The Best Ways To Clean Your Pans

Cleaning your pans is important not only to ensure the quality and taste of your food but also to prolong the life of your cookware. Pans can be cleaned in a variety of ways, depending on the type of pan and the severity of the stains. For example, non-stick, cast iron, and aluminium pans should not be put in the dishwasher, whereas stainless steel pans are dishwasher-safe and easy to clean.

Cleaning non-stick frying pans

Non-stick frying pans are a handy tool in the kitchen, but they do require some special care to keep them in good condition. Here are some detailed tips and tricks for cleaning and maintaining your non-stick frying pan:

Washing and Drying

It is best to wash non-stick frying pans by hand after each use. Even if your pan is labelled as dishwasher-safe, the high temperatures and harsh detergents used in dishwashers can break down the non-stick surface over time. Use mild, soft soap with lukewarm water and a soft cloth or sponge to wash your pan. Avoid using abrasive tools like steel wool or scouring pads, as these can damage the non-stick coating. For stubborn residue, you may need to soak the pan in warm, soapy water for a few hours before gently scrubbing it clean. Be sure to dry your pan immediately by hand to prevent rusting.

Removing Burnt-On Food

To remove burnt-on food or grease, create a paste by mixing baking soda and water. Apply this paste to the affected area and let it sit for about 15 minutes. Then, gently scrub the area with a non-abrasive sponge and rinse the pan clean. You can also try a "cleaning cocktail" by adding vinegar and water to your pan and heating the mixture over medium heat for 5-10 minutes. Let it cool, then wash the pan with warm, soapy water and a gentle sponge or brush.

Cooking Tips

To protect your non-stick pan, always coat it with butter, oil, or fat before turning on the heat. Avoid using high heat, as this can damage the coating and potentially emit toxic fumes. Instead, stick to low or medium heat. Never use non-stick cooking sprays, as these can build up on the pan and cause food to cook unevenly. Additionally, always use utensils that won't scratch your pan, such as plastic, nylon, silicone, or wood. Avoid cutting or stabbing the non-stick surface with sharp objects.

Seasoning

To maintain your non-stick pan, you may need to season it with oil. Consult your pan's instructions to see how often, if at all, seasoning is recommended. Typically, you'll rub a small amount of oil on the inside of the pan, heat it in the oven for a short time, then wipe out any excess oil before storing.

Cleaning cast iron pans

Cast iron pans are a must-have in any home cook's arsenal, but they can be a little tricky to clean. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you keep your cast iron pans clean, rust-free, and well-seasoned:

Step 1: Wash with Hot Water

Fill your cast iron pan with hot water and scrub away any food residue with a sponge, stiff brush, or scrubbing brush. Avoid using the dishwasher, as this can damage the pan's seasoning. If there is stuck-on food, you can simmer a little water in the pan for 3-5 minutes to loosen it, then use a pan scraper after the pan has cooled. For extremely stubborn residue, you can leave water in the pan overnight to soften it. However, this may cause slight rusting, so be sure to scrub it away.

Step 2: Rinse and Dry

Rinse the pan with water and wipe the surface until no residue remains. Thoroughly dry the pan with a clean towel or paper towel. It is important to ensure that the pan is completely dry before moving on to the next step.

Step 3: Apply Oil

Using a cloth or paper towel, apply a light coat of vegetable oil, canola oil, or flaxseed oil to the inside of the skillet. You can also use olive oil or any other food-safe cooking oil. Buff the oil into the pan until there is a thin, even layer and no residue remains.

Step 4: Re-season if Necessary

If your cast iron pan has developed rust or if you have accidentally used soap or put it in the dishwasher, you will need to re-season it. Begin by scouring the pan with warm, soapy water and steel wool if there is rust. Rinse and dry the pan thoroughly. Apply a thin, even layer of cooking oil to the inside and outside of the pan. Place the pan upside down on the top rack of the oven and place a baking sheet or aluminum foil on the bottom rack to catch any drips. Bake at 450-500 degrees Fahrenheit for one hour. Allow the pan to cool in the oven, then repeat if necessary.

Tips:

• It is best to clean your cast iron pan immediately after use, while it is still hot or warm.
• Avoid using soap, steel wool, or metal scrubbers, as these can strip the pan's seasoning.
• If you need a more powerful cleaning agent than water, you can use coarse salt, such as kosher salt, and a scrubber.
• If your pan has developed rust, you can remove it by scrubbing with steel wool or even a raw potato and a sprinkle of baking soda.

By following these simple steps, you can keep your cast iron pans in great condition for years to come.

Removing burnt grease from pans

Method 1: Dish Soap and Dryer Sheets

Fill your pan with very hot water and add a few drops of dish soap. Submerge two to three dryer sheets in the water and let the pan sit for at least an hour. After soaking, the grease should be loosened, and you can scrub the pan clean with warm, soapy water.

