How to clean Corning Ware?

[daeira]

I've been on a Corning Ware kick as of late. When visiting my local thrift stores, I've picked up a few of the old pyroceram pieces that are microwave/ range/ freezer/ stove safe.

Unfortunately, since they're so old, I'm having a hard time cleaning the baked on food or stains that their previous owners have left and were also unable to clean.

I've tried scrubbing with baking soda, and using a ceramic top cleaner. For the most part, I've been able to get rid of the metal marks, brown baked on stains, and other spots. Almost all of the pieces are back to their shiny state.

But there are some stains that are so stubborn I'm not sure how to clean. Do any of you have any tips that I could try to clean it?

I'm attaching a picture of the lasagna pan I picked up for $10! (So excited!) and its underside. The underside has a very stubborn black line along the crack that I can't get out. It looks like it's baked on sugar that's been baked and baked again.

Thanks so much

[meatn3]

I've had good luck with Bon Ami on Corning Ware. Denture cleaner fizzy tablets work well to for many stains.

[iluvcookies]

My grandma swear by Brillo---she's had the same Corning Ware for over 30 years and uses Brillo on it regularly. Except for some stubborn light stains on the very bottom, it is still in great shape.

[daeira]

iluvcookies - thanks for this. I wonder if Brillo is like the very fine mesh steel wool I used to get rid of the initial crusted on food. I think it is, except the Brillo has soap with it.

[iluvcookies]

Brillo is steel wool with soap in it--pink soap, specifically.
SOS is another brand, but that has blue soap.

What's the difference? No idea. Probably none at all. Grandma prefers the pink soap.

[catface1]

I use Earthstone kitchen stone it is a solid block somthing like pumice. I bought it at Canadain Tire and it works great.
www.earthstonetechnology.com.

[daeira]

Thanks catface. Does the pumice just remove crusted on/baked on food? Or, does it also remove stains?

[catface1]

it removed everthing and you used very little of the stone, I bought a pack of 2 and never used much of one.

[daeira]

I thought I'd provide an update on Corning Ware Wash 2013. The scraper worked wonderfully. I haven't managed to get some small specks of burnt sugar/food off, but have for the most part cleaned it fairly well.

It was a lot of work. First using 0000 fine grade steel wool to lightly get rid of the burn marks on the bottom, using baking soda paste to scrub other marks, using ceramic top cleaner to remove the metal scrape marks and other brown spots, and finally the scraper to get rid of the burned food line.

Here's the before and after.

Thank you to all who provided advice.

[Chemicalkinetics]

Wow. Nice. I guess you did opt for a metal scraper, which is very effective. I was just worry that some people may try too hard to break something. I am glad that all worked out for you. Thanks for the update.

[daeira]

Chemicalkinetics - The extra fine steel wool didn't scratch the Corning Ware at all. My dad said he used it to sand wood furniture. I was very gentle with it nonetheless, and wouldn't hesitate to use it again. Mind you, I only used it to remove the really large patches of visible baked on food/burns that I knew were layered on the outside of the Corning.

I was pretty aggressive with the plastic scraper to remove the food line. I would say it's almost 100% restored. There are some stains that I can't get rid of, but overall am really happy with the results.

Thanks again.

[daeira]

A scraper! Why did I not think of that. I've just tried the scraper on a small section of the black line and it comes off! I'll be scraping for a bit, but at least it'll hopefully come off.

I'll report once more when I start getting going on the black line.

Thank you so much

[Chemicalkinetics]

An old credit card works too if you cannot find a good plastic scarper. I would still try the oven cleaner to loosen up the burned mark. Then, you can use the plastic scarper. Good luck.

[masha]

My husband, who is a cleanliness fanatic, uses Soft Scrub with bleach to remove stains from our French White Corning Ware.

[daeira]

Thanks Chemicalkinetics and Nyleve. I did indeed try the ceramic top cleaner. Maybe I should give the oven cleaner (like Easyoff that you spray inside an oven) a shot?

Since my post, I've tried soaking it in very hot water, using baking soda and vinegar together - all didn't work. Not sure what else to try.

[Chemicalkinetics]

Vinegar is unlikely to help in this specific case. Baking soda can help for mild cases, but you have already remove the easy part. Whatever you have left is tough.

Oven cleaners are very aggressive, so hopefully it will help. Yes, Easy-off is good if you already have one. It is meant for removing burned-on greases and goods inside the oven, which is very similar to what you have now.

Also try to use a plastic scarper if you have one. Metal scarpers are too aggressive and will scratch and possibility chip the corning ware.

[Nyleve]

Try oven cleaner. I find, when all else fails, it does the trick.

[Chemicalkinetics]

Have you tried using those oven cleaners like Easy-Off? If you have one, then give it a try. Good luck.

[Nyleve]

Oops. Didn't read before posting. Ah well, great minds think alike...

[Chemicalkinetics]

I have the ability to read your mind before you even know it.

[Nyleve]

Oh no!