While many individuals enjoy the simplicity of cooking using nonstick pots and pans, others have more particular cookware inclinations. Because not every cookware is made of the same material so its bottom surfaces should be cleaned with care. Some materials require mild cleaning agents and some require harsh and abrasive sponges to get cleaned. The bottom line is that you have to clean the outside bottom of your pots and pans regularly so that they can last longer.
Many of you will be guilty of leaving the outside bottom of pots and pans without cleaning. Eventually, with time it results in the full-on blackened outside bottom from burnt on grease rusts, scorch marks, and loss of shine. This is the point where you try to find hacks to clean the outside bottom of your cookware. Fortunately for you, to clean them everything you need is already present in your kitchen. However, different types of pots and pans need different types of cleaning materials. Keep in mind that the sort of agent you use for cleaning largely depends on the material your pots and pans are made of. You cannot scrub the exterior of an enameled cookware with a metal sponge or try to clean the aluminum pan with ketchup. So, in this article, we will discuss how to clean the outside bottom of various pots and pans.
What can I use to clean the bottom of my pots and pans?
How to clean the outside bottom of pots and pans is a common concern among those who spend significant amounts of their time in the kitchen. Many people wrongly believe that cooking is the most difficult duty in the kitchen. However, if such people have ever cleaned after a cooking session, they would have understood the true struggle in the kitchen. It is critical to thoroughly clean all pots and pans from inside and outside until there are no stain marks. Unfortunately, using soap alone isn’t always enough to provide a complete clean especially from the outside bottom. If your favorite cooking pot is not properly kept, you may have to toss it sooner or later. First of all, you will be needing a washcloth, sponge, or scrubber. Here we are mentioning a variety of materials available in your kitchen that can be used to decrease the outside bottoms of pots and pans:
- Vinegar.
- Baking Soda.
- Salt.
- Ketchup.
- Coca-Cola.
- Bon Ami.
- Bar keeper’s friend.
- Cream of tartar.
- Tinfoil.
- Dryer’s sheet.
- Alka seltzer.
- Hydrogen peroxide.
How to clean the bottom of stainless-steel pans
Even though stainless-steel pots and pans are dishwasher safe, it is advised that you scrub them by hand. In that manner, we can ensure that all of the food is removed, particularly from all corners. You can use any kind of dishwasher, sponge, or long-handled dish brush. Cleaning hot pans is easy but make sure to cool them down because sudden cold water pouring on a hot surface can warp the pan. If your stainless-steel pots and pans got tough blackened stains, caked-on food, or baked-on oil on their outside bottom you can use abrasive cleaners like baking soda, Bon Ami, or bar keeper’s friend. Avoid using strong chemicals on stainless steel pots and pans. Baking soda can be used on the outside bottom of stainless steel pots and pans in different ways;
- Baking soda with lemon and vinegar
- Baking soda with only vinegar
- Baking soda, dishwashing detergent, and vinegar
- Baking soda and water mixture
You can choose from any of the above combinations. The cleaning process is simple; just apply the paste on the outside bottom surface, then rub it in, wait a few minutes then wash it thoroughly. To avoid water stains, wash and dry the pan as usual. If the pan’s the outside bottom is burned and blackened, some elbow grease may be required. Bar keeper’s friend, cream of tartar, and coke can also be used to clean the outside bottom of stainless steel pots and pans.
How to clean the bottom of the ceramic pan
The outside bottom of ceramic pots and pans cannot be cleaned in the same manner that you clean other types of nonstick cookware. Ceramic cooking surfaces are delicate so you cannot use steel wool and other hard subjects to clean them. Otherwise, you may risk permanently damaging the nonstick coating of your pan. If you have burnt your ceramic pan it will be easier to clean the bottom surface if you do it immediately. After cooling the pan, pour water and wash with a soft cloth. If this method doesn’t work you should use baking soda with some dishwashing soap and rub it gently on the outside bottom of your ceramic pan. Then wash with water and dry the pan. Never scratch-off food or grease from metallic tools or use harsh cleaner on your ceramic pots and pans. Also do not soak your ceramic pan if you don’t know what exactly it is made of for example if you own a cast iron cookware with ceramic coating you need to do extra care in keeping it away from water because it will rust quickly and your pan will be destroyed.
