Best Cleaning Products For Pots And Pans

There are many cleaning products that can be used to clean pots and pans, and the best one often depends on the type of cookware you have. For example, cast iron and non-stick pans require a gentle approach to cleaning, whereas stainless steel can withstand a good scrub.

For stainless steel, a simple wash with soap and water won't be enough to remove burnt-on food. Instead, you can use an abrasive, acidic cleaner like Bar Keepers Friend, or a combination of baking soda and water. For burnt stainless steel pans, you can also try the boiling water method, where you add water to the pan and bring it to a boil for 5-7 minutes.

Cast iron should be cleaned without the use of soap, as this can affect the taste of your food. Instead, use hot water and a sponge, or scrub with kosher salt to remove stuck-on food.

Non-stick pans should be cleaned with a soft sponge and avoided altogether by steel wool or abrasive scourers. You can also use a combination of baking soda and water to gently scrub away stuck-on food.

Other products that can be used to clean pots and pans include vinegar, lemon juice, coarse salt, and cooking oil.

Cleaning stainless steel

Stainless steel is a popular choice for kitchen appliances, but it can be tricky to keep clean. Here are some tips and methods to help you clean and maintain your stainless steel pots and pans:

General Tips:

• Always check the manufacturer's instructions for specific cleaning steps before attempting to clean your stainless steel items.
• Let the pan cool down before cleaning.
• Avoid using steel wool or any other abrasive sponges, scrubber pads, or cloths, as they can scratch or damage the finish.
• Do not use chlorine-based cleaners, oven cleaners, or any products containing bleach or ammonia, as they can also damage stainless steel.
• Always move your cloth or sponge in one direction, following the grain of the steel, to avoid streaks and ensure a consistent finish.

Homemade Cleaning Solutions:

• Baking Soda and Water: Create a paste by mixing baking soda with water, then gently rub it onto the surface of your stainless steel item. Rinse and dry afterward.
• Vinegar and Olive Oil: Fill a spray bottle with white vinegar and spritz it onto the surface. Wipe clean with a microfiber cloth. For added shine, dip the cloth into a small amount of olive oil and move it in the direction of the grain.
• Dish Soap and Water: Mix a few drops of dish soap with water in a bowl. Dip a cleaning rag into the solution, squeeze out the excess liquid, and wipe down the surface. Dry with a microfiber cloth.
• Boiling Water: For burnt-on food, fill your pan with water and bring it to a boil for 5-7 minutes. The steam will help loosen the food, making it easier to wipe away.
• Baking Soda, Vinegar, and Lemon Juice: Add baking soda or vinegar to boiling water to help clean scorched pans. Soak pots in hot water with baking soda and fresh lemon juice for an accelerated clean. You can also rub half a lemon around the bottom and sides of stainless steel cookware for extra shine.

Store-Bought Cleaners:

• Bar Keepers Friend: This is an abrasive and acidic cleaner that cuts through and loosens burnt-on food. Sprinkle the powder onto the burnt surface, rub it in with a damp cloth, wait a minute, then rinse and scrub off any remaining food particles.
• Dishwasher Tablets: Use a dishwasher tablet, such as Finish Powerball Deep Clean Tabs, to clean burnt stainless steel pans. Scrape the tablet over the burnt surface with a bit of warm water to loosen food debris, then rinse.
• Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaner: Spray this cleaner onto your stainless steel items and wipe them down with a soft cloth in the direction of the grain.
• All-Clad Specialty Powder Stainless Steel Cleaner: This powder cleaner can be used to polish and clean your stainless steel pots and pans.

Cleaning cast iron

Cast iron pans are a must-have for any home cook, but they can be a little tricky to clean. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to clean and care for your cast iron cookware:

Step 1: Cleaning the Pan

Start by rinsing your cast iron cookware with hot or boiling water. If there is stuck-on food, you can use a small amount of mild soap to clean it. However, contrary to popular belief, a little bit of soap is okay to use and will not completely strip the seasoning from your pan. You can also use kosher salt and a soft sponge to help loosen any stubborn residue. Just be sure to rinse the pan again after using soap or salt.

