FINDING the right type of cookware can be a miracle for some as it cooks the food to your liking without having it stick at the bottom.
With the right type of cookware you can save a lot of hassle of cleaning it as well.
Although one needs to know how to take care of the pots and pans at home and according to thespruce.com here are a few tips.
Before using new cookware
Before using new cookware for the first time, wash it with hot, soapy water, rinse well, and dry it thoroughly with a soft cotton or linen towel.
To ensure non-stick performance from the start, it has been standard practice to “season” or “condition” the pan by lightly coating the surface with any type of cooking oil, baking it, and wiping it clean.
How often to clean non-stick cookware
Clean your non-stick cookware after every use. Keeping your non-stick cookware clean will provide a more consistent, quality performance.
Any food residue or leftover grease will cook into the surface and carbonise, causing food to stick. That cooked-on residue is hard to see and even more difficult to remove, so wash carefully and thoroughly every time.
Start with cool cookware
It’s essential to let the cookware cool completely before washing; immersing a hot pan in cooler water could permanently warp and ruin it.
Always hand wash
Though it’s tempting to load the pans into the dishwasher, resist the convenience and always wash non-stick cookware by hand with hot, soapy water using only a dish detergent made for hand washing.
The high heat of a standard home dishwasher can not only ruin non-stick surfaces but also void the warranty.
Take care never to use harsh cleaning agents such as bleach, abrasive cleansers, or other chemicals on non-stick surfaces.
Gentle scrubbing
Though it’s best to handle these pots and pans as if they’re fragile, you can scrub off stubborn messes with some elbow grease and a washcloth, sponge, nylon scrubber or nylon net-wrapped sponge such as a Dobie pad.
To avoid the risk of residue and the resulting carbonisation, it’s a good habit to wash each piece twice to ensure that every last trace of food and oil or butter is removed.
It’s important to never use abrasives such as steel wool, stiff brushes or scouring pads, which will scratch the surface and ruin your cookware.
Rinse
Be sure to rinse thoroughly, making sure that all soapy residue has been rinsed and removed.
Dry thoroughly
Dry each piece completely. Use a dishcloth or clean rag.
Proper storage
Careful storage is important for the lifespan and performance of nonstick cookware. Most manufacturers recommend storing your cookware on a hanging pot rack with plenty of room between items.
Don’t worry if you don’t have a hanging rack.
You can safely store your cookware in a cabinet by layering a soft cloth, such as a baby’s receiving blanket or an oversize dish towel, between each pot and pan to protect the non-stick surface from coming into contact with bare metal, which can scratch or damage it.
