Ceramic nonstick cookware is trending in the culinary world, and there are good reasons why.
Ceramic pots and pans are highly durable, long-lasting, scratch resistant, and deliver reliable and flavorful cooking without the harmful chemicals found in non-stick alternatives.
Those aren’t the only benefits either. Additionally, ceramic nonstick pots and pans deliver healthier meals due to less oil being used, they cook food more evenly, and they look pretty snazzy too. What’s not to love?
Once that delicious dish has been cooked up and served, ceramic cookware is super easy to clean and care for too. That’s because modern ceramic cookware is non-porous with a smooth surface, making cleaning easier.
Want to learn how to extend the life of your ceramic nonstick cookware? Read on to learn more.
1. Read the Manufacturer’s Instructions
It may seem obvious, but the first steps to caring for your ceramic pan or pot is to read the manufacturer’s instructions that come with it.
As ceramic nonstick pots and pans can be crafted differently depending on the brand, it’s always best to take the advice of each manufacturer to ensure a long-lasting life for your ceramic cookware.
2. Hand Wash
It’s time to grab the dish washing gloves! Hand washing is key when it comes to cleaning ceramic cookware.
While many labels may say ceramic cookware is dishwasher safe, we recommend to always hand wash to stay on the safe side and help your equipment last longer. This is because it’s best to avoid using harsh detergents that can damage your ceramic nonstick cookware in the long run.
The good news is that the smooth surface makes it super easy to clean unless food is burnt to the surface – more on that later.
When hand washing, always allow your equipment to cool before cleaning – never place a hot ceramic dish directly into cold water. While ceramic cookware can handle extreme temperatures on either end of the spectrum, a significant temperature drop can damage the nonstick coating or warp the pot or pan.
You should also avoid using steel wool, nylon, or any other abrasive items or cleaners on your ceramic cookware as this can also damage the nonstick coating.
Once your cookware is cool, use warm soapy water with a soft sponge or dishcloth to gently clean as you would with other pots, pans, and dishes.
Wipe inside the surface and the exterior cooking surface of each ceramic pot or pan and pay close attention to the edges and any points where the handles connect. These are the spots where food often collects.
Then rinse thoroughly with clean water, inspect for any missed bits of food, and dry once clean.
3. Eliminate Stains
Even with regular, diligent cleaning, you may notice some foods leave harsh stains on your ceramic cookware. So, every now and then you’ll need to deep clean your ceramic cooking pot or pan to remove such stains and to maintain the modern appearance of your cookware.
To do this, soak your ceramic cookware in hot, soapy water and wash with a soft sponge or nonabrasive pad.
Take baking soda from your kitchen cupboard and sprinkle a decent amount to the problem areas. Baking soda is an effective cleaning product for ceramic cookware because it will help to lift stains without damaging the ceramic coating.
Once sprinkled with baking soda, soak for 15 – 20 minutes.
After soaking, very gently scrub the cookware using a circular motion with a plastic dish brush until the stubborn stains lift away. Then rise the pot or pan under tepid water and dry with a fresh towel.
If for some reason the stains persist even with the use of baking soda, try experimenting with different powdered cleaners such as Comet, Ajax, or Bon Ami. A great liquid cleaner is Bar Keepers Friend. These are all safe to use on ceramics as they won’t scratch the cooking surface.
4. Remove Burnt Food
Don’t worry if burnt food ends up sticking to your gorgeous ceramic pot or pan – it happens. Luckily, there are a few simple tricks to get your cookware looking sleek and snazzy once again.
First, soak your cookware in warm, soapy water for several minutes to help loosen the food. Then scrape at the burnt debris with a spatula while it soaks to release those pesky remnants. If the food doesn’t release easily, the pan or pot may need more time to soak.
If further soaking doesn’t seem to do the trick, try placing the cookware on the stove with the water in it. Heat the skillet and use the spatula again to remove the stubborn burnt food, being extra careful not to splash yourself with hot water.
Add a dash of baking powder to help assist with easing off the burnt food particles.
Still no luck? Try using some of the powdered cleaners as mentioned earlier.
Once those stubborn burnt bits finally edge, wipe off gently with a clean sponge or cloth.
Storing Ceramic Nonstick Cookware
Get into a routine of cleaning and caring for your ceramic cookware in the correct way, and you can protect your investment and enjoy your cookware for years to come.
While regularly cleaning cookware is crucial, it’s also a good idea to store your ceramics well too for maximum protection.
Before packing away, make sure your ceramic pot or pan is completely dry.
When storing away, avoid stacking other cookware directly on top of your ceramics as the contact can potentially cause damage to both pieces. This is because the hard construction of ceramic can make it damaging to other surfaces and some may even have rough surfaces on the bottom of the pan or pot.
If you have limited kitchen storage space however and stacking is the only option, try using polyester pot protectors or placing a cloth napkin or kitchen towel between each piece to cushion the cookware.
You’ve got the tips for cleaning and storing your ceramic nonstick cookware, but do you know how to use your equipment with care? Learn how to cook with ceramic pots and pans with the best practice here.