Step 2: Drying the Pan

Once your cast iron is clean, it's important to dry it promptly and thoroughly. Use a lint-free cloth or paper towel to dry the pan completely. If you notice any black residue on your towel, don't worry, it's just seasoning and is perfectly normal.

Step 3: Oil the Pan

After your cast iron is clean and dry, it's time to add a light layer of cooking oil or seasoning spray to the surface. Use a paper towel to wipe the oil onto the inside and outside of the pan, then buff to remove any excess. This will help protect your cookware and keep it in good condition.

Step 4: Storing the Pan

Store your cast iron pan in a dry place. You can hang it up or stack it with paper towels in between pans to protect the finish.

Dealing with Rust:

If your cast iron pan develops rust, don't panic! You can remove the rust and continue using your cookware. Scour the rusty pan with warm, soapy water and steel wool. Rinse and dry the pan thoroughly, then apply a thin layer of cooking oil. Place the pan upside down on the top rack of the oven and put a baking sheet or aluminium foil on the bottom rack to catch any drips. Bake at 450-500 degrees F for one hour. Allow the pan to cool, then repeat if necessary until the pan is free of rust.

Tips for Preventing Sticking and Rust:

• Clean your cast iron pan immediately after use while it is still hot or warm.
• Don't soak the pan or leave it in the sink, as this can cause rust.
• Avoid using the dishwasher, as it can remove the seasoning and cause rust.
• For stuck-on food, try using a paste of coarse kosher salt and water to scrub the pan, then rinse or wipe with a paper towel.
• Always dry your pan thoroughly to prevent rusting.

By following these simple steps, you can keep your cast iron cookware clean, well-seasoned, and rust-free for years to come.

Cleaning non-stick pans

Non-stick pans are a popular choice for those looking for easy clean-up or a stick-free cooking surface. However, they do have their limits and are prone to burning. There are two ways in which non-stick pans can burn: dry heating and overheating. Dry heating occurs when the pan is exposed to heat for an extended period without anything in it. Overheating occurs when the pan is left over very high heat for too long. To avoid dry heating, always add cooking fat or other ingredients to your pan before turning the heat on. To prevent overheating, treat your pan gently and avoid cooking over high heat for extended periods.

Method One: Soap and Water

Let the pan soak in hot water for 10 to 15 minutes to loosen any dried-out food. Then, add dish soap to the pan and to your dish sponge or cloth. Scrub the burnt areas of the pan with the rough side of the sponge, being careful to avoid anything too abrasive which could scratch the coating, such as steel wool or chain mail.

Method Two: Vinegar and Baking Soda

Create a mixture of two tablespoons of white vinegar, water, and baking soda directly in your non-stick pan. Pour in enough water to cover the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring to dissolve and encourage any burnt residue to loosen. Allow the mixture to cool completely, then discard the solution and rinse the pan with warm water. Finish by washing the pan with soap and water and a gentle sponge or brush, then rinse and dry.

Additional Tips

• Wash non-stick pans by hand instead of putting them in the dishwasher.
• Clean non-stick pans immediately after use.
• Avoid using abrasive or metal pads, such as steel wool, on non-stick pans. Opt for a gentle dish soap made to cut grease and a microfiber cloth instead.
• To remove cooked-on grime, create a paste with baking soda and water or olive oil and use it to clean the pan.
• Avoid using metal utensils with non-stick pans as they can scrape the coating. Use wooden or non-stick-friendly utensils instead.

