Pan Cleaning 101: From Ceramics to Cast Iron

Now that you have a nice new pan, of course you want to know the best way to keep it clean. You may even need to learn how to clean a burnt pot or pan. Here you can read all about keeping your pans clean. Each pan is made of different material, so you need to pay close attention to which cleaning tip fits your pan in this article.

Don't have a pan yet? Or you don't know what type to get? Refer to our frying pan buying guide here.

Continue reading because we'll also be giving out secret cleaning tips like combining baking soda and water, to make a powerful pan cleaner that will remove even the most stuck-on residue and stains. Below is a step-by-step explanation:

Table of Contents

• Pans With a Non-Stick Coating
• Pans With Ceramic Non-Stick Coating
• Stainless Steel Pans Without a Non-Stick Coating
• Cast Iron Pans
• Sheet Steel Pans
• Copper Pans
• A Few More Cleaning Tips....
• Frequently Asked Questions

Pans With a Non-Stick Coating

Pans with a non-stick coating are more fragile than other pans. The delicate black coating must be handled carefully to prevent damage and flaking. Learn more about the proper use of a non-stick pan: Click here!

Normal maintenance:

Rinse the pan with lukewarm water, avoid cold water as this can give a thermal shock to the pan, causing the non-stick coating to come off faster. Use a dish brush or soft sponge with dish soap to clean the pan.

Major cleaning:

Use the cleaning paste as described above to thoroughly clean the pan. The paste is slightly abrasive, add a little more water to prevent scratching.

Pans With Ceramic Non-Stick Coating

Normal maintenance:

After frying, put a layer of water in the pan and let it soak for 10 minutes. Then use a soft green scouring pad and some dish soap to gently clean the pan. Rinse the pan with water and it is ready to use.

Major cleaning:

If your pan is extremely fried, heat a mixture of water and vinegar in the pan and then rinse well. If the pan is still not clean, you can use a little abrasive (JIF, for example) and a scouring pad to scrub the pan clean. Rinse the pan and wipe a drop of oil over the pan.

Stainless Steel Pans Without a Non-Stick Coating

A pan made entirely of stainless steel is easy to maintain. Using it does take some getting used to, but once you get the hang of it, you have a pan for life. Learn how to use a stainless steel pan correctly: stainless steel pans manual
By the way, it is normal for a stainless steel pan to discolor over time.

Normal maintenance:

After frying, put a layer of water in the pan and let it soak for a while. Then scrub the pan with a scouring sponge without soapy water until it is clean again.

Major cleaning:

Put a layer of water with baking soda, lemon juice or vinegar in the pan and heat it. Remove the pan from the heat, let it cool and scrub with a sponge. A stainless steel pan is almost impossible to break, so if this is not enough, you can use a brillo sponge if necessary, although this can cause scratching which makes the pan slightly less pretty.

Demeyere Cleaning Cream Stainless Steel and Copper

To keep your stainless steel pans in perfect condition, we recommend Demeyere's cleaning cream. Click here

Cast Iron Pans

These pans last a lifetime, but need proper maintenance. In fact, cast iron can rust if used incorrectly. Read more about this at:

Normal maintenance:

After frying, put a layer of water in the pan and let it soak for a while. Then pour off the water and wipe the pan clean with a cloth (the pan remains a little greasy, this is supposed to be the case).

Major cleaning:

If something has burned on, scrub just that spot with some water, a scouring pad and some soap if necessary. Dry the pan and add a drop of oil (not olive oil) and grease the pan.

Sheet Steel Pans

Sheet steel pans are used and maintained in the same way as cast iron pans. They are slightly lighter in weight compared to cast iron, though, and usually more affordable. Learn how to use a sheet steel pan correctly: Sheet steel pans manual or learn how to burn it in: Pan burn-in?

Normal maintenance:

After frying, put a layer of water in the pan and let it soak for a while. Then rinse the pan and wipe it dry with a cloth (the pan remains a little greasy, this is supposed to be the case).

Major cleaning:

For severe soiling, put coarse salt in the pan and heat it on the stove. Let it fester for a while and then scrub the pan clean with paper towels and the salt. Then wash the pan with water and a cloth.

Kazoku Cast Iron and Sheet Steel Care Kit

For sheet steel and cast iron pans, we recommend this cleaning set. It does not affect the natural non-stick coating and helps remove burned-on residue.Click here

Copper Pans

Copper pans are known for their excellent heat-conducting properties and their beautiful, shiny appearance. To keep them in optimal condition, it is important to clean them properly.

Normal maintenance:

After use, rinse the copper pan with warm water and use a soft sponge with a mild soap to clean the pan. Avoid using abrasive materials as they can scratch the copper. Dry the pan immediately after washing to avoid water stains.

Major cleaning:

Over time, copper can become discolored or stained. A natural way to restore the luster of copper pans is to make a paste of equal parts salt, flour and vinegar. Gently rub this paste on the copper, let it soak in for a while and then rinse with water. Then dry the pan thoroughly. The copper will shine beautifully again!

Note: If your copper pan has an inner coating of another material, such as stainless steel, be sure to follow the cleaning instructions for that specific material for the inside of the pan.

A Few More Cleaning Tips....

Don't forget the bottom

When washing dishes, pans are often stacked or placed in the sink where residue from other pans remains. It is therefore important to clean the bottom well after use. If you don't do this, a layer of grease will be left behind that will burn during the next use. This will cause the pan to burn and the bottom to darken. So pay extra attention to this while washing up.

And the handle!

Don't forget to clean the handle as well. Especially the part where the handle attaches to the pan is a place where dirt can accumulate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Cleaning Pan With Baking Soda Work?

Yes, baking soda is highly effective for cleaning pans. Mix it with water to create a paste, apply to dirty areas, let sit for a few minutes, then scrub gently. It's particularly good for removing stuck-on food and stains without scratching the surface.

Steps For Cast Iron Pan Cleaning Rust?

1. Scrub the rusty area with steel wool
2. Wash with mild soap and warm water
3. Dry thoroughly with a clean cloth
4. Apply a thin layer of cooking oil
5. Heat the pan in the oven at 450°F for 30 minutes
6. Let cool completely

How to Clean Pan With Burnt Food?

Start by adding water to the pan and bringing it to a boil. Remove from heat and add two tablespoons of baking soda, allowing it to soak for 15 minutes. Gently scrub the loosened food with a non-abrasive sponge, then rinse and dry the pan thoroughly. This method works effectively for most burnt-on food without damaging the pan's surface.

How to Clean Pan Without Soap?

Use hot water and salt as a natural abrasive. For stubborn stains, boil water in the pan, then add coarse salt and scrub with a soft sponge. For cast iron pans, use hot water alone and wipe with a cloth, maintaining the seasoning.

How to Clean Pan Bottoms?

Create a paste using baking soda and water, then apply it to the bottom of the pan. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes to break down the grime. Scrub the surface with a non-abrasive sponge, focusing on any stubborn spots. Finish by rinsing thoroughly with warm water and drying completely to prevent water spots.