Method 2: Baking Soda and Vinegar

This method uses the power of baking soda and vinegar to lift away grease. Sprinkle baking soda generously onto the burnt grease in your pan. Then, pour in enough vinegar to cover the baking soda. Use a sponge or scrub pad to scrub away the grease. Finally, rinse the pan thoroughly to remove any remaining grease.

Method 3: Boiled Lemons

This all-natural method uses the acidity of lemons to break down burnt grease. Quarter two to three lemons and place them in your pan. Add enough water to cover the lemons and bring the water to a boil for 5-10 minutes. The acid in the lemons will help loosen the grease, and you'll start to see food particles floating to the surface. After boiling, discard the lemons and water, then use a scouring pad to remove any leftover grease.

Method 4: Baking Soda Paste

Create a thick paste by mixing equal parts baking soda and water. Spread the paste onto the burnt grease in your pan and let it sit for at least 15 minutes. The baking soda will act as a gentle abrasive when you scrub it with a clean cloth dipped in hot water. Wash the pan with warm, soapy water afterward to remove any remaining residue.

Method 5: Dishwasher Tablet

For this method, you'll need to cover the bottom of your pan with a small amount of water and warm it over low heat. Turn off the heat and use a dishwasher tablet to scrub the burnt grease. The combination of the tablet and warm water will help lift away the grease. Rinse the pan with warm, soapy water to finish the job.

Additional Tips:

• Avoid the temptation to scrape or scrub burnt grease aggressively, as this can damage your pan, especially if it has a non-stick coating.
• For tough, caked-on grease, pre-soak your pan in vinegar for 30 minutes before attempting to scrub or apply other cleaning solutions.
• Always wear gloves when handling strong cleaning products, such as oven cleaner, and follow the safety instructions on the label.
• For cast iron pans, use salt and lemon to clean burnt grease without removing the seasoning.
• Regular maintenance and prompt cleaning can help prevent the buildup of burnt-on grease.

Using natural cleaning agents

Natural cleaning agents can be used to clean your pans effectively. Here are some methods you can try:

Baking Soda

Baking soda is a non-toxic, inexpensive household ingredient with mild abrasive properties. It can be used to eliminate burned-on food and tough stains on all pans, including non-stick, stainless steel, ceramic, and cast iron.

To use baking soda, create a paste or slurry by mixing it with water. Apply this mixture to the pan, let it sit for a few minutes, and then scrub the pan with a scouring pad or the scrubby side of a sponge. For tougher stains, you can boil a solution of baking soda and water in the pan, and then scrub the pan while it is still hot.

For persistent or years-long residue, sprinkle the pan with baking soda and add a small amount of water to make a slurry. Let it sit for about 30 minutes, and then scrub away the caked-on residue with a sponge or kitchen scrub brush.

Vinegar

Vinegar is a great multi-purpose, non-toxic cleaner. To use it for cleaning pans, pour a small layer of equal parts water and vinegar into the pan and bring it to a boil. After boiling for a minute, remove it from the heat and drain the vinegar.

Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is another natural cleaning agent that can be used to clean pans. Cut a lemon in half and use it as a "scrub brush" to scrub the bottom and sides of the pan. The lemon juice will help remove stains and leave your pans looking shiny and new.

Salt

Salt is especially useful for alleviating scorch marks and greasy messes. Try pairing it with dish detergent and hot water, or massaging it into the pan with the juicy core of a cut lemon.

Citrus Vinegar Cleaner

A citrus vinegar cleaner can be used to clean the outside of the pan, including the handle. Simply spray the cleaner on the pan and sprinkle baking soda generously over the sprayed areas. Allow the mixture to sit for 20-30 minutes, and then gently scrub the pan with an abrasive kitchen sponge.

Other Natural Cleaners

Other natural cleaning agents that can be used to clean pans include cream of tartar, dryer sheets, club soda or store-brand soda, and ketchup.

Remember to always dry your pans immediately after cleaning them to prevent the development of water spots and dried, white calcium spots. Additionally, avoid using steel wool, scouring pads, oven cleaners, bleach, or strong abrasive cleaners, as these can scratch your cookware.

Drying pans

• After washing your pans, it is recommended to let them cool down before drying. This helps to avoid warping the pans and placing them under excessive thermal stress.
• For stainless steel pans, it is generally recommended to avoid air drying and to use a cloth towel or cotton dish rag to dry them. This helps to prevent water spots and white residue from forming on the surface. However, some people argue that air drying is fine, especially in professional kitchens, as it does not affect the function of the pan.
• For cast iron pans, it is important to dry them immediately after cleaning to prevent rusting. You can use a cloth or paper towel to dry cast iron pans. While the pan is still warm, apply a light coat of vegetable oil to season the pan.
• If you are using a dishwasher, it is recommended to place the pans handle-up in the drying rack to avoid any safety hazards.
• Make sure to thoroughly dry your pans, especially if they contain traces of grease, as this can help prevent bugs and other pests in the kitchen.
• If you are drying your pans by hand, be sure to use caution when handling hot pans to avoid any burns or injuries.

Frequently asked questions