Recently, a simple yet effective cleaning hack has been making waves across cooking forums and social media platforms. It involves using toothpaste to clean pots and pans, and it’s capturing the attention of home cooks everywhere.
The process is straightforward. Start by rinsing the pot with clean water to remove surface dust and rust. Then, squeeze half a tube of toothpaste directly into the pot. Toothpaste contains fine abrasive particles that gently remove rust without scratching the surface.
Next, add a teaspoon of table salt and a pinch of baking soda. These ingredients act as natural disinfectants, deep-clean the surface, and remove stubborn stains effectively.
Finally, pour in about 20ml of white vinegar. Vinegar softens the residue and eliminates unpleasant odors. When vinegar reacts with baking soda and toothpaste, it creates a fizzing action—a natural, safe, and powerful cleaning process.
After mixing the solution, use your hands or a sponge to apply it evenly inside the pot. Let it sit for 30 minutes to allow the ingredients to work their magic. During this time, you’ll notice the solution turning cloudy, indicating that dirt and rust are being dissolved.
Once the time is up, gently scrub the pot with a soft dish sponge. For cast iron pots, avoid using steel wool or metal scrubbers, as they can strip the natural protective layer, making the pot more prone to rusting in the future.
Rinse the pot thoroughly with clean water until the water runs clear. Initially, the water may appear cloudy with a metallic odor—a sign that the pot is being thoroughly cleaned.
For cast iron pots, after rinsing, dry the pot completely with a clean towel or paper. This step is crucial, as leftover moisture is the primary cause of overnight rusting.
Once dry, apply a thin layer of cooking oil to the interior surface. This creates a natural protective barrier, preventing direct contact with moisture and effectively inhibiting oxidation and rust. This method is a favorite among professional chefs for maintaining cast iron cookware.
Following these steps will leave your pot smooth, shiny, and rust-free, while minimizing food sticking during cooking. Your stir-fries, fries, and stews will turn out even more delicious.
This method can also be applied to clean the exterior of pots and pans.
The advantages of this approach are its safety, affordability, and eco-friendliness. Without harsh chemicals that can harm your skin or damage cookware, you can rely on household staples for effective cleaning.
According to household cleaning experts, baking soda and vinegar are versatile natural cleaners suitable for various items like gas stoves, sinks, utensils, and even deodorizing refrigerators. Combined with toothpaste, this formula delivers a dual-action clean, removing surface stains and odors effectively.
With just a few simple steps and readily available ingredients, you can restore your old cast iron pot to its former glory, saving money on new purchases and contributing to environmental sustainability by reusing durable items.
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