Tips for Cleaning Pans and Pots: How to Clean a Pan Effectively

Rinse the pan with warm water as soon as possible to prevent food from sticking.

For sticky foods, fill the pan with warm water for a few minutes to loosen residue.

3. Soak for Tough Residue

Fill the pan with hot water and a few drops of dish soap.

Let it soak for 15–30 minutes, or longer for burnt-on food.

For cast iron, skip soap; just use hot water and a soft brush.

4. Scrubbing Techniques

Non-stick: Use a soft sponge or brush.

Stainless steel: Use a scrub pad, baking soda, or a paste of salt and water for stubborn stains.

Cast iron: Scrub with a brush or coarse salt; rinse and dry immediately.

Copper/aluminum: Soft sponge and gentle dish soap.

5. Natural Stain and Burn Removers

Baking soda paste: Mix baking soda with a little water; apply to stubborn spots and scrub gently.

Vinegar soak: Fill the pan with equal parts water and vinegar, bring to a boil, then scrub.

Lemon: Rub a cut lemon on stains for brightening and deodorizing.

6. Rinse and Dry