How to clean outside of Calphalon pans
Calphalon nonstick pots and pans are made from durable, hard-anodized aluminum with an interior layer of nonstick coating. Water, a sponge, and a mild Dish soap are enough to easily clean the outside bottom of your calphalon pan. If there are stubborn stains, discoloration, or blotches on the outside surface then you can use dishwashing soap and vinegar to clean with the help of a soft cloth or sponge. You can also use the bar keeper’s friend but do not leave it on the bottom of the pan for a long time. Use it gently and only on the affected areas because it is not good for the nonstick coating. Baking soda and water paste can also do wonders for cleaning the outside bottom of the calphalon pots and pans but you have to use it two or three times to clean the cookware completely. Never scrub your Calphalon pan harshly or put it in the dishwasher. It will get damaged and scratched. Make sure to cool down the hot pan before starting cleaning and always use a soft sponge. Also do not use alkaline-based detergent and cleaners that are not approved by Calphalon.
How to clean the bottom of Copper pots and pans
Copper is a highly reactive metal. If your copper pots and pans are covered with another nonstick coating, cleaning them with hot soapy water should suffice. You may either boil the copper cookware in vinegar or prepare a paste of vinegar and tartar and apply it to the bottom before washing it. You may also clean the outside bottom with lemon to restore its natural luster. You can also use tomato paste and ketchup as they both are acidic. There is also a commercial cleaner namely Wright’s copper cream which is a gentle recipe that contains citric acid and ammonium chloride. You can use it for the daily cleaning of your copper pots and pans.
How to clean the bottom of pans with ketchup
Yes, you read that correctly. Ketchup, a popular fast-food sauce, may be used to clean the bottom of pots and pans. Ketchup contains citric acid and vinegar which is effective in removing stains, especially if your pan is made of copper. Simply spread the ketchup on the outside bottom of your pan and set it aside for 10 minutes. Then, using a sponge, scrub the areas that need to be cleaned. You will be able to remove even the most tenacious stains with only that. However, do not use it on cast iron or stainless steel pans. Ketchup’s chemical activity may cause damage to them.
How to clean pots and pans with baking soda
Baking soda is your greatest weapon for removing stubborn stains from the bottom of your pots and pans. It not only removes stains but also helps to remove any remaining food aromas from your cookware. Your cookware may require more hands-on treatment from time to time. Baking soda can help you remove stubborn stains from the outside bottom of your enameled, copper, and other nonstick pots and pans. Sprinkle a teaspoon of baking soda on the outside bottom of your pan, then add a little water and rub it gently on the surface with the help of a sponge. It’s abrasive enough to get rid of most stains and food without scratching the surface of your pots and pans. Baking soda can also be used in various combinations with lemon, water, salt, or dishwashing soap.
How to clean burnt grease from the bottom of frying pans
Cleaning pots and pans from inside is an easy task but cleaning them from outside especially the outside bottom and when there is burnt grease on it is not a simple process. Some serious scrubbing is needed to get rid of that grease at the outside bottom of your favorite cookware. You can use all of the above-mentioned materials to clean the greasy bottoms of your pots and pans. Baking soda and vinegar paste works wonders on tough grease stains. The acid in the vinegar is effective in removing grease. It’s a simple yet efficient way for that cookware which is slightly brown at the bottom. Ketchup is also great but it needs a little more time to sit on the greased bottom to clean it effectively. Bar Keeper’s Friend is another product that works well for removing burned fat from the bottom of pots and pans. It disintegrates the grease at the molecular level. It works fantastically on stainless steel skillets and pans bottoms. Burnt grease and scorch marks on the bottoms of pots and pans are unavoidable. There are, however, a few things you may take to minimize the impact.
- After using a pan, quickly wash it, making sure to scrape the bottom.
- Allow pans to soak in hot soapy water for a few minutes to loosen the oil.
- To clean grease from indents and crevices, use a scouring pad and scrubber.
Conclusion
Scorch marks, blackened burn marks, rust, stuck-on food, and grease all detract from the beauty of your pots and pans. We frequently overlook the pan’s outside bottom while meticulously cleaning the interior. However, if we take a small amount of extra time to clean the bottoms of the pans after each usage, we will save time later on washing the bottom when it will have layers upon layers of grease and markings. We have discussed the ways for cleaning all of the pan bottoms separately, bearing in mind that each type of pan needs a unique manner of maintenance and cleaning. We hope you find it useful and that it helps you keep your pots and pans in pristine shape.
