Calphalon Pan: Removing Stubborn Burn Marks

Burnt milk can be a pain to clean off your pans, but there are several methods you can try to get your Calphalon pan looking good as new. It's important to avoid abrasive scrubbers, harsh detergents, and chemical cleaners, as these can damage the surface of your pan. Instead, try using hot water, vinegar, or baking soda to clean your pan. You can also try sprinkling salt on the bottom of the pan, adding warm water to saturate the salt, letting it rest for 20 minutes, and then scraping the bottom of the pan. If that doesn't work, you can fill the pan with water and a few drops of dish soap, boil it on the stove, and then let it simmer on low heat for about an hour. You can also try using Coca-Cola to cover the burnt area and heating it until it boils. Then, let it sit overnight, and the burnt milk should be soft enough to remove.

Using hot water, vinegar, and baking soda

To remove burned milk from a Calphalon pan using hot water, vinegar, and baking soda, follow these steps:

First, remove as much of the burned milk and debris from the pan as possible. Next, fill the pan with equal parts water and vinegar, ensuring the burnt parts are fully submerged. Place the pan on the stove, turn on the heat, and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, remove the pan from the heat and let it cool.

Now, add a generous amount of baking soda to the pan. You should see a fizzing reaction. Leave the pan for 15-30 minutes to allow the solution to soften the burnt milk. If the liquid dries up, add more of the vinegar-water mixture.

Finally, use a soft sponge or cloth to scrub away the loosened burnt milk. Wash the pan as you normally would with mild dish soap and water. Rinse and dry the pan before storing it in a cool, dry location.

An alternative method is to create a paste with baking soda and water. Apply this paste to the burnt parts of the pan and let it sit for a few hours or overnight. Then, scrub the paste off with a nylon brush or scouring sponge.

Always be sure to avoid using harsh scrubbers, abrasive detergents, or chemical cleaners, as these can damage the surface of your Calphalon pan.

Boiling water with dish soap

Step 1: Fill the Pan with Water

Start by filling your dirty pan with water. Ensure the water level is about two to three inches above the scorched areas, as some water will evaporate during heating. It is important to dry the bottom of the pan after filling it to prevent water droplets from falling onto the burner when placed on the stove.

Step 2: Add Dish Soap

Add several drops of liquid dish soap to the water. For very stubborn scorch marks, you can use a single tablet or a small amount of powdered dishwashing detergent instead. Swirl the mixture to distribute the soap evenly throughout the water.

Step 3: Bring to a Boil

Place the pan on the stove and turn the heat to high. Allow the water and soap mixture to boil for approximately 10 to 15 minutes. This process helps loosen and soften the burned milk and debris from the bottom of the pan.

Step 4: Cool and Scrub

After boiling, remove the pan from the heat and let it cool completely. This step is important for safety and to prevent damage to your pan. Once cool, discard the water and soap mixture. At this point, you may notice that the pan already looks cleaner. Scrub the pan with hot water and dish detergent to remove any remaining burned milk and debris.

For stubborn scorch marks, you may need to use a scrubbing sponge or tool. Avoid using steel wool pads, as they can scratch the pan's surface. Instead, opt for sponges with plastic netting, which are effective yet gentle on the pan's finish.

Additional Tips:

If boiling water and dish soap alone do not completely remove the burned milk, you can try additional steps before or after this process:

• Sprinkle salt on the bottom of the pan before adding water. Let it sit for about 20 minutes, then scrape the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon or a non-abrasive spatula.
• Repeat the boiling water and dish soap process as needed until the pan is clean.
• For extra stubborn scorch marks, create a baking soda and water paste and apply it to the affected areas. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes, then clean the pan as usual.
• Alternatively, fill the pan with Coke (not Pepsi), bring it to a boil, and let it sit overnight. The next day, the burned milk should be soft enough to remove with a soft plastic scrub pad.

Please note that the above methods are general guidelines for removing burned milk from a pan. Always refer to the care instructions for your specific Calphalon pan to ensure the cleaning methods you choose are safe for the material of your cookware.

