Chemical-Free Cleaning Options for Your Commercial Cookware

Last updated on May 17th, 2024 at 09:59 am

Commercial dish machines are powerful and generally can completely clean cookware in one go. However, if the pan has burnt-on food or grease scorch marks, it’s time for a deeper cleaning method. Any leftover stains may need additional cleaning techniques, such as these chemical-free cleaning options.

Using any one of these different cleaning techniques, you can save your cookware and prolong its life. Additionally, you can also save yourself the expenses of purchasing new pots and pans. 

Here are our most effective cleaning methods using chemical-free alternatives you likely already have in your kitchen.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is a versatile and non-toxic cleaner that’s great for removing stains from pans and pots of any type, making it one of the most popular of the chemical-free cleaning options. It has some mild abrasive qualities, and the alkaline pH can aid in neutralizing acids and burned-on particles.

It aids in both routine cleaning and deep cleaning throughout certain times of the year in addition to removing stubborn debris from pans.

Mix a small amount of baking soda and hot water to create a paste-like substance in your pan. Next using a sponge or soft brush, scrub in the solution. Rinse the pan with hot water and you should be able to see the difference.

For cookware other than ceramic nonstick, be sure to let it sit on stains for a while, then scrub vigorously. Multiple applications may be necessary.

For tougher stains, you can try a combination of baking soda and white vinegar. Sprinkle baking soda on all the area that needs cleaned and then pour a small amount of white vinegar over top. Allow around 30 minutes for this solution to do its thing, then scrub the pan with a sponge. Wash out the solution and you should have commercial cookware free from blackened stains.

White Vinegar

White vinegar is useful for removing stains from dirty pots and pans thanks to its acidity. It won’t require much scrubbing, since mixing it will some hot water and leaving your pan sit will naturally cause caked-on debris to come loose.

By soaking burnt-on or blackened debris in vinegar, you can save your dishwashers some time and work. White vinegar is also great for polishing stainless steel and aluminum cookware.

Baking soda and vinegar isn’t just for making science fair volcanos – it can also be combined for a variety of chemical-free cleaning options in your kitchen. Allowing pots and pans to sit in a combination of white vinegar, baking soda, and water will make scrubbing pots clean easier for kitchen staff.

Lemons

Lemon juice will speed up the cleaning process because of lemon’s acidic characteristics, which make it easier to remove difficult stains and oil from cookware.

Mix equal parts lemon juice with dishwashing soap (about a teaspoon of each) and get right to scrubbing.

Alternately, you can soak pots in this solution for 15 to 30 minutes, and you’ll see that the oil and stubborn stains come out much more easily.

To clean the outside and bottom of used cookware, you can cut a lemon in half and use the piece of fruit as a scrubber itself. The acid in the lemon will break down caked-on gunk, helping dishwashers get a deeper clean.

Salt

Easy to find in any commercial kitchen, salt can be mixed with a bit of dish soap to help remove stains from dirty cookware. Be careful when using this method however, as scrubbing too hard can scratch your pots and pans.

Mix dish soap, salt, and a little bit of water into your pan. Shake or stir up the mixture so it evenly distributes. Use a soft cloth or paper towel and gently scrub the stained surface.

Allow the solution to sit for 3-5 minutes after scrubbing, then rinse it clean. Your cookware should come out cleaner and free from light to moderate stains.

Dryer Sheets

As odd as it sounds, dryer sheets can be used to make removing stubborn stains easy. The softeners in the dryer sheet can help lift stuck-on particles after allowing time to soak.

Fill your scorched pan with hot water and a light amount of dish soap. Next submerge a dryer sheet or two into the pan. Allow about an hour for the solution to do its job.

Once the water is cooled down, remove the dryer sheet, and gently scrub the interior of the pot to restore the surface and shine. This method is only ideal for lightly soiled pans.

Both professional chefs and home cooks occasionally scorch their cookware. Even though it might initially seem unachievable, stubborn char can be eliminated. You only need to be aware of a few unusual approaches to cleaning them. The burned cookware will soon appear glossy and clean once more!

Looking to replace or upgrade your current pots and pans? Check out our excellent collection of new commercial cookware.