There are different types of pans available in the market, and these pans are made of different materials like stainless, copper, aluminum, cast iron, Teflon, etc. You can use any type of pan for any cooking, but different material pans have different specialties and some advantages and disadvantages.
The cleaning process is also different for different material pans, but the basic is the same. Let’s look into the process of cleaning a pan properly.
How to Clean a Pan Properly: The Basic Cleaning
No matter what type of pan you use for cooking, there are some basic steps that you need to follow in order to clean it properly.
Cleaning Process:
The 1st step will be washing the pan when it is at room temperature. Do not wash your pans right after you are done cooking. If the pan is burning hot and the cleaning water is at a cold or normal temperature, it will damage the material of the pan gradually.
Another step to follow for any type of pan is to use lukewarm water for cleaning. It is always recommended to clean any type of pan. If possible, always use lukewarm water; this will help keep the longevity of the pan. Additionally, because of the warm water, any tough stains will come off easily.
Scrubbing
Next is scrubbing. Do not use harsh scrubs on any type of pan. This will create scratches and sometimes will peel off the coating. You do not need to scrub your pans hard; if you have any tough stains or burn stains, just keep them in lukewarm water for a couple of hours. Then scrub it with a fine scrubber; the stains will come off smoothly.
Last but not least is the storing process. After washing the pans, rinse off any excess water, then wipe them off with a clean cloth. Never store wet pans as they will create bacteria, and the pans will have water stains as well.
Copper Pan
For cleaning, copper pans do the usual process. After cleaning, you can make a paste of lemon juice/ vinegar and baking soda and cover the pan with it. Keep the paste for 2-3 minutes, and then wipe it off with a damp cloth. This will make the copper pan shiny like new.
Nonstick Pan
Nonstick pans are very easy to clean. Use less harsh soap and a soft sponge to clean the grease. For burn spots or stains, sprinkle baking soda and rub it with a piece of lemon. The burnouts will come off easily.
Ceramic Coated Pan
Ceramic-coated pans are also like nonstick pans. They usually do not burn foods, and thus they tend to get fewer burnouts. Perform the same cleaning process as a nonstick pan for ceramic-coated pans. One tip for cleaning burn stains simmer some water and pour liquid soap; after a while, poke the burnouts gently with your silicon spatula. The burnouts will come off easily and after this, let the pan cool and just wash off the pan with normal water.
Cast-Iron Pan
Cast iron tends to hold the heat for a longer time. After cooling down, perform the basic cleaning procedure. Wipe off the excess water and then take a kitchen towel and evenly rub a little amount of oil onto the cast iron pan. This will make the cast-iron hold its characteristics.
Any product’s longevity depends on how it is used, cleaned, and stored. If you do these steps properly, you can use a good quality product for a longer time. Similarly, if you use your cooking pan with care, then you will be able to use it lifetime.