Dishwashing Tips and Tricks-Pots and Pans

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #ScotchBriteSponges #CollectiveBias

Washing pots, pans and casseroles with baked on food is not one of my favorite things.  I have a dishwasher now (YAY) but I still hand wash some of our dishes.  

I was really busy the last few days but my family kept eating (that happens a lot around here)....a big pot of spaghetti and sauce, Buffalo Chicken Dip and scrambled eggs.  They left the pans for me because I am picky about how my 'stuff' is cleaned...I know, I need to get a grip but it's one of my things.

I did take the time with this last batch of hand washing to show them the right sponges to use for the job.

Case in point, my favorite casserole.  This thing is a brute - it can go from the freezer, to the oven to the table and still look pretty but to get it clean, especially after it has sat out for two days with baked on food, you need to call in the big guns....this is when I use Scotch-Brite™ Heavy Duty Scrub Sponges.  

No soaking is needed, you just add some water, then soap and start scrubbing.  Scotch-Brite Heavy Duty removes tough, baked-on messes 50% faster than other competitive sponges and in less than a minute I was done and moved on to the next dirty dish.

I made spaghetti and sauce the other day.  My husband told me to double my normal recipe so I did (he and the boys like leftovers).  After dinner that night I put everything in my biggest pot.  The guys ate it for lunch the next two days, then left the pot in the refrigerator...with no food in it...oh joy!

 This was another case where I needed some extra help and used a Scotch-Brite Heavy Duty sponge.  

In no time, the pot (and lid) were clean....victory! 

 Sometimes, though, you need a lighter touch.  I have a set of non-stick cookware that never goes in the dishwasher and always gets washed by hand.  For this, I use Scotch-Brite Non-Scratch Scrub Sponges.

 The Non-Scratch Scrub Sponges work great on anything needing a little TLC like my ceramic colander and any favorite china or glasses I have.

I bought the Scotch-Brite Sponges and Dishwand on a recent shopping trip to Target - you can find them in the cleaning aisle.  There are no coupons at the moment, but the Scotch-Brite brand frequently has coupons, so check your Cartwheel app often for the latest deals.

Bonus Tip!

Use a Scotch-Brite Dishwand (Heavy Duty) to deep clean your kitchen sink.  Mix an equal amount of vinegar with Dawn dishwashing liquid (pour both right into the wand - no need for an extra container). Keep the wand upright, wet down the sink and then start scrubbing. In no time your sink will be sparkling.  Rinse off the mixture and enjoy the results!

What other uses to you have for sponges? You can find more great ideas here.