Getting Rid of Odors in the Kitchen "If an onion odor clings to dishes and pans after use, even after you have washed and dried them in the usual way, scour them well with table salt." Non stick pans coated with polytetrafluoroethylen, more commonly known as "Teflon", have been around since their invention in 1938. Ceramics, cast iron, stoneware, copper, and stainless steel are all common types of cooking surfaces. The best way to clean these guys is follow the care instructions! You may be able to use an abrasive method on your cast iron. It is common to use salt to clean a cast iron pan and keep it from rusting. I wouldn't use the same method on a stainless steel pan. ... Now the Almanac's title today is misleading. They actually do not have any suggestions for your overall kitchen or home odor problem. I'm not sure what odors you tackle at home but let me just guess you are a massive hoarder with junk everywh...