Pots And Pans Retaining Soap: Why?

Pots and pans can retain soap for a variety of reasons. Firstly, it is important to note that some dish soaps are highly concentrated, and using too much can result in a strong, lingering soapy odour or taste. This can be resolved by reducing the amount of soap used and ensuring a thorough rinse. Hard water can also cause a film to develop on cookware, trapping soap scum. In addition, the type of cookware material can affect whether soap residue remains. For example, non-stick pans should be washed gently by hand and retained oil to maintain their non-stick properties. Cast iron should not be washed with soap as it will strip away the non-stick coating.

Using too much soap

Health Problems

The residue of some dish soaps can irritate the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. This is especially true for those with sensitive skin or allergies. Direct contact with the residue can lead to redness, itching, and burning sensations. Ingesting soap residue can cause gastrointestinal problems such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

Appliance Damage

To avoid these issues, it's important to use the correct amount of soap. For laundry, it is recommended to use about a tablespoon of detergent per regular load size. For dishes, it is crucial to rinse them thoroughly with hot water, especially in areas where soap tends to build up such as under the rims of cups and glasses and in the corners of pots and pans.

Not rinsing for long enough

Not rinsing your pots and pans for long enough can cause them to retain soap. If you don't rinse your pots and pans thoroughly, your food may taste like soap. It is important to hold the pot or pan under the faucet until you rinse away all the remaining soap suds.

To ensure that you have rinsed your pots and pans thoroughly, it is recommended to keep rinsing until you don't see any more bubbles.

Additionally, the type of water you use can also impact how long you need to rinse your pots and pans. If you have excessively hard or mineralized water, you could have hard-to-see deposit films on your cookware that are trapping the soap scum flavour.

Water hardness

While hard water can be a nuisance, it does offer a small but beneficial effect on a healthy diet as it contains essential minerals like calcium and magnesium. Additionally, there are no known health risks associated with consuming hard water.

Not washing soon enough

Not washing your pots and pans soon enough after cooking can make it harder to remove food and gunk. The longer you wait, the more difficult it will be to clean. This is because food residue can become stuck on and hardened over time, requiring more effort to scrub off.

To prevent this, it is recommended to clean your pots and pans as soon as possible after cooking. If you are unable to clean them immediately, you can fill them with warm to hot water and let them soak for 15-20 minutes or until the food loosens. If you didn't get a chance to soak your dishes right away, you can always add hot water later and let them soak overnight, then wash them in the morning.

Additionally, when washing your pots and pans, be sure to use the appropriate cleaning methods and materials for the type of cookware you have. For example, avoid using abrasive sponges or steel wool on non-stick or stainless steel pots and pans as they can scratch the surface. Instead, use a soft sponge or cloth.

By washing your pots and pans promptly and using the correct cleaning techniques, you can prevent the issue of soap retention and ensure your cookware is thoroughly cleaned.

Washing cast iron with soap

Yes, you can use a small amount of soap to wash cast iron. However, it was previously believed that soap should not be used because it was thought to strip the seasoning off the pan. Modern dish soap is fine to use in moderation and will not remove the seasoning.

How to wash cast iron with soap

First, fill your cast iron with hot water. Then, add a small amount of mild dish soap and use a sponge or soft scrubber to gently clean the pan. Do not use steel wool or abrasive scrubbers as these can damage the pan. Rinse the pan with hot water and dry it thoroughly with a cloth or paper towel. Finally, apply a light layer of cooking oil to the pan to protect the non-stick surface and prevent rusting.

How to remove stuck-on food from cast iron

If there is stuck-on food, you can use a pan scraper to remove it. For stubborn food residue, simmer a small amount of water in the pan for 3-5 minutes and then use the scraper once the pan has cooled. Alternatively, you can sprinkle kosher salt onto the pan and scrub with a sponge and a few drops of warm water.

Tips for maintaining cast iron

Cast iron should always be washed and dried by hand. Do not put cast iron in the dishwasher as this can remove the seasoning and cause rust. Always dry your cast iron thoroughly and heat it on the stovetop for a few minutes to ensure there is no remaining moisture. Store cast iron in a dry place.

Frequently asked questions