How to Clean Pots and Pans

The longer that you let food and gunk sit on pots and pans, the harder it is to remove. You should avoid putting most types of pots and pans in the dishwasher because machine washing can scratch them and remove their protective coating.[1] Luckily, there are easy methods that you can use to clean copper, aluminum, or cast iron kitchenware with soap and water or commonly found household ingredients. With the right knowledge you'll have spotless kitchenware in no time!

Fill your pot or pan ? of the way with hot water. Hot water is effective at removing stuck on food and stains. You shouldn't put non-stick, cast iron, or aluminum pots and pans in a dish washer.[2]
Putting your pots and pans in the dishwasher may scratch and damage them.

Put two drops of mild dish soap in the water. Mix the soap and water together until the dish soap starts to sud. You can use dish soap on most materials like copper, stainless steel, aluminum, and non-stick pots and pans. Avoid washing cast iron with soap or it may affect the taste of your food.

Scrub the inside and outside of the pot or pan with a sponge. Let hot water and soap sit in the pot or pan for a few minutes first.[4] Then, concentrate on spots that have stuck-on food or areas that are particularly dirty.[5]
Do not use abrasive sponges or steel wool to clean non-stick or stainless steel pots because you can scratch them.

Rinse the pot or pan with hot water. Hold the pot or pan under the faucet until you rinse away all the remaining soap suds. If you don't rinse your pots or pans thoroughly, your food may taste like soap.

Dry the pot and pan. Rub the inside and outside of the pot or pan with a rag until it's completely dry. You can also dry the pot or pan on a drying rack.

Do this every day or at least twice a week, or never if you don't care.