This is the season for camping and most people are busy making preparations to make it all enjoyable. The preparations entails looking for the best camping cookware for open fire and all the necessities for camping. During camping, there is setting up of tents, people cooking in fireplaces, and several things that make the event successful. But then, who really enjoys scraping gunk of food from camping cookware? This is the only time that camping turns frustrating as such.
So, how can a camper turn the after camp cookware cleaning task easier? Let’s learn how to clean camping cookware with ease. This article provides a cleaning guide and other essential tactics to accomplish the exercise quickly and easily.
How to Clean Camping Cookware?
Various cookware are designed from different materials. Moreover, they have surfaces that need special care to continue working effectively. This means that washing them will not follow up a similar process as such.
Furthermore, black soot on cookware acts as an insulating agent. It lowers the performance of thereby making you use more fuel. The soot also acts as a barrier between the cookware and heat; cooking takes longer than usual. Let’s go through this guide to have an idea of how to clean camping cookware with ease. You will also get the answer about the best camping cookware for open fire.
Stainless Steel Cookware
These cookware are a bit heavier than others. However, if weight is none of your concern, they make the best cookware in the market. The stainless steel cookware lasts longer, and they tend to retain a clear original look longer. Employ the following methods to wash your stainless steel cookware;
Light Cleaning
You require heat, baking soda, and water to get through this cleaning process. Form a mixture of water and little baking soda and allow it time to boil. In the process, the sticky fat and grease cling to baking soda. Allow the mixture to boil, but don’t wait until it evaporates completely. Allow about ten minutes and scrub other remaining debris.
Deep Cleaning
This method is similar to the light cleaning technique above. However, deep cleaning requires you to use a scotch brite pad to scrub all your cookware’s dirt. You should scrub your cookware while the water is still warm.
Employing a Self-Cleaning Oven
The method applies to cookware that doesn’t have handles. Place the cookware on the top part of the oven rack. At the bottom, have a piece of aluminum foil to capture any ash from the cookware. Let the cookware go through a clean cycle for about two hours. Smoke and odors will start coming out after 20 minutes. Allow the appropriate time for the cookware to cool after completing the clean cycle.
Enamel Cookware
Cleaning enamel camping cookware is a particular case. These materials don’t require cleaning using any chemical at all. The best way of cleaning these cookware is by using the light cleaning method employed for stainless steel cookware. Heat a mixture of baking soda and water in the cookware and allow it to simmer. Use a scrub to wash all fats and grease from the cookware gently.
Aluminum Cookware
Most backpackers prefer aluminum cookware since they are affordable and lightweight than others. Moreover, they are nonstick, making them easier to clean than titanium and stainless steel cookware. However, for food build-up while camping, here are methods to wash this camping cookware.
Hand wash
When cooking using aluminum cookware, always avoid using any metallic utensils with them. This is because these utensils damage the aluminum cookware coating. In washing, these cookware are the best hand washed using a scotch brite pad.
Unlike other materials that use the green pad, aluminum needs a blue pad designed for nonstick cookware. Aluminum cookware is not dishwasher safe. However, it’s advisable to hand wash them since they damage the coating of the non-stick coating.
Cast Iron Skillet
These cookware are ideal when walking a short distance or car camping. Moreover, these cookware are thick, and they last for a long time. Using these cookware often is a way of caring and maintaining them. Oil buildup on their surfaces prevents the possibility of rust. But then, you should ensure the cookware is dried up completely before storage. Use these methods to clean the cast iron skillet.
Salt Method
This is a good method if you aim for substantial cleaning. Just add salt into the cookware and scrub through until it’s clean. The salt cleaning method also ensures the seasoning stays still.
Other Way of Cleaning
The light cleaning method is ideal for routine maintenance. You should wash the cookware while still warm using water and soap. Don’t use a metal scrubber cleaning then since they destroy the seasoning. If you aim to remove rust spots, use a moistened green scotch brite pad and water.
Titanium Cookware
Cleaning titanium cookware is the simplest of all. All you need is to fill the cookware with water and heat it in medium heat. As the water starts to boil, the fats, grease, and other pot materials will soften. Use a liquid detergent and a nylon pad to scour the pot.
Once more, boil water in the cookware to keep the TiO2 coating effective. It is recommended to use titanium cookware over camping stoves. However, always keep an eye while cooking since your food could burn.
The Do’s When Cleaning Camping Cookware
- Always consider using biodegradable soaps to clean camping cookware
- Always remember to pack vinegar and baking soda to use washing your camping cookware
- If you are dealing with soot and other nasty residues, it’s recommended to use Bar-Keeper’s friend.
The Don’ts When Cleaning Camping Cookware
- Avoid cleaning camping cookware using harsh chemicals
- Never employ any abrasive material to wash your camping cookware
- Avoid soot stains on your cookware by using your cookware on open fires.
Conclusion
We have gotten it right on how to clean camping cookware easily and quickly. Moreover, the article has given perfect cookware cleaning methods that work excellent on cookware made of different materials. Using the correct method is the best way of maintaining your cookware to serve you effectively for an extended period.