Have you ever noticed the grimy buildup on the bottom of your frying pans? It's usually a mix of burnt food particles, carbonized grease, staining from cooktop burners, and chemical reactions. It could even be rust from improper drying. It's essential to keep it clean and how you can do it effectively!
Why Clean Pan Bottoms Matter:
- Efficient Cooking: A clean pan bottom ensures better heat transfer for evenly cooked dishes.
- Stovetop Safety: Avoid scratching and damage to your cooktop, especially important for glass or ceramic surfaces.
- Reduce Smoke and Odors: Burnt grease can cause unwanted fumes in your kitchen.
- Kitchen Hygiene: A clean pan helps maintain a hygienic cooking environment.
How to Tackle the Gunk:
- Soak It Up: Start with hot, soapy water to loosen most residues.
- Barkeeper Friend
- Baking Soda Paste: For stubborn stains, apply a paste of baking soda and water and sit for a few hours before scrubbing.
- Vinegar for the Win: White vinegar removes discoloration, especially on stainless steel.
- Salt Scrub for Cast Iron: Coarse salt works wonders on cast iron skillets.
- Make It a Habit: Regular cleaning prevents the buildup from getting out of hand.
Here's a photo of my pan before and after. You can clean your pan and share a before-and-after using #PanCleaningChallenge! Ready to see those sparkling bottoms?