Tips

The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning Pots and Pans: A Step-by-Step Guide for Sparkling Results

"Scrubbing away at greasy, burnt pots and pans is a chore that no one relishes. But, with a few simple ingredients from your kitchen, you can easily wave goodbye to those stubborn, burnt-on stains. Say hello to a sparkling clean kitchen with these handy, natural solutions that will leave your cookware looking brand new."

Administrator

25 July, 2024

Food residue and burnt stains on pots and pans are often the result of overheating, overcooking, or insufficient water. Soaking and scrubbing may not always remove these stubborn black stains. Here are some simple yet effective tips to tackle this issue.

Baking Soda

When food gets burnt, a simple solution is to sprinkle some baking soda on the affected area. Add water to just cover the burnt spot and slowly heat it up. The burnt residue will loosen and come off easily. Finally, use a scouring pad to remove any remaining stains.

Baking soda is effective in cleaning pots and pans.

Vinegar

Alternatively, vinegar can be used. Pour some vinegar into the pot, add water, and boil for about 30 minutes. Keep the lid open to let the steam escape. The burnt stains will come off, and the steam will help eliminate any unpleasant odors in the kitchen. This method also works for plastic containers and trays.

Lemon

Lemon is an effective cleaner for stained and discolored pots and pans. Mix lemon juice with ammonia, and dip a damp cloth into the solution. Scrub the stained areas thoroughly before rinsing with water.

Eggshells

For pots made of clay or glass, crush some eggshells and add them to the pot along with water. Swirl the mixture around and then rinse with cold water several times. For the exterior, use a cotton ball dipped in alcohol to polish the surface. Avoid using dish soap as it may leave a soapy smell.

Apple Peels

Apple peels can effectively clean burnt stains from cookware.

Apple peels are another natural solution to remove burnt stains. Place the peels in the discolored cookware, add water, and boil for 15 minutes. The stains will disappear. Rinse with cold water and then wash with dish soap until clean. This method is particularly useful for cleaning aluminum pots and pans.

Salt

To quickly and effectively clean pots and pans, sprinkle some salt on the bottom, add a little vinegar, and let it soak for 10-15 minutes. This is especially useful when cooking with wood or straw fires, or when food gets burnt and sticks to the pot.

Source: VietQ

Frequently asked questions

Fill the pot or pan with water and add two tablespoons of baking soda. Boil the mixture for 10 minutes, then let it cool. The burnt residue should come off easily with a gentle scrub.

Avoid using abrasive sponges or steel wool on non-stick pans, as they can damage the coating. Instead, opt for soft sponges and mild dish soap. For stubborn residue, create a paste with baking soda and water, apply it to the pan, and let it sit for 10 minutes before gently scrubbing it away.

For greasy pots and pans, create a 50/50 vinegar and water solution, and pour it into the pan. Bring the solution to a boil and let it simmer for 10 minutes. The grease should dissolve, making it easy to wipe away.

Fill the pot or pan with water and add a cup of vinegar. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the solution sit for an hour. The burnt food should then be loosened and easier to scrub away.

It is not recommended to use steel wool on pots and pans, especially those with non-stick coatings or stainless steel surfaces. Steel wool can leave fine scratches that can trap food and grease, making it harder to clean over time. Opt for non-abrasive sponges or soft-bristled brushes instead.