The Best Way to Clean Pots & Pans

Cast Iron

• 1

  Fill your dirty cast-iron pans and pots halfway with water. Fill the remaining portion of the pot or pan with white vinegar. Some people think cast iron can be cleaned with soap and water, but the porousness of cast iron simply absorbs the soap.

• 2

  Place the pots and pan on the stove over high heat and let them come to a boil. Allow the water and vinegar mixture to cool.

• 3

  Rub the insides of the-iron pots and pans with a scrub pad. The food and burnt particles will come right off with little effort. Rinse the pan with warm water.

Copper

• 4

  Pour salt into a small container. Add lemon juice gradually, mixing as you go. Continue mixing the two together until you form a thick paste.

• 5

  Spread the paste all over the copper pot. Allow it to penetrate for two to three minutes.

• 6

  Wipe off stains and food debris from the copper pot, using a sponge. Rinse well and pat dry with a soft towel.

Nonstick

• 7

  Pour 2 tbsp. of baking soda into each pot and pan. Add 1/2 cup of bleach and 1 cup of water into each pot or pan.

• 8

  Place the pots and pans on the stove over high heat for 10 minutes and bring them to a boil. Immediately remove the items from the heat and pour out the solution. Allow the pots and pans to cool.

• 9

  Wash the pots and pans with regular dish detergent and water, using a sponge. Rinse well and allow them to air dry or buff with a soft cloth.

• 10

  Dab a paper towel with cooking oil and lightly coat the surface of each pan. The cooking oil will soak into the pan, enhancing its nonstick properties.