Your kitchen utensils are the lifeblood of your kitchen. Therefore, properly taking care of it is essential to make last longer and to ensure that your food is safe. To start your kitchen utensils cleaning journey, here are some of the tips and no-no’s when cleaning your cooking equipment and tools.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel pots are the most common cookware that we see in almost every kitchen. So, it’s essential to clean it properly, especially if you want to use it longer.
First, it’s a fact that if not now then, in the foreseeable future, these will get burned. As such, food will get stuck in your pot, and the best way to clean is not with your dishwasher.
Experts recommend boiling soapy water and let it sit on the pot for an hour. Once it’s ready for scrubbing, use a non-abrasive scrub with no bleach.
Knives
Manufacturers of knives will say that it’s safe in your dishwasher, but in reality, knives are better left in your hands – that’s when cleaning it, of course. Harsh cleanser and spray will dull your knives sooner than you expect.
Moreover, it can also be risky because you can cut your hands while reaching into your rack. So, how should you clean your knives?
Maintain the sharpness of your knife by washing it with hot water and dish soap. Rinse it properly and don’t let it air dry. Once you’re done, make sure to wipe it with a cotton rag.
Wooden Kitchen Tools
If you have a wooden cutting board, spatula, bowl, or spoon, make sure to clean it properly. And the best way to do this is to apply walnut oil on your wooden utensils a few times every year.
Walnut oil protects your wooden spoons or cutting boards because when you apply it on the surface and gets air contact, it polymerizes. Before applying it on the wood surface, make sure to warm the material first.
We recommend that you use walnut oil because it’s non-toxic. Also, don’t soak your wooden kitchen tools in water for too long. Make sure to wash them immediately and let it dry.
Cast Iron Pan
Fat oil and seasoning make it hard to clean your cast iron skillet. Most of the time, your next option to clean it is to soak it in water with soap and use a sponge to remove the hardened food layer.
However, this is a mistake. The best thing to do to avoid this kind of mess is to pour a little amount of oil onto your pan. Use kosher salt to scrub the food and dirt, or you can also use wadded up paper towel to remove the dirt.
Once you’re done, wipe off the salt and the remaining dirt. Remember, you don’t have to soak your pan, but you can wash it with your hands using soap and water. Wipe the cast iron pan dry and then put it away.
Read the Manual
Yes, you read that right – read the manual. Most of the time, we clean our kitchen utensils with what we’re used to doing. However, it is best that before you start using your kitchen tools and appliances, start by reading the manual.
The manual doesn’t only contain instructions on how to use it, but it also has nuggets on how to care for your tool and how to clean it. While you’re at it, take note of the tips and features of your kitchen tools, too.
Lost your manual? Check out the product’s manufacturer online and get a copy now.