Avoid thermal shock: The hidden risk of pouring cold water into hot pots

How often have you instinctively poured cold water into a hot pot right after cooking? You're probably not alone in doing this. Although it might seem like this habit is harmless or even makes cleaning easier later, it can actually seriously damage your cookware.

After preparing dinner, most of us likely immediately fill the pots with water, thinking that food residues won’t dry out and cleaning will be simpler. But is that really the case? It turns out that this seemingly effective practice can do more harm than good.

A sudden change in temperature causes thermal shock, which can lead to the pot's surface deformation. Over time, the bottom of the cookware may crack and become uneven, causing instability on the stovetop. Ultimately, food will heat unevenly, which can lead to burning or undercooking.

This issue is particularly noticeable with frying pans operating at high temperatures, increasing the risk of damage. However, pots are also susceptible, so it's worth changing your habits and taking care of your cookware.

Instead of pouring cold water into a dirty pot, allowing it to cool naturally is better. Then you can soak it, but the difference is that it should be done with warm water. Soaking is more effective with a bit of dish soap. After a few minutes, the food residues will soften, making them easier to remove.

One home trick for removing burnt residues from pots and pans is using coffee grounds. This natural and gentle abrasive works well for this purpose. Simply mix the grounds with a small amount of dish soap to create a paste that helps remove dried-on grime. The small coffee particles act like brushes, effectively getting rid of grease and food remnants.

It’s also worth mentioning baking soda, which has a broad range of applications in the kitchen as an effective cleaning agent. It’s no surprise that it works well for stubborn pot and pan stains, too. Just sprinkle it on the bottom of the pot or other cookware, add some water, and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, use a sponge or brush to rinse off the residues. Remember to use soft sponges and brushes to avoid scratching the surfaces of your cookware.