How do you clean pots and pans like new?

Author: Maryjane O'Connell  |  Last update: Sunday, June 8, 2025

How to Clean Burnt Nonstick Pots and Pans
  1. Step 1: Add Baking Soda and Water to the Pan. Sprinkle baking soda over the burnt area of the nonstick pan and add a small amount of water to form a thin paste.
  2. Step 2: Let Sit. Let the pan sit overnight.
  3. Step 3: Scrub and Rinse. Gently scrub the pan with a non-scratch sponge.

How do you remove buildup from pots and pans?

How to Remove Burned-on Food from Pots and Pans
  • Fill the pot or pan with about 2-3 inches of water. Add 1/4 cup of baking soda.
  • After a half hour, wash the pot or pan as usual, gently scrubbing. The burnt-on food should come off easily.
  • If the burnt residue is stubborn, simply repeat the process.

How do you clean a heavily soiled coated pots and pans?

Instructions
  • Sprinkle a little cream of tartar on the surface of the pot or pan you wish to clean.
  • Add enough hot water to the pot or pan that you're cleaning until it covers the baked on stains. Let sit about 3 minutes (or longer if you get distracted---no worries).
  • Then wash and rinse as usual.

How do chefs clean their pots and pans?

Food should come off easily but lots of soap, hot water, and manual power will be useful to clean stuck or burned oil. Stainless can be easily sanitized with a non-toxic sanitizer solution, making it a popular choice for restaurant kitchens.

How do you get old stains out of pots and pans?

Sprinkle some coarse salt onto the stain and use a damp cloth or sponge to scrub. The salt acts as an abrasive without damaging the pan's surface. Fill the pan with water and bring it to a boil. As the water heats up, use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape off the loosened residue.

Rub your Stove with Vaseline and WATCH WHAT HAPPENS 🤫

How do I clean the outside of my pots and pans to look like new?

osahan, we'll never have to live with burnt pot bottoms again!
  1. Step 1: Rough it up. Flip the pan upside down and run some steel wool over the burnt bottom.
  2. Step 2: Add salt and baking soda. Sprinkle a few pinches of salt onto the bottom. ...
  3. Step 3: Soap it up. ...
  4. Step 4: Let it sit. ...
  5. Step 5: Reveal the clean pan bottom.

When should you throw away pots and pans?

Signs That Reveal It's Time to Get Rid of Old Cookware

Here are some important old cookware details to look for: Nonstick cookware is scratched or pitted. Pan bottom is warped and doesn't sit flush on the cooktop. This will cause uneven cooking.

How do chefs season their pans?

To form a strong seasoning, the raw iron item is thoroughly cleaned, coated in a very thin layer of unsaturated fat or oil, and then heated until the bioplastic layer forms, and left to completely cool. Multiple layers are required for the best long-term results.

What is the best cleaner for burnt pots and pans?

The Baking Soda & Water Method

Make a paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. Make enough to cover the scorched portion of the pan. For a full pot bottom, try 1 cup baking soda and 1/3 cup water. Liberally apply the paste to the burnt pan.

What do baking soda and vinegar do?

Mixing vinegar and baking soda causes an immediate chemical reaction. This reaction forms water, sodium acetate (a salt) and carbon dioxide – the fizzy part. The amount of carbon dioxide gas that is produced from baking soda is remarkable – one tablespoon (around 18 grams) can release over five litres of gas!

What is the black stuff on the bottom of my pan?

They are most likely carbon deposits. This happens due to overheating of fats and oils. Using an oil with a low smoke point will carbonize at high temperatures and cause residue from the pores of your pan to rub off onto your food. While unappealing, they won't hurt you in such a small amount.

What does Gordon Ramsay use for pots and pans?

Try HexClad and see why Gordan Ramsay loves it — and you'll love it too. If you're a home cook worth your salt, you deserve the latest innovation in cookware.

How do you refresh pots and pans?

Baking soda, vinegar, & lemon juice

Soak pots, baking dishes or cookie sheets in hot to boiling water with baking soda and fresh lemon juice for an accelerated clean. Rub half a lemon around the bottom and sides of stainless steel cookware for extra shine; rinse and let air dry.

What is the lifespan of pots and pans?

For a home cook, a decent set of cookware should last between five and ten years, depending on the frequency of cooking. "The best type of material to use in general is stainless steel, with the exception of using non-stick for omelets," explains Scott Clarke, a chef and owner of Blue Monkey Catering.

Is it bad to use scratched non-stick pans?

Damaged Non-stick Pans Should Not Be Used

While modern non-stick pans are quite safe when used properly, be careful not to use these when the coating is damaged. For example, the coating could be damaged due to long time usage, or abrasion or scratching by hard objects during cooking and washing.

How do you make pots and pans look new?

The mild abrasiveness of baking soda should be enough to clear away most stuck-on residue.
  1. Step 1: Add Baking Soda and Water to the Pan. Sprinkle baking soda over the burnt area of the nonstick pan and add a small amount of water to form a thin paste.
  2. Step 2: Let Sit. Let the pan sit overnight.
  3. Step 3: Scrub and Rinse.

How do you restore old pots and pans?

Add ½ cup (about 100g) baking soda and ½ cup (118mL) vinegar. Let your pans soak for 30-60 minutes, then scrub off any remaining grime. Soaking your pans will make it much easier to remove any burnt-on food or grime. This method is safe to use on non-stick pans.

What is the best cleaner for pots and pans?

We based our findings on a single application and only used nylon scrubbies, double-sided sponges or brushes to scrub.
  • Barkeepers Friend. ...
  • Astonish. ...
  • Baking soda and Peroxide. ...
  • Baking soda and water. ...
  • Coarse salt and cooking oil.

How do I get the brown stuff off my pan?

Method 1: Baking soda + vinegar

Benefits: This method uses affordable pantry items most people have on hand. How it works: Fill your dirty pan with equal parts water and vinegar. Bring the mixture to a boil, then add 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Remove from heat and let soak for up to 15 minutes.

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