How to Clean Ceramic Pots and Pans: The Ultimate Guide

That gorgeous ceramic cookware you invested in promises non-toxic cooking and Instagram-worthy kitchen aesthetics—but after a few months of use, you might be noticing stains, discoloration, or stuck-on food that won't budge. Whether you're dealing with everyday grime or accidentally scorched a pan while perfecting your risotto, knowing how to clean ceramic pots and pans properly is essential for maintaining their performance and appearance.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk through everything you need to know about caring for ceramic cookware, including popular brands like Caraway. From daily maintenance to rescuing burnt pans and removing stubborn stains, these tips will help extend the life of your ceramic cookware while keeping it looking beautiful for years to come. Let's restore those ceramic pans to their original glory!

Understanding Your Ceramic Cookware

Not all "ceramic" cookware is created equal, which can lead to confusion about proper care. Most popular ceramic cookware falls into two categories:

1. True ceramic cookware: Made entirely of ceramic materials (clay, minerals, and water) that are kiln-fired.
   
   
2. Ceramic-coated cookware: Typically an aluminum base with a silicon-based ceramic non-stick coating (like Caraway, GreenPan, or Our Place).
   
   

Understanding which type you own is important, as care instructions can vary slightly. That said, both types benefit from gentle cleaning approaches to preserve their surfaces.

Make cleaning easier from the start: HeySunday's detergent sheets are thoughtfully formulated with gentle ingredients that effectively clean without harsh chemicals that can damage ceramic surfaces. Their plant-derived ingredients make them an excellent choice for maintaining your ceramic cookware's appearance and functionality.

Are Ceramic Pans Dishwasher Safe?

One of the most common questions about ceramic cookware is whether it can go in the dishwasher. The short answer? It depends, but generally, it's not recommended.

According to the American Ceramic Society, ceramic materials themselves are durable, but the dishwasher presents several risks:

• Harsh detergents can degrade the ceramic coating over time
• High heat and pressure may cause microscopic cracks
• Banging against other items can chip or scratch surfaces
• Rapid temperature changes may weaken the ceramic bond

For specific brands like Caraway, the manufacturer explicitly states their cookware is not dishwasher safe. While some ceramic cookware brands might claim to be dishwasher safe, hand washing is almost always the better option for longevity.

How to Clean Ceramic Pans: Daily Maintenance

For routine cleaning after everyday cooking:

Step-by-Step Daily Cleaning Method:

1. Allow the pan to cool completely before cleaning (thermal shock from cold water on a hot pan can damage ceramic)
2. Fill the sink with warm water and dissolve one HeySunday detergent sheet
3. Gently clean with a soft sponge or dishcloth (never abrasive scrubbers or steel wool)
4. For light food residue, a soft nylon brush can be used
5. Rinse thoroughly with warm water
6. Dry immediately with a soft towel to prevent water spots and mineral buildup

What Not to Use on Ceramic Pans:

• Metal utensils or scrubbers that can scratch the surface
• Harsh chemical cleaners like bleach or ammonia
• Abrasive cleaners containing chlorine or citrus acids
• High-heat cooking sprays that can create sticky residue
• Stacking without protective layers between pans

How to Clean a Burnt Ceramic Pan

Even the most careful cook occasionally burns food. When disaster strikes:

For Moderately Burnt Pans:

1. Allow the pan to cool completely
2. Fill with warm water and dissolve one HeySunday detergent sheet
3. Let soak for 30-60 minutes (or overnight for tougher situations)
4. Gently scrub with a soft nylon brush or sponge
5. Rinse and dry thoroughly

For Severely Burnt Ceramic Pans:

1. Sprinkle a layer of baking soda over the burnt surface
2. Add enough water to create a paste-like consistency
3. Let the mixture sit for at least 30 minutes (up to several hours for stubborn burns)
4. Gently scrub with a soft nylon brush in circular motions
5. Rinse thoroughly and repeat if necessary
6. As a final step, clean with a HeySunday detergent sheet solution

For Stubborn Burnt-On Food:

1. Fill the pan with 1 part white vinegar to 3 parts water
2. Bring to a gentle simmer for 5-10 minutes
3. Allow to cool completely
4. Wash with warm water and a HeySunday detergent sheet
5. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely

How to Deep Clean Ceramic Dishes and Cookware

Over time, ceramic surfaces may develop stains or discoloration that regular cleaning doesn't address. Here's how to deep clean your ceramic cookware:

Removing Stains from Ceramic Bakeware and Cookware:

1. Create a paste using hydrogen peroxide and baking soda (roughly 1:1 ratio)
2. Apply the paste to stained areas
3. Let sit for 30-60 minutes (don't let it dry completely)
4. Gently wipe clean with a soft cloth or sponge
5. Rinse thoroughly and dry

Removing Mineral Deposits and Water Spots:

1. Mix equal parts water and white vinegar
2. Apply to affected areas and let sit for 15-20 minutes
3. Wipe clean with a soft cloth
4. Wash with a HeySunday detergent sheet solution
5. Rinse thoroughly and dry immediately

Refreshing Discolored Ceramic Cookware:

1. Make a paste of cream of tartar and water
2. Apply to discolored areas and let sit for 8-12 hours
3. Gently scrub with a soft nylon brush
4. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely

How to Clean Caraway Pans and Other Premium Ceramic Cookware

Premium ceramic cookware brands like Caraway require special attention to maintain their aesthetics and performance.

Is Caraway Dishwasher Safe?

No, Caraway cookware is not dishwasher safe. The company explicitly recommends hand washing to preserve the non-stick ceramic coating and extend the life of the cookware.

Recommended Cleaning for Caraway and Similar Brands:

1. Allow pans to cool completely before cleaning
2. Wash by hand with warm, soapy water using a dissolved HeySunday detergent sheet
3. Use soft sponges or dishcloths only
4. For stuck-on food, soak in warm water for 15-30 minutes
5. Avoid stacking without protective layers between pieces
6. Store hanging or with provided storage solutions when possible

Reviving the Non-Stick Properties:

If your ceramic-coated pans are losing their non-stick abilities:

1. Deep clean using the baking soda method above
2. After thorough drying, apply a small amount of neutral oil (like grapeseed)
3. Use a paper towel to spread an extremely thin layer over the cooking surface
4. Heat the pan on low for 1-2 minutes
5. Allow to cool completely
6. Wipe away any excess oil

Preventing Damage to Ceramic Cookware

Preventive care is the best way to maintain your ceramic cookware:

Daily Habits That Protect Ceramic Surfaces:

• Use wooden, silicone, or nylon utensils instead of metal
• Allow pans to cool before cleaning
• Clean promptly after use to prevent stain setting
• Use low to medium heat (high heat can damage ceramic coatings)
• Add oil or butter to the pan before heating
• Lift pans instead of sliding them on surfaces
• Store with protective layers between pieces

Preserve Your Ceramic Cookware with HeySunday

Maintaining your beautiful ceramic cookware doesn't require harsh chemicals or excessive scrubbing. HeySunday's detergent sheets are made with biodegradable technology and plant-derived ingredients that effectively clean without damaging delicate ceramic surfaces.

Our space-saving detergent sheets help minimize household waste while providing powerful cleaning that's gentle enough for your most treasured cookware. Made without harsh chemicals, they're the perfect solution for kitchens where quality ceramic pots and pans are valued and maintained.

Ready to extend the life of your favorite ceramic cookware? Try HeySunday detergent sheets today and discover a better way to care for all your kitchen essentials. Your ceramic cookware—and your delicious meals—will thank you!