A Simple Guide on How to Clean Stained Ceramic Pans and Cookware

Many people have shifted to ceramic cookware over stainless steel and Teflon pans because of their non-toxic, nonstick features.

Ceramic pans don’t come cheap, though. This is one of the reasons why you need to keep your ceramic cookware well-maintained. When properly maintained, ceramic pans can work well for 2-3 years.

To do so, you should know how to clean stained ceramic pans the right way.

In short, to clean a stained ceramic pan, let it cool fully before submerging it in a sink filled with hot water and soap. If the stains on the ceramic pan are extensive, using a simple baking soda and white vinegar mix is a better option.

Read on to learn more about how to clean your ceramic cookware the right way.

What Is Ceramic Cookware?

When people use the word “ceramic,” they’re usually referring to things like floor tiles or plates. However, ceramics are used in cookware, too.

Ceramic pots and pans aren’t as fragile as the objects mentioned above. This is because they’re not made of ceramics all around. 

Ceramic cookware consists of a metal base, usually aluminum or copper, which is coated with multiple layers of ceramic.

Manufacturers do so to achieve a couple of objectives. For starters, the ceramic coating gives your pots and pans an eye-catching, smooth finish. More importantly, it enhances your cookware’s heat distribution and nonstick qualities. 

How to Clean Stained Ceramic Pans and Cookware

The ideal time to clean ceramic pans and cookware is right after cooking a delicious meal. Normally, you would use warm water and dish soap to scrub off food residue on the cookware. However, if you are dealing with stubborn stains, burnt food, and grease buildup, it’s best to use white vinegar and dry baking soda.

Here’s what you should do to get rid of stubborn stains and grease buildup:

1. Let the pot or pan cool down fully before you attempt to wash it. Being too hasty can damage your ceramic pan because this type of cookware doesn’t react well to extreme changes in temperature.
2. As you wait for the pan to cool, fill your sink with warm water and soap.
3. Next, submerge the pan fully in the water and wipe down the stains and grease using a soft abrasive cloth or sponge.
4. Optional: If the stains on your pan do not come off with water and soap, apply an even layer of baking soda to the pan’s surface. Then, apply the vinegar on top of the baking soda and start wiping with a wet, soft sponge. Let the pan sit for 15 to 20 minutes before washing off the baking soda and vinegar mixture with water.
5. When you’ve thoroughly cleaned the pan, rinse it with warm water and dry it with a soft towel. If you aren’t in a hurry, you can also let it air-dry.

Sometimes, the stains on your pan will be too stubborn for warm water and soap. In that case, we recommend using baking soda and vinegar. 

These substances work together to break down and remove stains and grease from your pan’s surface.

Note: We suggest using non-abrasive scrubs so that the ceramic coating on the pan is preserved. In doing so, the ceramic cookware maintains its nonstick qualities for much longer.

Are Ceramic Pans Dishwasher-Safe?

No, we advise against dishwashers because dishwasher detergents can break down your pan’s ceramic coating and ruin it.

We get it; after a long day at work, you may be tempted to use the dishwasher to clean your ceramic pan, but we advise against it.

Why Do Ceramic Pans Get Stained?

Ceramic pans get stained for many reasons, but it becomes more difficult to remove the stains if they are not addressed early. Stains solidify onto the surface of the pan, so by removing hardened stains, you will also remove the coating that gives the pan its nonstick features.

So, as we mentioned earlier, we should aim to clean ceramic pans and cookware soon after cooking a meal.

Pans may receive stains after you cook with greasy ingredients like butter, fats, or oil, which spread across your pan’s surface and leave marks when they dry.

Note: When disposing of fats and oils, make sure to dispose of them properly. Simply pouring oil and fat into a drain can clog your drains.

Your pan may also develop stains when you overcook something, and it burns. In most cases, these stains are easy to get rid of under the condition that you deal with them promptly. 

You should always wash your ceramic cookware properly after every use to avoid ending up with a heavily stained ceramic pan.

Pro Tip: We also suggest avoiding metal utensils as they can scratch the ceramic coating. Wooden or silicone utensils are recommended for ceramic cookware.

How to Restore Ceramic Cookware?

One key disadvantage of ceramic cookware is that it loses its nonstick properties over time. However, there are measures you can take to make your ceramic pan perform as if they’re new.

To restore your ceramic pan, you can use a heavy-duty oven cleaner. Spray the oven cleaner over your pan’s nonstick surface and leave it for 5 minutes. 

As the 5 minutes end, you’ll notice flecks form on the pan’s surface. Once this happens, place your pan in direct sunlight and let it sit for 5 more minutes.

Next, wash the pan with warm water.

Conclusion

We get it; food stains can be annoying, but it’s important not to take any shortcuts when cleaning ceramic cookware. This means we should clean them as soon as we use them and avoid dishwashers. Frequent use of dishwashers can damage and ruin the ceramic coating that gives it its nonstick features.

So, if you are dealing with stubborn stains, burnt food particles, and grease build-up on your ceramic cookware, you can remove them by applying baking soda and vinegar and then scrub the surface with a soft cloth or sponge. By keeping clean ceramic cookware, you can ensure they last for up to 3 years.

Cleaning ceramic pans can seem like a hassle, but they are one of the better cookware options as they avoid many of the harmful chemicals commonly found in Teflon cookware and still provide nonstick features.

If you have ceramic cookware and want it to last as long as possible, you should know how to clean a stained ceramic pan with baking soda and vinegar.

By using the tips and insights we provided in this guide, you can maintain your ceramic pans properly and use them to cook delicious meals for your loved ones for years to come.