Unfortunately, there is not one universal commercial cookware cleaning method. Different materials require different cleaning techniques.
You can find commercial cookware available in many different materials. Knowing how to properly clean the different types of pots and pans in your commercial kitchen will prolong their quality and longevity.
Since commercial cookware comes available in many different types each with their own pros and cons, most kitchens will have multiple styles. This will impact how you care for, safeguard, and preserve pots and pans.
From shallow frying pans to deep stock pots and even pasta cookers, these tips will help you properly and thoroughly clean your kitchen’s most important cookware.
How to clean cast iron pots and pans
Cast iron pans can be the longest lasting cookware in your kitchen if properly cleaned and maintained. Their ability to go from stovetop to oven, grill, or steamer, makes this material desirable to many chefs.
Because cast iron can stand up against high heat, these pots and pans retain heat longer than others. This means it will take longer for these units to cool down after use.
It’s important to remember to always wash your cast iron by hand. Cast iron cookware will not last long if continually put through a commercial dishwasher.
Pour out any excess oil or grease before rinsing out your hot cast iron pan with hot water. Use a cleaning brush or pan scraper to remove any stuck-on debris. Rinse out any remaining fragments with hot water then allow the pan to dry.
Enameled cast iron pans develop a thin layer of baked-on oil over time, or "seasoning," which naturally produces a non-stick surface. Avoid using harsh soaps and heavy abrasives because doing so could remove this cooking layer.
Additionally, cast iron is an enemy of moisture because of rust, so the less time spent wet, the better.
There is a common myth that you cannot use any soap on cast iron, but this is not the case! In the past, soap was made from lye, which was far too harsh for cast iron. That is the origin of this myth. Modern dish soaps do not include lye, meaning they are safe for use on cast iron!
How to clean copper pots and pans
Being naturally antibacterial, copper is one of the safest materials to use while preparing food. Additionally, copper resists corrosion, works well as a thermal conductor, and is simple to clean.
Since copper reacts strongly with some foods, most copper pans have a liner made of a non-reactive metal, such as tin or stainless steel. While stainless steel is more resilient, tin is more common but wears more quickly.
Always wash your copper cookware by hand. Use soft-abrasive tools, like sponges, when cleaning copper cookware.
Your lined copper pans' inside can be cleaned with a sponge, some water, and small amount of dish soap. For burned-on debris, soak the pot or pan in hot, soapy water for 15 minutes before scrubbing again.
Always hand-dry your copper pots and pans immediately after washing. To stop the copper from tarnishing, thoroughly dry the pan with a microfiber cloth after cleaning it.
How to clean stainless steel pots and pans
Most of the time, stainless steel cookware needs little more than the normal dish soap and hot water method. Remove any food residue and oil that has accumulated on the surface by giving it a thorough scrub.
Food should come off without much difficulty, but hardened or scorched oils will require a lot of soap, hot water, and manual labor to remove. Using a non-abrasive sponge or brush will keep pots and pans from scratching.
Stainless steel pans are very common because they can go through commercial dish machines without worry of warping or discoloring.
How to clean aluminum pots and pans
Most kitchens use aluminum cookware because of their excellent heat distribution and durability. These dishes make it easier for home cooks to try out new cuisines and don't require much maintenance.
It is recommended that aluminum pans be hand washed only.
For everyday cleaning of dirty aluminum pans, combine one cup of hot water and one cup of white vinegar. Apply this mixture to the pan with a non-abrasive towel and scrub it in. Allow some time for the mixture to do its thing and then rinse out the pan and wash it with soap and water.
Alternatively, you can use a combination of hot water and baking soda. This mixture works in the same way. Again, be sure to use a non-abrasive tool.
How to clean non-stick pots and pans
Allow your non-stick cookware to cool down after cooking is complete and food is removed. Use soap and warm water to rinse and remove debris. Scrub out any remaining food particles with a non-abrasive sponge or towel. DO NOT use abrasive steel or hard brushes.
Rinse out your pan after scrubbing. Use a microfiber or light towel to dry the surface of your stick-free cookware.
If your non-stick pot needs a little more work to remove debris, use one of the boiling methods. Boiling a small amount of white vinegar and water, baking soda and water, or a combination of all three can loosen up burnt-on particles.
Check out this great Burkett Blog for additional information on non-stick cookware maintenance; How to ruin your non-stick pans in 5 steps.
How to clean commercial sheet pans
It doesn’t take long for baking sheet pans and roasting pans to obtain brown or black stains. This type of cookware is notorious for being a pain to clean thanks to their layered grease and stain buildup.
Luckily there is an easy solution to making your sheet trays look new. Always be sure to wear the proper PPE.
Mix baking soda with a small amount of hydrogen peroxide until it creates a thick paste substance. Wearing dishwashing gloves and an apron, spread the paste across the sheet pan using a sponge or towel.
Allow the substance to sit for 1-2 hours. Remove the paste with a clean sponge or towel, and then wash and dry your cookie sheet like normal. This method can also be used on the underside of sheet trays.
Your pots and pans will last longer and perform better if you take proper care of them. Nothing is worse than having to throw away a perfectly good pan due to some grease or grime that has baked on.
View a variety of warewashing equipment to ensure your commercial kitchen is well prepared. If your cookware is beyond saving or you’re looking to upgrade, Burkett has a great collection of all types of commercial cookware.
You can save time, effort, and money by learning the best commercial cookware cleaning techniques for any material!
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