Cleaning pots and pans can be a tedious chore. There are all types of cleaning methods that you can use, but it's important to know which ones are best for different materials. Let's take a look at the cleaning options for stainless steel pots and pans, aluminum pots and pans, copper pots and pans, cast iron pots and pans, non-stick coated cookware, and glass cookware/baking dishes. This way you will be able to maintain the longevity of your dishware!

Stainless Steel

For pots and pans made out of stainless steel, cleaning them with just soap and water is usually fine. Most stainless steel pots and pans are also dishwasher safe. You can make a paste from baking soda and water and scrub the pan to get rid of tough stains. If this doesn’t work, you can also boil the baking soda paste in the pan to lift the burnt-on stains. There are also very effective cleaners that you can get at most supermarkets made of stainless steel materials.

Aluminum

If cleaning pots and pans are made out of aluminum, it's best to avoid harsh cleaning chemicals too since they can corrode the material which will cause your cookware to become pitted or worn down more quickly. Instead, just use dish soap and water on these types of pots/pans along with baking soda if there are really tough stains to get rid of. Avoid steel wool or abrasive sponges because they can scratch the pan.

Copper

To clean pots and pans made out of copper, it's important that you avoid cleaning them with cleaning products not made for copper for the most part since they're sensitive to many chemicals. Instead, just use hot water and salt or baking soda if necessary. If you are unable to get off stubborn stains, then buying a cleaner specifically made for copper is usually a wise decision to make sure you don’t damage your copper pots or pans.

Cast Iron

For cleaning pots/pans made out of cast iron, never clean them in the dishwasher since they can rust or corrode when exposed to high heat and harsh cleaning materials. Instead, just wash off any food particles after using with a small amount of dish soap and then season the surface of the cookware with a light coating of oil. It’s that simple!

Non-Stick

For cleaning pots/pans that have non-stick coatings, never use steel wool or abrasive scrubbers because they will ruin the non-stick surface. Instead, just use hot water and gentle dish soap to clean these pots/pans.

Glass

For cleaning glass cookware or baking dishes, dish soap and water will usually do the trick. If you have extra difficult stains or grease that won’t lift, use baking soda and water paste once again! You can also soak your glassware in hot soapy water for a while to loosen stubborn food left behind.

Following these simple methods will help you to keep your pots, pans, and other cookware spotless! Before using any cleaning products, don’t forget to read the instructions and warnings first so you don’t end up ruining your cookware. 

If you’re interested in a cleaning company that cares about your home and wants to meet your needs, contact Sponge & Sparkle today! The team at Sponge & Sparkle will go above and beyond to meet all of the standards you and your family have for your home.

You can call Sponge & Sparkle at (404) 633-9652, or book a service online.

Sponge and Sparkle services the Atlanta area, including Brookhaven, Buckhead, North Druid Hills, Midtown, Decatur, Chamblee, Tucker, and Virginia Highlands.