Removing burnt-on food

For Stainless Steel Pots and Pans:

• Bar Keepers Friend: This abrasive and acidic cleaner is great for cutting through and loosening burnt-on food. Sprinkle a small amount on the burnt surface, rub it in with a damp cloth, and rinse after a minute. Repeat as needed.
• Boiling Water Method: Fill your pan with water and bring it to a boil for 5-7 minutes. The steam will help loosen the burnt-on food, making it easier to wipe away.
• Baking Soda and Vinegar: Soak your pots and pans in hot water with baking soda and vinegar to accelerate the cleaning process. You can also add a dash of baking soda during the boil method.
• Dish Soap and Steel Wool: For everyday washing, a mild dish soap like Dawn and a steel wool scourer can effectively remove grease and food residue.

For Cast Iron Pots and Pans:

• Avoid using dish soap as it can affect the taste of your food. Instead, use hot water and a sponge to clean your cast iron immediately after cooking.
• For stuck-on food, sprinkle some kosher salt and scrub with a sponge. Rinse and dry thoroughly before storing.
• To remove tough stains, create a mixture of water and coarse salt, along with a tablespoon of cooking oil. Scrub with a cloth or paper towel, then wipe out and dry the pan.
• For seasoning, heat the pan and apply a thin layer of oil. Wipe it with a paper towel to maintain the seasoning.

For Nonstick Pots and Pans:

• Avoid using abrasive tools like steel wool or scouring pads, as they can scratch and damage the nonstick surface.
• Use a soft sponge or cloth with mild dish soap and warm water to clean your nonstick pans.
• For stubborn residues, create a paste with baking soda and water, apply it to the burnt area, and let it sit overnight. Gently scrub with a non-scratch sponge, then rinse and wash with soap and water.
• Avoid putting nonstick pans in the dishwasher.

Removing grease

Boiling Water Method

Fill your greasy pan with water and bring it to a boil for 5-7 minutes. The steam will help loosen any burnt-on food or grease. After boiling, pour out the hot water and use a sponge to wipe away any remaining residue. This method is suitable for stainless steel pans and glass or metal baking dishes.

Baking Soda, Vinegar, and Lemon Juice

These three pantry staples are a powerful combination for cleaning pots and pans. For scorched saucepans, add a dash of baking soda or vinegar to the boiling water. To accelerate the cleaning process, soak pots, baking dishes, or cookie sheets in hot water with baking soda and fresh lemon juice. The lemon juice will also leave your cookware with an extra shine. After soaking, use a sponge to wipe away any remaining grease.

Bar Keepers Friend

Bar Keepers Friend is a popular and effective cleaner for removing burnt-on grease from stainless steel cookware. It is an acidic, abrasive cleaner that cuts through grease and food residue. To use it, wear rubber gloves and sprinkle a small amount of the powder onto the greasy surface. Add a little water to create a thick paste, then rub it into the grease with a damp cloth or sponge. Let it sit for a minute, then rinse and scrub with a sponge or scouring pad. Repeat this process if necessary until your cookware is clean.

Baking Soda and Vinegar

Another method is to make a paste by mixing baking soda and vinegar, which can be applied to the greasy areas of your cookware. Let the paste sit for about 20 minutes, then scrub gently with a non-scratch sponge. Finally, rinse and wash the pan with soap and water.

Commercial Oven Cleaner

While this may not be a popular choice, commercial oven cleaner can be effective in removing burnt-on grease from the bottom of pans. Apply the oven cleaner to the bottom of the pan and let it sit for a few hours or overnight. Then, scrub the pan with a scouring pad and rinse thoroughly with hot soapy water to remove any residue.

Dish Soap and Hot Water

For aluminium pans, a simple solution of hot water and dish soap can be effective in removing grease. Fill your sink with hot water, add a generous amount of dish soap, and use a sponge or scrub brush to wash the pans. This method may require some elbow grease and repeated applications for heavily soiled pans.

Remember to always check the manufacturer's instructions for specific cleaning steps and to let your pans cool down before cleaning. With the right techniques and a bit of effort, you can effectively remove grease and restore your pots and pans to their former glory.

Frequently asked questions