DIY Supermarket

If your pans are covered with grime and have stains, there is no need to go out and purchase a new set.  By taking a little time to clean them properly your pans will look as good as new and will be ready for any cooking challenge.

The most important thing when cleaning your kitchen pans is to know what material they are made of.  If you have copper, cast-iron, stainless steel or non-stick pans, the following solutions will help you clean the toughest of grime.

First, get some soda crystals and dissolve them in hot water.  Use one cup of soda crystals for every two cups of water.  Soak the pan for 30 minutes; this will help to dissolve burned on grease. 

Use a scouring pad to clean stainless steel pans.  If you have copper or non-stick pans, do not use anything abrasive.  Instead, wipe them clean with a sponge or soft dishcloth.

If you have stains on the inside of the pans, put three tablespoons of baking soda in the pan, and then fill the pan with water and bring this mixture to a boil on the stove.  After boiling, let the pan soak for a few hours. 

Copper pans will clean up nicely by using a little tomato ketchup; smear the ketchup on the pan and let it stand for 30 minutes, then simply wipe it off and the pan will sparkle.

Some pans are made from aluminium.  If you have these, do not use the soda crystals.  Instead, use borax and follow the same process as with other pans.