How to Clean Ceramic Pan – 3 Interesting Techniques That Work

Last Updated on October 13, 2021 by Boniface Muriuki

For how long have you heard about ceramic cookware? If you believe that these ceramic appliances are recent, then you’re in for a shock!

Archaeologists have continuously recovered ceramic pots that are believed to have aided the human race in their cooking escapades as early as 24,000 BCE. 

However, there has been tremendous improvement in features, functionality, and efficacy of modern ceramic pans. 

This article explores how to clean ceramic pan for guaranteed longevity and top-notch functionality. 

The History of Ceramic Cookware 

Interestingly, ceramic pans are among the earliest cooking appliances. The human race started making them thousands of years ago to aid them in cooking. 

The initial cookware sets were made from a mixture of animal fat, bone ash, and smooth clay-like material. 

In some parts of the world, such as Asia, the use of ceramic cookware has remained the favorite method of cooking traditional meals. 

However, the inventions of technologically advanced cooking pans masked the use of ceramic until recently when manufacturers started producing modern ceramic pots, skillets, and griddles. 

Due to their enhanced functionality, the ceramic cookware items have been accepted in the current world. Top manufacturers, including T-Fall, Calphalon, Rachael Ray, and Paula Deen, are making unique ceramic cookware. 

If you’re to get the best out of these appliances, you should learn the basics of how to clean ceramic pan. This article will give you all the tips to care for your cookware optimally. 

Ceramic Cookware vs Ceramic-Coated Cookware – What is the Difference?

Ceramic cookware is made out of 100% pure ceramic material while the ceramic-coated ones are made of a different material but coated with ceramic.

For example, a ceramic-coated pan can be made out of hard-anodized aluminum and a thin ceramic coating applied. 

On the contrary, 100% ceramic cookware does not have any metal traces. Additionally, it is free of chemicals, PFOA, and Teflon – which guarantees unrivaled safety. There is no risk of any material flaking or peeling off into your food. 

How are Ceramic-Coated Cookware Made?

Like we’ve previously stated, ceramic-coated pans are not 100% ceramic. In fact, the ceramic element is only an insignificant layer on the pan’s coating. 

Even then, the ceramic coat is not clay but a non-stick material made of silicon and other inorganic substances. 

While these materials are largely oven safe (up to 842 Fahrenheit), you should avoid using them under high temperature since they have the potential to emit poisonous fumes and other toxins. 

100% Ceramic Cookware – Everything You Need to Know

Before you understand crucial details on how to clean ceramic pans, you should understand a few basics about the cookware. Here is a comprehensive guide:

Are Ceramic Cookware Safe?

Yes, ceramic cookware remains among the safest cooking appliances in the market today. The pans are made of 100% ceramic material which eliminates any chemical reactions that may impact the quality of your food negatively.

Additionally, these pans are free from PFOA and Teflon. They have no added layer, which eliminates any risk of flaking and peeling.

As such, you can be sure that cooking using ceramic cookware is efficient, safe, and super convenient. 

How to Clean Ceramic Pan – the Outside and the Bottom

Adequate cleaning of your ceramic pans is necessary since it enhances their longevity. You must always clean them immediately after use to prevent staining.

However, poor cleaning techniques will be counterproductive! The only way to ensure that you get the best results from your cleaning exercise is by following these steps:

• Always Let the Pan Cool. You should never immerse your ceramic pan in the water while still hot. If you do this, the pans will be under intense pressure due to the sudden changes in temperature. This will lead to reduced longevity.
• Use Non-Abrasive Cleaners. When cleaning your ceramic cookware, we advise that you use warm, soapy water and a soft sponge to clean the surface.
• Clean the Joints and Edges. If you’re not careful, you’ll leave food particles in these areas. As such, you should always use a sponge to remove the food substances in these areas before rinsing.
• Rinse. You should rinse your pan with clean water and check whether there are any remaining food particles.
• Dry the Pan. To achieve this, you can use a dry and soft towel

How to Remove Scorched Surfaces of Ceramic Cookware?

Well, it can be tricky to remove burnt remnants of food substances from the exterior of the pan. 

