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Kitchen Care guides

Keep pans, boards, and kitchen tools ready for their next job.

Start with the surface.

Seasoned cast iron, bare stainless steel, wood, and coated pans need different care. Identify the material first, then choose the gentlest method that removes food residue. A cosmetic stain does not always need a stronger cleaner.

8 guides

Illustration: A cast-iron skillet and cleaning tools
Kitchen Care02

clean a cast-iron pan

A safe modern method that protects seasoning and prevents rust.

10 minEasy
3 linked sources 4 method variants
Illustration: A chef knife beside a whetstone
Kitchen Care02

sharpen a kitchen knife

Angle control, grit sequence, burr removal, testing, and common errors.

20 minModerate
3 linked sources 4 method variants
Illustration: A wooden cutting board with a brush and soap
Kitchen Care02

clean a wooden cutting board

Prompt soap-and-water cleaning, targeted sanitizing, and upright air drying without soaking or dishwashing.

10 min, plus air-dryingEasy
3 linked sources 2 method variants
Illustration: A stainless-steel skillet with a soft sponge
Kitchen Care02

clean a stainless steel pan

A least-aggressive-first cleaning method for grease, stuck food, and heat stains on stainless cookware.

15–20 minEasy
3 linked sources 2 method variants
Illustration: A blender jar separated from its unplugged base
Kitchen Care02

clean a blender

A self-rinse and hand-detail method that cleans the jar while keeping hands away from sharp blades and the motor base dry.

7 min, plus dryingEasy
3 linked sources 2 method variants
Illustration: An aluminum baking tray and soft sponge
Kitchen Care02

clean a sheet pan

A material-aware cleaning method that removes food safely without stripping nonstick coatings or damaging bare aluminum.

30 minEasy
3 linked sources 2 method variants
Illustration: A clean open microwave with a cloth
Kitchen Care02

clean a microwave

Clean a cool microwave with mild soap and a soft cloth, paying attention to the turntable and door-contact surfaces.

10 minEasy
3 linked sources 2 method variants
Illustration: A food probe suspended in crushed ice and water
Kitchen Care02

check a food thermometer

Use a well-made ice-water bath to check a food probe, then follow the manufacturer’s calibration or service instructions.

5 minEasy
3 linked sources 2 method variants

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