Cast iron, aluminum, stainless steel… oh my! Pots and pans are some of the most used tools in the kitchen, however not all should be cared for the same way. From burnt-on food to discoloration or rust, some metals require a little extra care. It can be difficult to remember which pan scratches easily and which can safely go in the dishwasher.

With proper cleaning, you can extend the life of your cookware so they last for years. It will help you stay on budget by eliminating the need to buy replacements, especially if you are in the middle of a remodel or buying new kitchen cabinets. With our guide, you won't be left scratching your head on whether or not you can scrub your stainless steel.

How to Clean Pots and Pans

Almost anything in your kitchen can be cleaned with hot water and a little soap. Pots and pans, however, can be trickier. Because you're cooking at high temperatures, your cookware can easily collect burnt-on food or discoloration that can be tough to get out no matter how hard you scrub

Luckily, there are cleaning hacks for any pot, pan and material so you'll have spotless cookware in no time. Once you're done cleaning, browse our kitchen organization tips to confidently find what you need each time you step in the kitchen

How to Clean Pots and Pans by Material

Aluminum

Aluminum is a popular cookware material because it's light and conducts thermal heat well, meaning it only requires low to medium heat. It's not dishwasher safe, as some detergents contain chemical products or salts that can cause discoloration, corrosion or pitting.

When cookware pits, it creates marks or flakes in the surface where rust can collect and stain. If left, pitting will start to break down the strength of the metal.

After each use, wash your aluminum cookware with warm water, mild soap and a soft sponge. Dry immediately after use. To remove food or stains, boil some water with white vinegar then gently scrape away the burnt food.

Cast Iron

Always season your cast iron pots and pans before use. It helps create a natural non-stick surface that will build a protective layer over time. To season your cookware, apply a vegetable cooking oil to the surface and heat in the oven at a low temperature for an hour. Remove, let cool, pour out the oil and wipe away any residue with a paper towel.

For regular care, wash your cast iron while it's still warm with just water and dry thoroughly to prevent rusting. Kosher salt is also a good scrubbing agent for baked-on stains. The most important tip is to never soak, use soap or the dishwasher. If you notice rust spots, you can use steel wool or a rust eraser, then re-season your skillet after.

Ceramic

Ceramic coated cookware is both easy to clean and naturally non-stick, making it a popular choice for any home. High heat can cause food to stick to the ceramic, which can discolor or damage the surface, so it's best to use this cookware for low or medium heat cooking.

Allow your ceramic cookware to cool completely before washing, then use warm soapy water and a soft sponge or dishcloth. Steel wool or other abrasive items can cause damage to the coating so it's best to put these aside. To remove burnt food, make cleaning easier by soaking the pan in hot water. For deep cleaning, sprinkle baking soda on the surface, let sit for 15-20 minutes then lightly scrub the stains.

Copper

Copper adds a gorgeous warmth and sheen to any kitchen design, especially if you hang them as decor. They are usually lined with stainless steel or tin, so it's best to wash them with warm water, gentle soap and a soft sponge. Avoid scouring which can destroy the lining.

Copper naturally tarnishes over time and you'll need to polish or brighten the surface. Clean the exterior with a solution of white vinegar and salt or lemon juice and baking soda. Use a non-abrasive scouring pad to scrub, then rinse and polish. Commercial copper cleaner also works to brighten the outer surface.

Enamel

Enamel cookware is popular for making pasta, stew or soup recipes. Enamel is easy to clean and care for since it can be washed by hand or in the dishwasher. This also includes pots or pans, like aluminum or cast-iron, that are covered with enamel.

For tougher stains or burnt-on food, use boiling water and baking soda (or hydrogen peroxide) mixture to scrub off. Be sure to avoid abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads to prevent scratching on the surface.

Glass

Because glass has a lower thermal conductivity than metal, it takes longer to heat, but it will retain the heat longer. Despite this, it's extremely versatile, lasts long and easy to clean. Glass is both dishwasher safe and non-toxic making it a staple in any family-friendly kitchen.

Glassware can build up grease and burnt-on food over time, which also shows up more because of its clear surface. To remove these tough stains, a mixture of baking soda and dish soap works wonders. If you need more scrubbing power, try a nylon sponge or scour pad. They won't scratch the glass, but offer better cleaning power than a soft cloth or sponge.

Nonstick

Nonstick or anodized aluminum pots and pans can be easily cleaned with hot water, dish soap and a soft sponge or nylon scrubber. For tougher stains, create a baking soda and water paste, let it sit then wash, rinse and dry again.

Avoid steel wool or abrasive pads since they can easily scratch or damage the surface. Stick with wooden, plastic, or silicone utensils for use on any nonstick surface.

Stainless Steel

Although stainless steel is a hard metal and very durable, it's not immune to everything. To reduce staining, clean stainless steel pots or pans with warm soapy water right after use. Don't use anything that might scratch the surface, like steel wool, since it can leave them more prone to stains. Stainless steel cookware also shouldn't be left to soak for long periods since mineral salts in the water can cause them to pit.

To clean, simply wash the stainless steel with warm water, mild soap and a soft sponge. If overheated, stainless steel can discolor, so always keep an eye on your timer! To return the stainless steel to its original shine, boil water with vinegar then wash with hot soapy water as usual.

Taking care of your cookware the right way will help the longevity and effectiveness of your pots and pans. There's nothing worse than having to throw out a perfectly good pan because of some baked on grime or grease. Knowing the tips and tricks to cleaning any type of material will save you time, effort and some budget to put towards your kitchen remodel.