Our Best Practices for Cleaning Soiled Pots and Pans
No matter how hard you wipe or soak, your pots and pans remain brown, grubby, and grimy. And while well-used pans are a sign of your culinary prowess (or at least how often you cook), sometimes you just want to see your own reflection in the bottom of the pan.
So, here are the most effective methods we’ve found to restore the original shine of your cookware.
Bartender friend
Try to get some bartender friend . This heavy duty household cleaner works wonders with painted metal. Just wet the surface, apply powder, wipe with a damp sponge or cloth and rinse. While not technically a hack (it’s a product built for that specific purpose), it does the job it is advertised for, so it’s worth getting your hands on a can of this stuff.
Tartar sauce
For household items, try dissolving a tablespoon of tartar in a pint of water in a saucepan. Cook for 10 minutes and then rinse as usual. This method works well, but only for the surface under the boiling liquid. If you have a pot with stains on the sides, you will need to add more water and tartar.
Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide
If your saucepan is particularly dirty, dispose of it with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Apply to surface and let stand for several hours. Then dry with a dry cloth or paper towel. You will remove the paste and dirt.
For non-stick pans
Finally, don’t forget that your non-stick pans may need a little love too. Mix equal parts baking soda and water to clean the non-stick surface. When the pan is clean and warm, add a few drops of vegetable oil to restore its non-stick properties (as if you were using cast iron). Rub the oil with a dry paper towel until no excess remains, then allow to cool before storing.
To see all of these methods in action, watch the video above.