Mastering Your Vermicular Pan: Part II (Cleaning)

After you have finished cooking, there is no need to wait for your pan to cool before rinsing, thanks to their durability against thermal shock from rapid temperature change. To prevent damage to the enamel finish, avoid using abrasive cleaning agents or scrubbing pads (metal brushes, scouring pads, etc.). Instead, simply wash with mild dish soap and a soft sponge.

If you are not washing the pan right away, add water into the pan to soak, which will help with the cleaning later. After washing, wipe off wet spots with a dry cloth immediately.

Vermicular Frying Pan only
We recommend handwashing only. Do not soak the wood handle in water, as it may warp if soaked for an extended period of time.

Oven-Safe Skillet only
The Oven-Safe Skillet is dishwasher-safe. When placing in the dishwasher, make sure the skillet is not in contact with other kitchenware to avoid damage upon potential impact. Do not use a detergent that contains abrasives and bleaches.

Check out our tutorial video for basic cleaning tips below.

How do I remove stuck-on or stubborn burnt food?

If excessively high temperatures are used to cook or there is not enough moisture in your pan, food may burn and leave residue. If your pan requires further cleaning to remove stuck-on or stubborn burnt food after following the basic cleaning method above, follow the steps below.

1. Add enough water to cover the stuck-on food and entire base of your pan. Add 1 tablespoon of baking soda and boil for a few minutes on medium heat.
2. Remove the food residue with a wooden spatula as it begins to loosen.
3. Drain and gently scrub your pan with a sponge and mild dish soap.

N O T E S
- If you're short on time, simply filling your pan with enough water to cover the stuck-on food and leaving it to soak will help loosen the food.
- Do not use abrasive cleaning agents and/or scrubbing pads (metal brushes, scouring pads, etc.) to clean your pan, as these may damage the enamel coating.
- Avoid heating an empty pan for an extended period of time.

How do I remove stubborn, built-up food or oil stains?

Boiling Method:

1. Fill the pan with about 2 cups of water.
2. Add 1 tablespoon each of baking soda, vinegar, and mild dish soap. Boil for about 10 minutes on medium heat.
3. Use a wooden spatula to scrub the oil stains. Boil for an additional 5 minutes.
4. Drain and gently scrub the pan with a sponge and mild dish soap.

N O T E S
- During Step 2, be sure to adjust the heat level to prevent the water from boiling over.
- Do not use a dish soap that prohibits heating.

If the above Boiling Method does not fully remove the stains, please try the Paste Method below.

Paste Method:

1. Combine 1 tablespoon each of baking soda, vinegar, and mild dish soap in a small bowl and mix well to make a paste. Add to pan.
2. Shape plastic wrap into a ball and scrub the pan for a few minutes or until the stains are removed.
3. Gently scrub the pan with mild dish soap and a soft sponge.

N O T E S
- Plastic wrap is effective for scrubbing off oil stains, since it does not absorb the paste and remains in direct contact with the stains while scrubbing. Plastic wrap is also gentle enough not to scratch the enamel coating.
- To protect your hands from the paste, use rubber gloves.

How do I remove white spots?

Enameled cast iron pans can sometimes develop white spots, which are often caused by cooking with starchy ingredients, like beans, or mineral deposits from water. If you pan develops white spots, follow the steps below to remove them.

1. Fill the pan with enough water to cover the white spots.
2. Add 1 tablespoon of vinegar and boil, uncovered, for about 10 minutes on medium heat.
3. Once cooled, gently scrub the pan with mild dish soap and a soft sponge, repeating as necessary until clean.

How do I remove brown spots?

Cooking without removing the white spots may cause them to scorch or burn and become brown. If your pan develops brown spots, follow the steps below to remove them.

1. Cooking without removing the white spots may cause them to scorch or burn and become brown. If your pan develops brown spots, follow the steps below to remove them.
2. Fill the pan with enough water to cover the brown spots.
3. Add 1 tablespoon of vinegar and 1 tablespoon of baking soda, and boil, uncovered, for about 10 minutes on medium heat.
4. Once cooled, gently scrub the pan with mild dish soap and a soft sponge, repeating as necessary until clean.

Have any questions?

Visit our Help Center for answers to frequently asked questions, or feel free to contact support@vermicular.us for further assistance.