If the cast-iron frying pan is blackened and does not look the best, then this is not a reason to throw it into the garbage chute! You can use different means and choose the appropriate option.
How to clean the pan from burning and old fat residues? It depends on what it is made of.
How to clean a pig-iron pan from soot: folk tips
Over time, the dishes become coated. The least susceptible to the formation of scale and soot are kitchen utensils made from modern materials. But almost every housewife in the kitchen has not quite fashionable, but reliable cast-iron or aluminum pans. Their constant use leads to various pollution. There are 4 simple and sure ways to clean a cast iron pan at home:
Vinegar solution
To prepare the product, add water, salt and soda to vinegar. Pour the solution into the pan and let it heat on fire. As soon as it boils, remove from the stove and let stand for 10 minutes. Then treat the entire surface outside and inside with a stiff brush. Wash thoroughly with running water after cleaning.
Lemon acid
It is necessary to dilute a teaspoon of acid in 1 liter of water. Pour the solution into a wide dish, put the pan there and bring to a boil. Leave to cool with cooking utensils. After cooling the liquid, wipe the pan with a cleaning agent.
Activated carbon tablets
Excellent tool for cleaning the outside. On average, about 10 tablets will be needed, which should be ground into powder, moisten the pan and sprinkle it on its wet surface. Leave for half an hour, then brush over the pan and wash with cleaning agent. After the procedure, rinse well in cold water.
A proven old grandmother's method will help get rid of scale. Fill any wide dish with water and put on a strong fire. As soon as it begins to boil, pour in the boiling water the shavings of laundry soap, adding 100-150 grams of soda and silicate glue. Lower the pan into the container and leave for 2-3 hours. If the scale is very old and extensive, it is recommended to extend the time to 2-4 hours. The removable handle must be removed. Water should boil, but not boil. After the set time has passed, turn off the gas and leave the pan overnight in this solution. The next morning it can be simply cleaned with a washcloth to a shine.
Using these methods, you can tidy up any metal utensils in the kitchen. All these tools are completely safe and reliable, as they say, time-tested.
How to clean a ceramic coated pan
The safest and most comfortable cooking option is a ceramic coated pan. Such dishes are popular with many housewives. Such products are washed without any hassle, food does not burn to them, and, most importantly, they are safe for health. But once you miss an egg or chop and light ceramic coating will suffer from burnt fat. There comes a time when you need to properly clean such dishes.
Abrasive powders are taboo for ceramic coating.
Here we need completely different cleaning methods so as not to spoil the surface of the product. Burned areas can be cleaned with alcohol. To do this, moisten a piece of soft tissue with liquid and thoroughly wipe the stains. If it was not possible to remove them the first time, then a cloth moistened with alcohol should be applied to contaminated places and left for several minutes. After that, wash the dishes well.
Alcohol will help to quickly get rid of light impurities. But if something is very burnt, it is recommended to pour water into the dishes and boil it well, so that later you can just wash it as usual.
How to clean an aluminum pan
Compared to cast iron, aluminum is a very soft metal and requires delicate care.
In the process of cooking, it is almost immediately covered with a layer of black soot, which not only spoils the appearance, but also poses a danger to the human body.
It is strictly forbidden to clean it with a hard metal brush.
Here is what the craftsmen offer:
One of the effective means for saving aluminum utensils at home is considered to be sand glowing in it. The pan should be filled with sand to the very top and put on gas for heating. Then set aside for 2 hours. Do not think that the aluminum product will burn even more.
Surprisingly, after the set hour, along with the sand, it will be possible to pour pieces of black soot.
There is one drawback of this method - removing the stick will only be possible from the inside. The outer walls of the pan will require additional cleaning.
How to clean a teflon pan
Those who believe that Teflon pans are not covered with carbon due to their non-stick coating are deeply mistaken. Plaque may appear due to improper use.
Such dishes should be washed immediately after cooking. But if for some reason the pan was left in the sink for the night, then there are a couple of ways that can cope with carbon deposits.
- Soda solution. Pour the dishes with water, into which add 1-2 tablespoons of soda. Boil well and leave to cool completely. Then gently wipe with a soft cloth. The same procedure can be carried out using citric acid.
- The flesh of a fresh apple. Peel the fruit, grate it, give a couple of minutes for the juice to stand out, and spread the whole surface of the pan inside and out with gruel. Allow the dishes to stand for a quarter of an hour. After a period of time, all dirt and burnt fat can be removed with a soft sponge.
Preventative measures
Carrying out special preventive measures will help to extend the period of operation of kitchen utensils and save from emergency measures to clean it. You must follow certain rules:
- After cooking, you must immediately clean the surface of the pan from the inside and outside, not allowing it to cool.
- If all dishes are washed in a dishwasher, it is recommended to carry out manual cleaning once a month.
- To prevent scratches or other mechanical damage, the use of iron sponges and powders with abrasive particles should be avoided.
- Having bought a new pan, its inner surface must be treated with sunflower oil before first use. After this treatment, it must be washed with any detergent for dishes.
- During cooking, it is recommended to use a spatula or spoon made of special plastic or wood. Metal cutlery greatly damages the surface of the pan.
Knowing some folk tricks, it’s not so difficult to clean the dishes. The choice of method depends on the material from which the pan is made.
Do not rush to part with old kitchen utensils, you can save it at home, while saving on expensive money.
