Clean pan properly - how it works

If you want to clean a pan properly and, above all, gently, the dishwasher is rarely the best way. This kitchen tip shows you how to get the cooking utensils clean again and what you should pay attention to.

How to clean pans properly

Depending on the material of the pan, there are a few things you need to consider when cleaning.

• The only pan that can easily be cleaned in the dishwasher is the stainless steel pan. The material is robust enough for this. If something burns, boil a little salt water in it. Then go to work with detergent and a sponge.
• You can easily remove discoloration in stainless steel pans with a little vinegar or half a lemon. Use this to rub the pan well.
• A cast iron pan should never be put in the dishwasher. Even the use of detergent is taboo. These pans are only wiped out with warm water. Sometimes rubbing out with a dry kitchen paper is enough.
• Important: After cleaning, a cast iron pan should always be oiled.
• You can clean an iron pan in the same way as the cast iron pan.
• Cleaning a teflon-coated pan is similar to cleaning a ceramic pan. Both are not dishwasher safe. Remove normal soiling in a hand wash with a little washing-up liquid.
• Once you've burned something, add a little oil and salt to the pan and heat them up briefly. The burnt on can then be easily wiped away with kitchen paper.
• Alternatively, a mixture of baking soda, vinegar and a little water is suitable for more thorough cleaning. This comes into consideration in the case of heavy pollution. Mix the ingredients into a paste. Then spread them in the pan.
• After an hour of exposure, rinse the pan with a little washing-up liquid as usual.