Baking Soda: A Pan Burn Remedy?

Burnt pans are a common occurrence, whether you're a professional chef or an at-home cook. While it may seem like your pan is ruined forever, there are several methods you can use to clean it and remove those stubborn burn marks. One popular method is to use baking soda, a mild abrasive that can be combined with natural cleaning agents like vinegar, lemon juice, or salt for extra scrubbing power. Here's an introduction to the different ways you can use baking soda to clean your burnt pans.

Baking soda and water method

Baking soda is a mild abrasive that can help remove stubborn burnt-on food and scorched oil. It is also alkaline, so it reacts with mild acids like vinegar and lemon to create a foaming cleaner that boosts its cleaning power. Here is a step-by-step guide to the baking soda and water method for removing pan burns:

Step 1: Remove Food Debris

Start by scraping off as much burnt food and debris from the pan as possible.

Step 2: Make a Baking Soda and Water Paste

Create a paste by mixing baking soda and water in a ratio of 3:1. Make sure you make enough to cover the burnt parts of the pan. For a whole pot bottom, try 1 cup of baking soda and 1/3 cup of water. You can also add the water first, sprinkling baking soda on top to create the paste.

Step 3: Apply the Paste

Coat the burnt areas of the pan with the paste. It should be thick enough to fully cover the surface.

Step 4: Let it Sit

Let the paste sit for a few hours or even overnight. The longer you leave it, the easier it will be to remove the burnt residue.

Step 5: Scrub the Pan

After letting the paste sit, add more baking soda and scrub the pan with a nylon brush or scouring sponge. If you don't want to wait, you can add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water to thin the paste, then boil the pan on the stove. Be careful not to burn the pan again! Let it cool, then wipe or scrub to remove the burnt residue.

Tips:

• For cast iron pans, avoid using water, soap, or acidic items like vinegar or lemon juice, as these can cause rust and damage the pan's seasoning. Instead, make a baking soda paste and scrub with a stiff-bristle brush or scouring pad.
• For ceramic pans, soak the pan in warm, soapy water before scrubbing with baking soda.
• For stainless steel pans, try boiling a solution of water and baking soda in the pan, then scrub off the film of residue with a sponge or brush.

Baking soda and vinegar method

The baking soda and vinegar method is a heavy-duty cleaning method for removing burnt food from a pan. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Remove Food Debris

Start by scraping off as much food debris from the pan as possible. This will make the cleaning process easier and more effective.

Step 2: Boil Vinegar

Add enough white vinegar to the pan to cover the bottom with at least half an inch of liquid. Place the pan on the stove and bring the vinegar to a boil. Let it simmer for a few minutes.

Step 3: Add Baking Soda

Remove the pan from the heat and add one cup of baking soda. The baking soda and vinegar will react, creating a fizzing and bubbling mixture. It is recommended to do this step over the sink, as the reaction can be quite vigorous.

Step 4: Wait for Fizzing to Stop

Set the pan aside and wait patiently until all the fizzing and bubbling subsides. This may take a few minutes. During this time, the combination of vinegar and baking soda will work together to break down the burnt food residue.

Step 5: Discard Liquid and Scrub

Once the fizzing has stopped, carefully discard the liquid down the drain. Using a nylon scrub brush or scouring sponge, scrub the pan to remove any remaining burnt-on food. Add more baking soda to the pan as needed to enhance the cleaning process.

Step 6: Rinse and Dry

After scrubbing, rinse the pan with clean water to remove any residual baking soda and vinegar. Dry the pan thoroughly with a clean cloth or towel.

This method combines the mild abrasive properties of baking soda with the acidic nature of vinegar to create a powerful cleaning solution. The chemical reaction between the two ingredients helps to loosen and lift burnt food residue, making it easier to scrub away.

Deglazing technique

The deglazing technique is a great way to loosen burnt-on food from your pans and can be used to make delicious sauces and gravies. It involves adding liquid to a hot pan to remove the brown, flavorful bits stuck to the pan's surface. This technique can be used on stainless steel, aluminium, or cast-iron cookware.

Step-by-Step Guide to Deglazing:

• Sauté or roast meat, fish, or vegetables in the pan.
• Remove the cooked food from the pan and pour off any excess fat.
• Return the pan to the stove and heat until a droplet of water sizzles.
• Add water or a mixture of water and vinegar to the hot pan and allow it to boil. Use enough liquid to cover the bottom of the pan by about 1/4 inch.
• As the liquid simmers, use a spatula or scraper to deglaze the bottom of the pan, loosening the burnt-on food.
• Pour the liquid into the sink and do not dry or wipe the pan.
• Sprinkle the bottom of the pan with baking soda and let the pan cool.
• Using a wet scouring sponge or nylon brush, scrub the pan vigorously.
• Wash and dry the pan as usual once all stains and scorched bits have been removed.

Tips for Deglazing:

• Choose the right liquid for deglazing based on the dish you are preparing. Common options include broth, wine, vinegar, or water.
• Avoid using dairy products as they can curdle when boiling.
• Use just enough liquid to cover the bottom of the pan. Adding too much liquid can dilute the flavours.
• Use a wooden spoon, spatula, or whisk to gently scrape the browned bits from the pan, being careful not to damage the surface.
• Allow the liquid to simmer for a few minutes to fully dissolve the browned bits and concentrate the flavours.
• Be careful not to over-reduce the liquid, as this can result in a sauce that is too thick or salty.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning of the sauce as needed. Remember that the deglazing liquid may already contain salt or other seasonings.

Baking soda and lemon method

Baking soda is a great natural cleaner for pans with burnt-on food. It has mild abrasive properties and its alkaline pH can help neutralise acidic burnt foods. When combined with an acid like lemon juice, it creates a fizzing reaction that helps to loosen burnt food.

• Remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible.
• Keep a thin layer of water in the pan.
• Sprinkle the bottom of the pan liberally with baking soda.
• Cut a lemon in half and use the flesh side to scour the pan with the baking soda slurry. The combination of the acidic lemon juice and the alkaline baking soda may fizz slightly. This is a good sign!
• If your pan has a copper bottom that has become blackened or tarnished, turn the pot upside down and use this method to remove the stains and restore the shine.
• If necessary, repeat the process.

Using a dishwasher tablet

Step 1: Rinse the Pan

Rinse your dirty pan with hot water to remove any loose food particles and debris. This will help the dishwasher tablet work more effectively.

Step 2: Warm the Pan

Place the pan on low heat for a few minutes to warm it up slightly. This helps to soften the burnt-on food and grease, making it easier to remove.

Step 3: Scrub with Dishwasher Tablet

Remove the pan from the heat and scrape a dishwasher tablet across the burnt areas. You can keep the plastic coating on the tablet intact. Gently scrub the pan under warm water with the tablet until all the food debris lifts off. The warmth of the water will help dissolve the tablet, creating a soapy solution that aids in cleaning.

Step 4: Rinse and Wash

Once the burnt residue is removed, rinse the pan with warm water to remove any remaining bits of the dishwasher tablet. Then, wash the pan with warm soapy water as you normally would.

Tips and Tricks:

• While this method is effective, it may require using more than one dishwasher tablet to thoroughly clean a heavily burnt pan.
• It is recommended to use this method as soon as possible after the pan has burned to prevent the chemicals from transferring to your food.
• For a more cost-effective alternative, you can try using a biological washing detergent instead of a dishwasher tablet. Simply add 1 tablespoon of the detergent to the pan after filling it with water.
• Always allow the pan to cool completely before attempting to clean it to avoid any accidents or further damage to the pan.
• This method can also be used for hob-safe roasting tins.

Frequently asked questions