Recently, my one and only, decided that our expensive, non-stick Scan Pans were poisoning our food with plastic chemicals and that we would return to using only my lovely set of aluminum-clad, stainless pans. When I complained that my clean-up time would be quadrupled, he agreed to be my pan washer. Fair enough.
Now I have to bite my tongue to keep from suggesting that his pan-washing methods don’t meet my standards, mostly because of his profligate use of paper towels. I recognize that my feeble efforts to minimize my footprint on this earth don’t make even a wee bit of difference, but yet I try to be conservative in the use of resources if only to make myself feel holier-than-thou.
Also, as you who cook know, washing the pans is only small part of the kitchen clean-up job. I have acres of granite counter tops that camouflage every thing, of every color, including cat food, screws, rubber bands, even phones (placed screen side up), that need to be wiped down to prevent runaway science project growth and large scale ant farms. Couple those discreet counter tops with a gas range, diabolically designed by someone who has never in his life cleaned a stove top, that cradles every speck of oil, oatmeal, and pasta sauce in its maze of ridges and cracks, and you have an idea of the scope of routine “pan washing”. Then add to all of that, my white porcelain sink is anal retentive about hanging on to each bit of cat food and vegetable matter, making every effort to incorporate their myriad colors into its pristine, white finish.
So, yesterday, he was facing the job of cleaning a pan in which he had cooked eggs at too high a temperature and made the oil and egg residue a permanent part of the pan. He suggested taking it out to his workshop to clean it with a wire brush attachment on his drill and asked my thoughts about it. I offered the idea of using the Kleen King Stainless Steel and Copper Cleaner that I keep under the sink for such emergencies.
“Where do you keep that? he asked and I pointed under the sink.
“Oh, it does require some elbow grease as it’s a very fine abrasive.”, I warned, knowing his attention deficit when it comes to cleaning.
After a couple of minutes he asked, “Where do you keep the elbow grease?”
judyrutrider 
Hehehe! I know that battle! I’m constantly drying the faucets – we have very hard water and the mineral deposits are horrific. I’ve tried to ask nicely, and nag, and gently remind for naught! I just do it myself…
LikeLike
I still have chrome in the bathroom lavies. Mine always gleams while the hubbie’s gets polished only once a week. Is that really passive aggressive?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ok, A) love the look of that range, but the cleaning *would* be a nightmare! And, B) “Where do you keep the elbow grease?” I like this guy. 😹
LikeLike
I worked for a particularly inept man once who claimed he was a victim of “learned helplessness”. The inference was that his wife had taught him to be helpless. In his defense, she was a formidable woman.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Funny. But, still that is pretty cringe. A grown person should not abdicate responsibility for themselves.
Also, I forgot to tell you earlier, I have ScanPans, too! I actually used to party with the owners several times a year. Oh, the perks of a retail career!
LikeLike
They are (were) wonderful pans! However, over the years, they have lost their non-stick properties, and research has indicated that their coating is just a different, more durable, form of unhealthy compounds. I thought they were made in Scandinavia by old, white men, who drove reindeer. I did buy most of mine at Sur la Table in Seattle…made for heavy luggage on the trip home.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your countertop is gorgeous! I’ve had these same thoughts about non-stick cookware. I did watch the movie Dark Waters which made any previous concerns much worse. I still haven’t given up on non-stick but I’m much more willing to get rid of a pan where the coating is getting worn. I hope your situation comes to a resolution! peace
LikeLike
I’ll have to look for the movie Dark Waters to reinforce my resolution to quit Teflon cold turkey. I’m so addicted to quality cookware that I’d rather give it up entirely than resort to buying disposable pans.
LikeLike
The movie is very good. It’s from 2019 and stars Mark Ruffalo. It’s based on the law suit against DuPont. …. I understand what you mean. I haven’t needed to buy pans since I saw the movie which really is eye opening. But I have tossed a couple.
LikeLike
😂 Where’s the elbow grease? 🤦🏻♀️ 🤣
LikeLike
This post was really gaining momentum and the ending did not disappoint!🤣
LikeLike
Yeah, it’s liberating that my mate doesn’t read my blog. His wry wit provides grist for my mill.
LikeLike