Caring for clay pots is essential to maintain their integrity and extend their life. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to clean your clay cookware:
1. Cooling Down: After cooking, let your clay pot cool down completely before cleaning.
2. Hand Washing Over Dishwashing: While some might place clay cookware in the dishwasher, it's recommended to hand wash them. Dishwashers can have aggressive detergents and extreme temperatures that may strip the pot of its natural seasoning and damage it.
3. Rinsing: If you're preparing oil-free satvic meals, a simple rinse with warm water should suffice. For pots with residue, immerse them in warm water to help release any food particles.
4. Scrubbing: Use a non-metallic scrubbing pad like jute or coconut husk. Avoid metallic scrubbers as they can damage the pot. If you've used oil in your cooking, lemon, salt, or baking soda or a bio enzyme based dishwash can be great cleaning agents.
5. Odor Removal: To remove any strong odors, fill the pot with warm water, add two tablespoons of baking soda, and let it soak for at least 15 minutes.
6. Deep Cleaning: If your pot needs an in-depth cleanse, soak it overnight in water mixed with baking soda (3 tablespoons per liter of water) & bio enzyme based dishwash. Then clean with a soft brush or a non-metallic scrubbing pad. Avoid abrasive scouring powders; they can clog the pot's pores, rendering it ineffective.
7. Avoid Soap: Since clay is porous, it can absorb soap, which might give your next meal an unwelcome soapy taste.
8. Drying: Once cleaned, let your clay pot dry upside down overnight. For prolonged storage, it's advisable to sun-dry the pot and then store it in a dry cabinet. If mold appears during storage inside the pot, then rinse with warm water using a brush to remove the mold. If clay pores become clogged, the pot should be cooked in boiling water for about 30 minutes.