Thank you for all your hard work preparing the New Year's feast.

Before the holidays end, you'll want to take care of your culinary companions – your cooking utensils – that supported you in your battlefield-like kitchen.

"It's burnt, but detergent won't remove it, so I've given up." "I'm concerned about the rainbow stains or discoloration on my stainless steel."

Ignoring such problems can reduce heat transfer, make things more prone to burning, and ultimately shorten the lifespan of your tools. Let me explain some reset techniques using baking soda and specialized cleaners to bring your cooking utensils closer to their "brand new" state.

Why is a "reset cleaning" necessary now?

Burn marks and discoloration on cooking utensils become harder to remove the more they accumulate. Especially "carbonized" burn marks cannot be tackled with a regular sponge.

Even manufacturers of cooking utensils recommend "proper and frequent cleaning" to prevent sticking and prolong product life.

When your tools are clean, it not only boosts your cooking motivation but also improves thermal efficiency, leading to shorter cooking times and savings on utility bills.

[Stainless Steel/Enamel Pots] Lift stubborn burnt-on food with "baking soda"

For stubborn burnt-on food in stainless steel or enamel pots, instead of brute force, let's use the alkaline power of "baking soda."

Steps:

1. Add enough water to cover the burnt area in the pot, along with 1 to 2 tablespoons of baking soda.
2. Heat on the stove, and once it boils, simmer for about 10 minutes over low heat.
3. Turn off the heat and leave it for several hours until the water cools.
4. Once the burnt food has softened and lifted, gently wipe it off with a soft sponge.

Note: It is strictly forbidden to use baking soda on aluminum pots, as it will cause blackening due to a chemical reaction. For burnt aluminum pots, methods like boiling with citric acid or apple peels are effective.

[Frying Pans] Remove stains while protecting the "coating"

Fluororesin (Teflon) coated frying pans are currently popular. These are delicate, so "over-scrubbing" is prohibited.

Reset "accumulated grime" on the surface

If your frying pan surface feels sticky or food easily adheres to it, it might be due to a film of unremoved oil and grease.

• The basic method is to wash thoroughly with a neutral detergent and a soft sponge.
• For stubborn brown discoloration, use a specialized "coating cleaner" or fill the pan with hot water, boil for a few minutes to soften the grime, and then gently wipe it away.

Tackle exterior burn marks with "specialized cleaners"

Burn marks on the "underside (bottom)" of frying pans can lead to malfunctions in stove sensors and reduced heat transfer if left untreated. For these, use a slightly stronger "burn mark removal gel" or "cleanser" to restore the metallic shine.

[Discoloration/Dullness] Differentiating between "citric acid" and "oxygen bleach"

For "rainbow stains" on the inside of pots and "discoloration" from tea, etc., the following methods are effective:

• Rainbow stains on stainless steel: These are caused by mineral deposits from water. Add citric acid (or vinegar) and boil, and they will disappear surprisingly cleanly.

• Discoloration on enamelware: Dissolve oxygen bleach (like OxiClean) in hot water and soak for about 30 minutes. The pristine white shine will return without scrubbing.

Extend the life of your tools with "3 New Habits"

Once the reset is complete, to maintain that shine, how about trying to incorporate these three points into your routine for 2026?

1. Avoid "rapid cooling": Pouring cold water on a scorching hot frying pan is the biggest cause of coating damage. Make it a habit to wash after it has cooled down a bit.
2. Limit "high heat": Modern cooking utensils are efficient, so medium heat is usually sufficient. Excessive heat accelerates exterior scorching.
3. Don't use them as "storage containers": Leaving food in them overnight can lead to corrosion of the metal due to salt. Even if it's troublesome, transfer food to a different container.

Summary: Make cooking more enjoyable in 2026 with sparkling tools!

Pots and pans polished with a sense of "job well done" will brighten up your kitchen as if they were brand new.

1. For stainless steel, use baking soda to lift burn marks.
2. Gently reset dirt on frying pans.
3. Eliminate dullness with citric acid or oxygen bleach.

When your tools are in order, a natural desire to "try making this next" often arises. At the end of the holidays, make your companions shine brightly and return to your daily life feeling refreshed.