Pots and pans get a lot of use throughout the year, especially over the festive period, meaning they could be looking a little worse for wear.
To help get pans back to new, M&S Home Insider James Rotheram, has shared his best tips, including one “mistake” to never make.
1. Never rinse with cold water
Simply swapping a cold rinse for a warm one can make a big difference when it comes to making cleaning a lighter task.
James said: “Once you’ve removed the saucepan from the heat and served the food, give the pan a quick rinse.
“Avoid using any cold or mild water for this part, especially if your pan is still cooling down.
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“Rinsing a hot steel saucepan or frying pan with cold water can impact the steel and leave stains on the surface. Instead, give the pan a quick rinse with hot water before leaving it to soak.”
2. Always soak before scrubbing
As easy as it can be to leave pots and pans to the side after cooking, it is a good idea to let them soak immediately after use.
The expert recommended letting them sit for at least 30 to 40 minutes before scrubbing them.
This will help to break down any food residue with ease rather than applying too much pressure to the pan surface.
3. Try DIY cleaning
The pro explained: “If your pot and pan set has become discoloured after lots of use, DIY cleaning solutions can be a great option.
“Always refer to the instructions of the manufacturer and if in doubt, test on a small spot before.
“White vinegar is a popular choice as its natural acidity can tackle the best of stains and discolouration on kitchenware.
“Keep the solution fairly dilute at around a 1:6 ratio and gently rub at the stains. Once done and the stains have lifted, rinse immediately.”
4. Dry immediately after washing
According to James, pots and pans should never be left to dry on their own, as this can dull their shine.
The pro noted: “Once cleaned, if you’re looking to restore its original shine you should always dry the pans immediately rather than letting them sit to dry.
“Pesky water spots can appear on your cookware if the drying process is delayed resulting in dull-looking pans.
“Use a tea towel to dry it and then quickly buff it with a dry microfibre cloth for the ultimate shiny finish.”
5. Stack your pans neatly
How to store pans will ultimately depend on the space available but it is recommended to avoid stacking too many on top of each other where possible.
If you have lots of pans stacked in a smaller space, consider using tea towels in between them to keep the non-stick surfaces intact.