Discover the grandmothers' trick for pans that shine like new using just one ingredient
Who doesn't love to see their kitchen pans shining like new? If you think this requires expensive products or complicated techniques, prepare to be surprised: with just one old-fashioned tip and an ingredient you already have at home, your pans can shine like never before!
In this article, we'll reveal the secret of the cooks of yesteryear that guarantees impeccable results, transforming dull, lifeless pans into real stars of the kitchen.
The secret revealed: Just one ingredient!
Grandma's secret to keeping your pans sparkling is closer (and cheaper) than you think. No harsh chemicals or abrasives. The miracle ingredient is salt! Yes, table salt - the kind you use every day.
As well as being easy to find, it's economical and sustainable, avoiding the use of products that can damage the environment or even your health.
How to use salt to shine pans
Want to learn how to use this age-old tip with magazine-worthy results? Write it down:
- Wash the pan normally, removing food residue and grease with warm water and neutral detergent.
- Rinse and dry thoroughly to avoid water stains.
- Sprinkle a spoonful of fine salt (it can be ordinary table salt) over the inside and outside of the pan.
- Use a damp sponge or cloth, making circular movements to spread the salt and create a light exfoliation on the surface.
- Rinse again with warm water and dry thoroughly.
The salt acts as a natural abrasive, removing burnt-on stains, accumulated grease and even that dull look that makes the pan look old.
Which types of pans does this tip work for?
This technique is especially suitable for
- Stainless steel pans - the salt helps to remove stains and make the stainless steel shine.
- Aluminum pans - helps restore shine and remove encrusted dirt. Copper pans - can also be used, as long as you are delicate and rinse well to avoid stains.
- Copper pans - can also be used, as long as you are delicate and rinse well to avoid stains.
Warning: This technique is not recommended for non-stick pans, as the salt can damage the coating and reduce the life of the pan.
It is also important to be careful with enameled or ceramic pans, as the use of abrasives can scratch the surface.
Extra tip: Boost with lemon
If you want to add an extra touch of shine and aroma, add a few drops of lemon juice to the salt before scrubbing. The citric acid helps dissolve stubborn stains, while the lemon leaves your pan smelling fresh and pleasant.
Why does this technique work?
Salt, being slightly abrasive, helps remove dirt and stains without scratching the surface (unlike steel sponges). In addition, it neutralizes odours and, when combined with lemon, enhances cleaning.
This technique is perfect for stainless steel, aluminum and even copper pans (but be careful with non-stick pans so as not to damage the coating).
This tip is economical and sustainable
This old-fashioned tip isn't just economical - it's sustainable and effective! As well as saving money, you'll give your pans that advertising shine, leaving your kitchen looking like new.
So how about giving it a try today? Your pans will thank you!
Mirella Mendonça