If you’ve found yourself in such a situation, you should follow these straightforward steps to remove the debris:

• Soak the pan in warm and soapy water. The soaking will help to loosen the food debris for ease of cleaning
• While still soaked, you can use a wooden spatula to detach the debris by slightly scratching the affected surface.
• Sprinkle baking soda on the surface. Let it sit for 15 minutes then use a sponge to clean it off.
• Repeat the process until the pan is sparkling clean
• Rinse the pan and dry it using a towel

When cleaning the bottom of your pan, you can use 3% hydrogen peroxide to remove stains and debris. Just soak the pan in the solution and let it sit for several minutes before rinsing with plenty of clean water. 

How to Clean Ceramic Pan Interior 

To clean the interior of your ceramic cookware, you’ll follow the same procedure as described above (the exterior section). However, you should be relatively gentle when cleaning the interior.

Unlike the exterior cleaning, you should never use scorching powder when cleaning it unless all the other methods to remove debris have failed.

In such cases, you can use friendly scrubbing powder such as Ajax, Comet, and Bon Ami. Use it sparingly until the debris disappears. 

How to Remove Stains from Ceramic Cookware

Even after utilizing all the tips on how to clean ceramic pan, you may notice discoloration and staining after some time. While these stains do not interfere with the functionality of the pan, it’s a superb idea to remove them and restore the sparkle of your pan. 

If you’re trying to remove these stains with little success, you should trust the following products to revolutionize your cleaning experience:

• Baking Soda. You can sprinkle the powder and scrub your pan slowly in a circular motion. Once through, rinse with plenty of water and dry it.
• Vinegar. Mix vinegar with water and soak your ceramic cookware for a few minutes.
• Hydrogen Peroxide. A 3% Hydrogen Peroxide is a magical solution! It will remove the stains fast and restore the sparkle to your ceramic pan without much hassle. 

How to Season Ceramic Pans

Now that we’ve looked at how to clean ceramic pans extensively, it is essential that you understand the basics of ceramic pans seasoning.

While many ceramic pans do not require seasoning, we advise that you undertake the process since it guarantees top-notch functionality and enhances their longevity. 

When seasoning, you can use the available source of heat – be it an oven or stovetop. Here is a step-wise guide on how to season ceramic pans effectively:

• Clean the pan
• Apply oil on the surface 
• Start the heating process on a stovetop. Wait until it starts smoking 
• If using an oven, you should heat it to 3000 Fahrenheit for approximately 20 minutes
• Let it cook without any intervention -Don’t use cold water or refrigerator to cool it down 
• Dry it 

To achieve the best results, you can repeat this process regularly. 

How Long Does Ceramic Cookware Last?

If you clean your ceramic cookware well (as we’ve described herein), it should last a minimum of 5 years.

Ceramic cookware remains one of the most durable pans you can own. The fact that it is safe makes it even better. Get one and enjoy a rare combination of safety, longevity, and top-notch functionality. 

Here are other tips that will surely enhance your pan’s durability:

• Use low to medium heat when cooking
• Never let your pan move from hot to cold too fast
• Avoid using a dishwasher. While most of them are dishwasher safe, hand washing is always recommended
• Avoid scouring powder unless very necessary
• Always use plastic or wooden spatulas to avoid scratching the surface

Is Ceramic Better than Teflon?

100% ceramic cookware is better than Teflon. However, ceramic-coated cookware may compare competently with the Teflon cookware. 

Both ceramic-coated and Teflon cookware are non-stick. However, Teflon is believed to emit poisonous fumes when heated to high temperatures (of above 400 Fahrenheit). 

As such, Teflon cookware is not ideal if you’re cooking using extremely high temperatures in an oven. 

On the other hand, the ceramic coating is made of silicon and inorganic elements which makes it safe from PFOA and other chemicals. Additionally, ceramic is a better heat conductor that helps you achieve uniform heat distribution with ease.

While it boils down to personal preference, the ceramic cookware is better than Teflon-coated cookware. However, this will vary depending on preferences, needs, and budget. 

If you’re wondering which cookware is better between ceramic and stainless steel, then this guide will offer useful insights

How to Clean Ceramic Pan – The Bottom Line

You recently bought the best ceramic cookware set but you have no idea how to clean ceramic pan. Well, you shouldn’t worry since this guide will offer simple-to-follow cleaning steps that you can apply at the comfort of your kitchen. 

Adequate cleaning of your pans will guarantee longevity. As such, you should ensure that you regularly clean them using warm and soapy water. Unless highly essential, you should avoid using scouring powder.

We implore you to read through this all-inclusive guide on how to clean ceramic pan. You can be sure that you’ll be a pro by the time you’re through with it!