thorough wash, addressing the big messes will reduce the effort required later. Finally, dry your pans with a lint-free dish towel after washing to help maintain a shiny and spot-free finish.

Removing burnt-on food from non-stick pans

To remove burnt-on food from non-stick pans, you'll want to avoid using anything too abrasive, as this can scratch and damage the non-stick coating. Here are some methods you can try:

Method 1: Soap and Water

Let the pan cool completely, then fill it with hot water and leave it to soak for 10-15 minutes. This will help to loosen any dried-out food. After soaking, add some dish soap to the pan and to a dish sponge, then scrub the burnt areas with the rough side of the sponge.

Method 2: Vinegar and Baking Soda

Create a mixture of two tablespoons of white vinegar, two tablespoons of baking soda, and enough water to cover the bottom of the pan. Bring this mixture to a boil, stirring as you do so, then allow it to cool completely. After cooling, discard the mixture and rinse the pan with warm water before scrubbing with a non-abrasive sponge and dish soap.

Method 3: Lemon and Water

Cut up a couple of lemons and place them in the pan with enough water to cover the bottom. Boil for 5-10 minutes, then discard the lemons and water. Use a regular scouring pad to scrub away any remaining food particles, then rinse the pan.

Method 4: Sugar Cubes

Soak the pan in hot water, then remove any excess liquid. Scrub the pan with sugar cubes, which will help to break down tough, stuck-on food.

Method 5: Bar Keeper's Friend

Rinse the pan under hot water, then, wearing rubber gloves, sprinkle a small amount of Bar Keeper's Friend powder onto the burnt surface. Rub the powder in with a damp cloth or sponge, then wait a minute and rinse the pan again. Scrub off any loosened food with a sponge or scouring pad, repeating the process if necessary.

General Tips

• Always let the pan cool before attempting to clean it.
• Avoid using anything too abrasive, such as steel wool, chain mail, or heavy-duty scrubbing brushes, as these can scratch and damage the non-stick coating.
• For burnt-on grease, try boiling equal parts water and vinegar in the pan, then use paper towels to remove the grease that floats to the top.
• To prevent food from burning, avoid cooking on high heat and try not to leave your meal unattended.

Cleaning cast iron pans with a potato and salt

Cast iron skillets are incredibly durable and can be used to cook a wide range of recipes. However, they can be tricky to clean. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to clean and shine your cast iron pan using a potato and salt:

Step 1: Gather your supplies

You'll need coarse salt (such as kosher salt or sea salt), a potato, and some oil.

Step 2: Prepare the pan

Sprinkle a generous amount of salt onto the cooking surface of the pan. The salt will act as a mild abrasive, helping to lift off any stuck-on food bits.

Step 3: Cut the potato

Take a potato and cut it in half so that it fits comfortably in the palm of your hand. The cut side of the potato will be used to scrub the pan.

Step 4: Scrub the pan

Place the potato, cut side down, onto the pan. Scrub it vigorously in a circular motion to remove any stuck-on food or residue. The moisture in the potato, combined with the abrasive action of the salt, creates an effective and inexpensive scrub.

Step 5: Rinse and dry the pan

Once the pan is clean, rinse it with water and pat it dry with a lint-free cloth or paper towel. It's important to dry the pan thoroughly to prevent rusting.

Step 6: Season the pan (optional)

If desired, you can season the pan after cleaning to create a non-stick cooking surface. To do this, pour a small amount of oil into the skillet and spread it evenly with a paper towel to coat the entire surface. Place the skillet in an oven preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for one hour. After heating, remove the skillet from the oven and wipe off any excess oil.

And that's it! Your cast iron pan should now be clean, shiny, and ready to use. This method is a simple and effective way to care for your cast iron cookware, ensuring it lasts for generations.

Using dryer sheets to cut through grime

If you're looking for a way to cut through the grime on your pots and pans without resorting to heavy scrubbing, dryer sheets may be your new best friend. This unusual hack has gained popularity thanks to its surprising effectiveness in tackling scorched cookware. Here's how you can use dryer sheets to shine your pots and pans:

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Start by filling your dirty pot or pan with hot water. You can also add a few drops of liquid dish soap or washing-up liquid to the water. The exact amount of water needed will depend on the size of your cookware, but ensure it covers the burnt or greasy areas.

Step 2: Add the Dryer Sheet

Place a single dryer sheet on the surface of the water. Make sure the dryer sheet is completely submerged by pushing it down gently. The magic behind this hack likely lies in the conditioning properties of the dryer sheet, which help release gunk and grease.

Step 3: Let it Soak

Let the pan soak for 10 to 15 minutes. For more stubborn or baked-in messes, consider letting it soak overnight. During this time, the dryer sheet will work its magic, loosening the caked-on grime and making it easier to remove.

Step 4: Wipe and Rinse

After soaking, use a wet sponge or dishcloth to wipe away the softened grease and food particles. You'll be amazed at how easily they lift off with minimal scrubbing required. Finally, rinse the pan with clean water to remove any remaining residue.

Tips and Tricks:

• For extremely burnt or tough messes, you may need to let the pan soak overnight for best results.
• While dryer sheets are excellent for tackling tough grime, they may not be suitable for every burnt pot or pan. For lighter messes, stick to traditional cleaning methods to conserve dryer sheets.
• Always wash your pan with soap and water after cleaning with a dryer sheet to ensure no residue remains.

By following these simple steps, you can transform your grimy pots and pans into sparkling cookware without breaking a sweat. So, the next time you're faced with a scorched pan, don't reach for the scourer; grab a dryer sheet instead!

Cleaning copper pans with ketchup and salt

Copper pans are an attractive addition to your kitchen, but they require care to keep them shiny. You can use a mixture of salt and ketchup to make them shine like new.

Step 1: Prepare the Mixture

For this method, you will need equal parts of ketchup and kosher salt. Squeeze out a generous amount of ketchup and add salt until you have a similar volume of each.

Step 2: Apply the Mixture

Spread the ketchup and salt mixture over the surface of your copper pan. Use a soft cotton or hemp cloth to work the mixture into the copper. Avoid using polyester or synthetic cloths, as these may scratch the surface.

Step 3: Scrub the Pan

Using a toothbrush or scouring pad, scrub the pan in small circles, applying gentle pressure. For the bottom of the pan, you may want to use a scouring pad for a more thorough clean, but for mugs or more delicate items, stick to a toothbrush.

Step 4: Rinse and Buff

Once you have removed all the tarnish, rinse the pan with water. Then, buff it with a dry cotton cloth to reveal a bright, shiny finish.

Other Methods to Try

If ketchup and salt don't do the trick, there are several other household items you can try to clean your copper pans. These include:

• Flour and vinegar
• Barkeeper's Friend
• White vinegar
• Lemon juice and salt
• Baking soda and vinegar

Frequently asked questions