No matter what kind of glass top stove cookware set you’re using, cleaning it without a dishwasher can be a time-consuming and boring process. Plus, all those special cleaners may drain your budget and don’t bring the positive results. [no_toc]
However, oftentimes water and soap just don’t cope with the cleaning job. This is where I love to use all-natural ingredients that aren’t only budget-friendly but are always handy too. Fight those pesky burnt-on stains, dry pieces of leftovers, and other dirty stuff with the following DIY cleaners for glass top stove cookware.
1. Kosher salt and water
If you’re using a cast iron skillet, you know that it can be hard to clean even when it’s still warm. There’s one trick that my grandma shared with me when I was about to throw away my skillet. It’s about combining kosher salt with water and using the mixture to get rid of stuck-on food from the skillet. Use a stiff brush or a soft sponge to speed up the cleaning process.
2. Lemon salt scrub
Need to clean tarnished copper cookware? Grab a fresh lemon and any salt you have and create a scrub for dirty cookware. Cut a lemon half and sprinkle one half with salt. Scrub the dirty parts of your cookware until it’s completely clean. If it’s not that dirty and you simply want to quickly clean the surface of your pot, mix ½ teaspoon salt with 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice. Use a soft sponge to clean the pot.
3. Baking soda and boiling water
Cleaning tough burnt stains off stainless glass top stove cookware is a real nightmare that you can stop with a help of baking soda and hot water. Fill your pot with a burnt stain to the top with water. Bring to a boil and let it simmer for 30 minutes. Scrape slightly the stain with a wooden spoon to check if it’s loosened from the pot. Carefully pour off the water and cover the bottom with baking soda. Use a mesh dish cloth to clean the stain. If this doesn’t work, try out the next method.
4. Vinegar and boiling water
If the previous method failed, save your stainless steel pans and pots from tough burnt-on stains with a help of regular vinegar. Pour some white vinegar to cover the bottom of the pot or pan. Add water till the top and bring to boil. Let it sit until the water is warm and use a sponge to clean the cookware.
5. Freezing
If you need to clean a nonstick cookware, place the dirty piece in the freezer for 25 to 30 minutes. The burnt-on mess must come off easily. If not, use hot, soapy water and a soft sponge to make your cookware shine like a star. Don’t place the glass lids in the freezer as this can lead to cracking.
Don’t waste your money on expensive cookware cleaners, and instead, use the cheap ingredients that you already have in your kitchen. They’re effective and not packed with the harsh chemicals.
