Buying good cookware is a great start — but keeping it in good shape? That's what makes it last. Whether you’re flipping pancakes on a non-stick skillet, searing steak in stainless steel, or baking cornbread in a cast iron pan, each type of cookware has its own care rules.

Here's the smart (and surprisingly simple) way to keep your kitchen favorites looking like you just bought them.

🧼 1. General Cleaning Tips for All Cookware

Before we dive into specifics, a few basics every pan deserves:

• Let it Cool Down: It’s tempting to rinse a hot pan right away, but don’t. Rapid temperature changes can actually warp or crack your cookware.

• Be Gentle: Stick to mild dish soap and a soft sponge — the rougher your tools, the quicker you’ll wear down your pans.

• Skip the Dishwasher (Mostly): Even if the label says "dishwasher safe," handwashing is just kinder.

• No Steel Wool: Save it for something else. It can destroy delicate surfaces.

Pro Tip: Keep a separate sponge just for your good pans. It’ll stay softer and cleaner that way.

🍳 2. How to Clean Non-Stick Cookware

Non-stick pans make life easier, but only if you treat them right.

• Always wash them with warm, soapy water and a soft sponge.

• Got stubborn bits? Let the pan soak for 15–20 minutes first. Scrubbing hard only damages the coating.

• Avoid metal utensils like the plague. They’ll scratch the surface faster than you can say "omelet."

• Also, skip the aerosol cooking sprays — they leave behind a sticky film that's tough to clean later.

Bonus Tip: Silicone or wooden utensils are non-stick cookware’s best friends.

🥘 3. How to Clean Stainless Steel Cookware

Stainless steel is durable, but it does need a little TLC to stay shiny.

• Day-to-day, hot water and dish soap are enough.

• Burnt-on mess? Sprinkle baking soda, splash a bit of water, and scrub gently.

• If your pan looks rainbow-colored, it’s just heat discoloration — a vinegar rinse will bring it back to life.

• Always dry your stainless steel right after washing to dodge those annoying water spots.

Bonus Tip: Don’t salt water before it’s boiling — it can pit the surface!

🌱 4. How to Clean Cast Iron Cookware

Cast iron pans are tough — but weirdly needy too.

• Never, ever soak them in water.

• Wipe them out after cooking. If needed, scrub with a brush and a little water (no soap!).

• Dry completely. Then rub a teeny bit of oil over the surface to keep rust away.

Bonus Tip: Store cast iron uncovered. Humidity is the enemy.

🌟 5. How to Clean Ceramic Cookware

Ceramic pans look gorgeous, but they’re not invincible.

• Let them cool off before washing.

• Hand wash with warm, soapy water — no extreme temperature swings.

• For stuck bits, soak and wipe. No heavy-duty scrubbing needed.

• Stick with wooden or silicone utensils to keep the coating intact.

Bonus Tip: For really stubborn stains, a baking soda paste can freshen things up.

📅 Quick Daily Maintenance Checklist

✅ Let cookware cool before cleaning
✅ Hand wash with mild soap
✅ Use soft sponges
✅ Dry right away
✅ If stacking, separate with a cloth or pad

Final Thoughts

Keeping your pots and pans looking brand new isn’t hard — it’s just about building a few small habits into your routine. A little extra care after each use adds years to their life (and keeps your meals tasting better, too).

If you’re serious about cookware care, check out our guide on How to Properly Season and Maintain Non-Stick Cookware — it’s a game-changer!