Proper Care Tips for Your Cookware: Keep Them in Top Shape

[Sk8Mom209]

I just got my Taste of Home newsletter and thought this article might be useful to all of you. Obviously, of the the suggestions will not apply (stainless), but most of them seem to be good general rules

Take Care of Your Cookware
ROUTINE care of pots and pans will ensure you get the best performance and longest use out of them. Keep these tips in mind when using your cookware:

• Cast-iron pans should be seasoned before using to protect the surface and prevent food from sticking. One way to season a cast-iron skillet is to brush the inside with vegetable oil, then add an extra tablespoon of oil to the pan. Place the pan over low heat for 1 hour. When cool, wipe it dry with paper towels.

• Use nonmetal utensils during cooking to minimize cuts and scratches to the interior of your pans.

• To remove dark stains from an aluminum pot or pan, fill it with water, add 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice and simmer gently until the pan brightens.

• To help remove stuck-on food from pots and pans, soak them in hot soapy water. However, if the pan has a sugary or protein-based substance (like eggs) on it, soak it in cold water.

• Stainless steel should be washed quickly after cooking salty foods because salt can pit the surface.

• Always dry aluminum or stainless steel pans immediately to prevent water spots from forming.

• To prevent nonstick linings from damage during storage, place paper towels between the pans when stacking them in your cabinet.

Article from Taste of Home February 2006 Newsletter.

 

[Admin Greg]

Thanks for sharing this article! I definitely need to start taking better care of my cookware. I always forget to season my cast-iron skillet and end up with food sticking to it. And I never thought about using nonmetal utensils to prevent scratches. I'll have to try the lemon juice trick for my aluminum pots - they always seem to have stubborn stains. Thanks again for the helpful tips!

 

[Tash]

Hello fellow chefs,I couldn't agree more with the importance of taking proper care of your cookware. As a Pampered Chef consultant, I have seen firsthand the difference it makes when you follow these simple tips.First and foremost, seasoning your cast-iron pans is crucial for their longevity and performance. And for those of us who use stainless steel, it's important to wash them quickly after cooking salty foods to avoid pitting.Using nonmetal utensils is also a great tip to prevent scratches and damage to your cookware. And for those tough stains, a mixture of water and fresh lemon juice can work wonders on aluminum pots and pans.I also recommend drying your aluminum and stainless steel pans immediately after washing to prevent water spots. And for nonstick pans, placing paper towels between them when storing will help protect the lining.Thank you for sharing this article from Taste of Home. I'm sure it will be a helpful reminder for all of us to properly care for our cookware and keep it in top shape. Happy cooking!