How To Remove Stains From Caraway Cookware

Caraway cookware is beautifully designed nonstick ceramic cookware that can develop stains over time with use. Removing these stains and keeping your Caraway pots and pans looking like new may seem daunting, but have no fear. With a few simple tools and techniques, you can erase those spots and have your cookware looking as good as the day you bought it.

Assessing the Stain

Before deciding on a treatment method, you’ll need to identify what type of stain you’re working with. Here are some of the most common stains found on Caraway cookware and what typically causes them:

• Dark grey/black discolouration: This is usually caused by food getting burned onto the surface at high heat. It requires a bit more elbow grease to remove.
• Light grey film: Generally caused by mineral deposits from water or spices. These come off fairly easily.
• Yellow/brown staining: Result of cooking oils and other fatty foods. Tend to penetrate the surface more deeply.
• Odd-coloured spots: Things like turmeric, tomato sauce, or beet juice can leave behind pigmented stains.

The cause and depth of the stain will determine what type of removal method and cleaning agents to use.

Cleaning Supplies You’ll Need

Before starting the stain removal process, you’ll want to gather a few key supplies:

• Dish soap: Look for ones with degreasing action. Dawn is a popular choice.
• Baking soda: Serves as a gentle abrasive to lift stains off the ceramic.
• White vinegar: Helps dissolve staining and breaks down residue.
• Soft sponges: Important to use non-abrasive sponges to avoid scratching.
• Cooker cleaner: Ceramic cooker creams can target tougher stains.

Safe Cleaning Practices

When cleaning your Caraway cookware, follow these basic rules to prevent damage:

• Don’t use abrasive pads like steel wool or harsh scrub brushes. They can scratch the ceramic coating.
• Don’t put cookware in the dishwasher. The harsh chemicals can degrade the nonstick surface over time.
• Avoid bleach or oven cleaners. They can react with the coating and cause deterioration.
• Make sure pots/pans are completely cooled before cleaning to prevent thermal shock.
• Don’t drag or drop cookware as it can chip the ceramic.

Step-By-Step Stain Removal Methods

Here are the best techniques for getting every type of stain out of your Caraway pots and pans:

Light Stains

For minor surface stains:

• Fill cookware with warm water and add a squirt of dish soap.
• Let soak for 20 minutes to loosen the residue.
• Gently scrub with a soft sponge, pad, or nylon brush.
• Rinse well and dry thoroughly.

Repeat if needed for stuck-on spots.

Gray/Black Marks

To remove burned-on gray/black markings:

• Sprinkle a layer of baking soda over the bottom of the cookware.
• Pour in enough white vinegar to form a paste.
• Let the paste sit for 1 hour, allowing the vinegar to react with baking soda.
• Scrub paste gently over the stain using a soft sponge.
• Rinse with warm water and wash with dish soap.

For very stubborn stains, leave the paste overnight before scrubbing.

Yellow/Brown Discoloration

To eliminate oil-based yellowing/browning:

• Apply ceramic cooker cleaner cream directly to the stain.
• Allow the cleaner to sit for 5-10 minutes.
• Wipe away the cream with a soft cloth or sponge.
• Wash with warm, soapy water and rinse thoroughly.

If needed, let the ceramic cleaner soak overnight before wiping it away.

Odd Color Pigmentation

To remove staining from spices, juices, etc.:

• Make a paste of 2 tbsp baking soda and 1 tbsp water.
• Spread the paste thickly over the stained area.
• Allow the paste to dry completely, for about 20 minutes.
• Wipe off the dried paste using a soft cloth or paper towel.
• Rinse cookware and wash normally.

For very vivid stains, apply paste, let dry, and repeat the process.

Tips for Preventing Future Stains

Once you’ve finally gotten your Caraway cookware sparkling clean, use these tips to avoid new stains forming:

• Always cook over low to medium heat. High heat increases staining.
• Use olive oil or butter instead of coconut oil, which discolours heavily.
• Clean any spills/splatters promptly after cooking. Don’t let food dry on the surface.
• Wash gently by hand. Over time, dishwasher detergent can break down ceramic.
• Dry thoroughly after washing. Letting water spots form mineral deposits.
• Consider seasoning your cookware 1-2 times per year. Oil helps prevent staining.

When All Else Fails: Reseasoning Your Cookware

If your Caraway pots and pans have accumulated too many battle wounds no amount of scrubbing will fix them, you may need to reseason the ceramic coating. Here’s how:

1. Wash and thoroughly dry your cookware to start with a clean slate.
2. Apply a thin layer of high-heat cooking oil like avocado, grapeseed, or coconut oil.
3. Wipe the oil evenly over the entire interior cooking surface. Remove any excess.
4. Place cookware upside down in the oven. Bake at 450°F for 1 hour allowing oil to polymerize.
5. Turn off the oven and let cool completely before removing.
6. Your cookware now has a fresh layer of seasoning to protect against new stains.

Over time, the seasoning will naturally get darker and develop its patina through continued use. But religiously caring for your Caraway cookware using these simple cleaning and staining prevention tips will have it looking beautiful for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Caraway pots and pans oven-safe?

Yes, Caraway cookware is oven-safe up to 550°F. The ceramic coating makes it suitable for all cooking methods.

Can I put Caraway cookware in the microwave?

No, Caraway pots and pans should never be used in the microwave. The interior ceramic coating has small amounts of metal that can damage a microwave.

How should Caraway cookware be stored?

It’s best to store Caraway nested with the pots and lids resting inside one another. Don’t stack other items inside them which could scratch. Store cookware in a dry place, not under the sink or in humid areas.

What types of utensils are safe to use?

Use metal utensils gently to avoid scratching ceramic. Silicone, wood, or plastic utensils are ideal. Avoid abrasive pads or wire brushes.

Can Caraway cookware go in the dishwasher?

Hand washing is highly recommended. Over time, dishwasher detergent can degrade ceramic coating and fade exterior appearance.

Summary

With a little care and effort, Caraway’s stylish nonstick cookware can maintain its good looks through years of cooking. Follow these stain treatment methods, cleaning practices, and storage guidelines and you’ll enjoy this durable ceramic cookware for the long haul. A stained pan doesn’t mean it’s time to throw in the towel – with some elbow grease, you can erase those spots and have it looking brand new.