Soaking in a vinegar and baking soda mix

First, allow the pan to cool completely. Then, scrub away any large, removable pieces of food with a wooden spatula and discard them. Next, pour enough vinegar into the pan to cover the bottom and place it on the stove. Bring the vinegar to a boil for around five to ten minutes. Transfer the pan to a cool surface and add three tablespoons of baking soda. The mixture will begin to fizz, indicating that the compound is dissolving the burned milk. For stubborn stains, add a little extra baking soda.

Once the fizzing stops, discard the liquid and scrub the pan with a nylon brush or scouring sponge, adding more baking soda if necessary. Finally, rinse and dry the pan as usual.

This method can also be adapted for cast iron pans. Simply cover the bottom of the pan with baking soda and add 2-3 tablespoons of water until it becomes a moist, sandy paste. Scrub the pan with a stiff-bristled brush or scouring pad. Rinse and repeat if necessary, being careful not to scrub too much and remove the pan's seasoning. Dry the pan and rub with vegetable oil before heating over a low flame for an hour to re-season.

Using an oven cleaner

Using Dish Soap and Water

Fill the pan with water, making sure that the burnt bits are fully submerged. Add a few drops of dish soap into the water and place the pan on the stove. Turn the heat on and let the water come to a boil. Turn off the heat and let the pan soak in the hot water until it is cool enough to handle. Use a soft sponge or soft scrubbing pad to scrub out the burnt residue, being careful not to apply too much pressure to avoid scratching the surface. Scrub in gentle but firm circular motions. If the burnt bits are not coming out easily, repeat the process. Once the burnt residue is removed, wash and dry the pan as normal.

Using Vinegar and Baking Soda

Create a mixture of equal amounts of water and distilled white vinegar. Spray the vinegar mixture all over the inside of the pan and sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over it. Let the mixture sit for 15 to 30 minutes. Refresh the vinegar solution by spritzing the pan if it dries up. Use a soft sponge to scrub away the loosened grime and wash the pan as usual. Rinse and dry the pan before storing it in a cool, dry location.

Using Dormond Calphalon Cleaner

Dormond Calphalon Cleaner is a commercial cleaner that can be used to remove burnt residue from Calphalon pans. It is a gentle cleaner that can be used regularly without damaging the surface of the pan. Apply a small amount of the product and scrub the surface gently in circular motions using the scrubbing pad provided. For lighter burnt bits, simply apply the cleaner and let it sit for a while before rinsing with warm water.

Using Dishwashing Liquid

Add a few drops of mild dishwashing or handwashing liquid to the pan and place it on the stove. Simmer the liquid for about 20 minutes, then turn off the heat and let the pan cool down completely. Use a gentle scrubbing pad to remove the burnt bits, being careful not to be too harsh on the surface of the pan.

Soaking in hot water and dish detergent

First, fill the pan with hot water, ensuring that the water level is about 2 inches above the burnt area. Add a few drops of dish soap to the water and mix it. The dish soap will help break down the grease and milk residue, making it easier to remove. Place the pan on the stove and turn on the heat. Allow the water to come to a boil, but keep a close eye on it to prevent overflow due to soap suds. Once the water reaches a boil, turn off the heat and let the pan soak in the hot water. Wait until the pan cools down enough for you to handle it safely.

Next, take a soft sponge or a soft scrubbing pad and gently scrub the burnt residue. Avoid applying too much pressure to prevent scratching the pan's surface. Use gentle but firm circular motions to remove the stains. If the burnt milk is stubborn and doesn't come off easily, repeat the boiling and soaking process as needed.

Once you've removed the burnt residue, wash the pan as you normally would with dish soap and water. Calphalon pans are typically not dishwasher-safe, so hand-washing with mild dishwashing liquid is recommended. Finally, dry the pan thoroughly with a lint-free dish towel, such as a microfiber cloth.

It is important to note that this method may not completely remove all the stains, and you may still notice some discolouration on the pan's surface. However, this method effectively removes the burnt milk residue, making your pan usable again.

Frequently asked questions