The best methods for cleaning pots and pans
A sink full of dishes after a good meal isn’t something to look forward to. However, when you know which items are dishwasher-safe and which need to be hand-washed, it can help you get the job done quicker. Cookware is made of different types of materials, many of which require different cleaning products.
Read on to learn how to clean pots and pans to help keep them in peak condition. If your cookware comes with a care guide or washing recommendations, make sure to follow those cleaning instructions.
Can you wash pots and pans in the dishwasher?
To determine if your pots and pans can go into the dishwasher, check for a “dishwasher-safe” label or the manufacturer’s use and care guide. A label generally means that the cookware can handle high heat, wash sprays and detergent during a dishwasher cycle without damage.
You can often put cookware made of anodized aluminum, ceramic, glass and stainless steel into the dishwasher, although you should always check the manufacturer’s guidelines to be sure. Hand-wash certain pots and pans like non-stick, copper, non-anodized aluminum, cast iron, steel and tin, hand-painted or embellished ceramic cookware. If in doubt, you may want to hand-wash the pot or pan.
How to clean different types of cookware
If your cookware needs to be hand-washed, the following can help guide you on how to clean pots and pans. Keep in mind that the instructions in your cookware’s use and care guide have the most accurate cleaning tips so you can make sure the cleaning agent you use will not damage your cookware.
Cleaning stainless steel pots & pans
Stainless steel cookware can typically be cleaned in your dishwasher or hand-washed in warm, soapy water. If stubborn food is stuck on the bottom, mix one tablespoon of cream of tartar with one cup of water, bring the mixture to a boil in the cookware, allow it to cool and then scrub the stain.
Cleaning cast iron pans
Hand-wash your cast iron skillet or frying pan with hot water and a stiff nylon brush. Avoid using dish soap to help preserve the cast iron seasoning. For tough stuck-on grime, remove loose food, sprinkle kosher salt on the area and scrub with a sponge or bristle brush.
If you’re cleaning enamel cast iron or a Dutch oven, wash it in warm, soapy water with a dishcloth or non-abrasive scrubbing pad after the cookware has cooled off. Cast iron pans and enamel cast iron work well on induction cooktops and can generally be used on a glass-top stove with some precaution.
Cleaning non-stick cookware
When cleaning non-stick cookware, gently hand-wash with dish soap and a soft cloth or sponge. To remove caked-on food, soak the pot or pan for a few hours in warm soapy water, then gently scrub the area. Be careful when cleaning non-stick cookware so you don’t scratch or damage the surface.
Cleaning ceramic cookware
While ceramic cookware without hand-painted designs or embellishments is generally dishwasher-safe, you may want to opt for hand-washing instead. Once the pot or pan has cooled, use a soft dishcloth or non-abrasive scrubbing pad and warm, soapy water to clean the cookware.
To dissolve stuck-on food, simply combine two cups of water and a half cup of vinegar in the ceramic cookware and allow it to soak for a few hours or bring it to a boil for a few minutes. This should help loosen the grime.
Cleaning aluminum cookware
Anodized aluminum cookware is typically dishwasher-safe, but avoid putting a non-anodized aluminum pot or pan in your dishwasher. It may be easier to hand-wash aluminum cookware with dish soap and a dishcloth or non-abrasive scrubbing pad.
You can use a baking soda and vinegar combo, a mixture of cream of tartar and water, or boil lemons in the aluminum cookware before scrubbing to help remove grease stains or scorched areas.
Cleaning copper pots & pans
Wash copper cookware in hot, soapy water with a dishcloth or non-abrasive scrubbing pad. Don’t put copper pots and pans in the dishwasher. Use a baking soda and vinegar combo to help remove stuck-on grime.
To polish tarnished copper, use a product with acidic properties to help shine up dull areas. Cut a lemon in half, add salt and rub it on the copper exterior. Or make a paste of one tablespoon of distilled white vinegar and one-fourth cup of salt, rub it on the outside and let it sit for five minutes before cleaning it. You can also add ketchup to the exterior with a sponge and leave it on the tarnished area for 10 minutes.
Cleaning carbon steel pans
Cleaning carbon steel cookware is fairly simple: wash the pan in hot water with a sponge. As with cast iron cookware, you want to preserve the seasoning so avoid using dish soap or putting it in the dishwasher. To clean scorched areas, add salt to the burned area and scrub with a sponge or bristle brush.
Tips for cleaning burnt pots & pans
You can usually use household products like dish soap, baking soda, cream of tartar, salt or acidic liquids to clean burnt cookware, but cleaning methods can vary by material, so be sure to check your product manual. Certain household cleaning products may be too harsh. For instance, vinegar or lemon can be too acidic for stainless steel or cast iron cookware.
Instead of using a product to clean pots and pans, you can deglaze cookware by adding water to your pan while it’s still hot. Then use a wooden spoon or spatula to loosen the burnt-on cooking residue. For more details on different cleaning methods, check out how to clean scorched pans.
Explore Whirlpool® Dishwashers
Whirlpool® brand offers various types of dishwashers designed to help you care for your family’s dishes with ease. Select Whirlpool brand Dishwashers have convenient features such as the Boost Cycle that lets you skip scrubbing and pre-rinsing and the Extended Soak Cycle that helps stuck-on food dissolve away. Explore this dishwasher buying guide and browse the line of Whirlpool® Dishwashers to find the right one for your household needs.
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