Clean Burned Food Off Your Pan: Easy And Quick!

Burnt pans are a common problem, but there are several ways to clean them. Some methods involve using household products like baking soda, vinegar, lemons, dishwasher tablets, or dryer sheets. Others suggest using commercial cleaning products like Bar Keepers Friend, Bon Ami, or Carbon Off. The best method may depend on the type of pan and the severity of the burn.

Use baking soda and vinegar

To clean burned food off a pan using baking soda and vinegar, follow these steps:

Firstly, remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible. Then, fill the pan with equal parts water and vinegar. Bring this mixture to a boil. After it has boiled for a minute, remove the pan from the heat and pour the liquid down the sink.

Next, add a tablespoon of baking soda to the empty pan. The point here is not to create a fizzy reaction by combining vinegar and baking soda but to allow the two cleaning agents to operate independently. Baking soda is abrasive and will help to lift staining. Use a scouring pad to massage the baking soda onto any remaining burn marks. Finally, rinse the pan clean.

For a more heavy-duty clean, add enough vinegar to cover the bottom of the pan with at least half an inch of liquid. Boil the vinegar in the pan and let it simmer for a few minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and add a cup of baking soda – this will cause a fizzing reaction. Set the pan aside and wait until the fizzing and bubbling has stopped. 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.

Try a dishwasher tablet

If you're looking for a way to clean a burnt pan, one method that you can try is using a dishwasher tablet. This is best for most pots and pans except non-stick and cast-iron cookware.

To use this method, start by adding enough water to cover the burnt-on area. Then, place a dishwasher tablet in the pan and heat the solution over medium to high heat until the water boils. Allow it to boil for about two minutes. Remove the pan from the heat source and let the water cool down before scrubbing with a brush or sponge. Finally, rinse the pan thoroughly with clean water.

This method is effective in removing burnt-on food and restoring the pan's appearance. However, it may not work as well on all types of pans, and some tough stains may require additional scrubbing or treatment.

It is important to note that you should always wear gloves when handling dishwasher tablets and that this method should not be used on non-stick or cast-iron cookware.

Boil lemons in the pan

Boiling lemons is an effective, natural way to clean burned food off a pan. It is also a simple method that requires hardly any scrubbing.

To clean your pan with boiled lemons, first, quarter two or three lemons and place them in the pan. Then, fill the pan with water—just enough to cover the lemons. Next, bring the lemon water to a boil for five to ten minutes, or until you see food particles floating to the surface. Turn off the heat and remove the pan from the stove. Pour the lemon water down the drain and rinse the pan with hot, clean water. Finally, use a scouring pad or brush to loosen and remove any remaining bits of stuck-on food.

If you've been cooking with lemons, this method is a great way to make use of any leftovers. It's also a good option if you're looking for a natural, chemical-free way to clean your pans. However, it may require more scrubbing than some other methods, such as using a dishwasher tablet.

Use aluminium foil and baking soda

To clean burned food off a pan with aluminium foil and baking soda, first rinse your dirty pot or pan in hot water and drain it. Then, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of baking soda generously onto the pan. Next, add a few teaspoons of hot water back to the pan to form a paste with the baking soda. Now, take a golf ball-sized piece of crumpled aluminium foil and begin scrubbing the pan until all the burnt debris lifts off. Finally, rinse the pan with warm, soapy water to finish cleaning.

This method is an effective way to clean a burnt pan, yielding great results. It works faster and more effectively than the baking soda and vinegar method, thanks to the aluminium foil providing enhanced scrubbing power.

You can also use a ball of aluminium foil to scrub pans after using other methods to loosen the burnt-on food. However, this method is very abrasive and should not be used on non-stick pans or seasoned cast iron pans.

Soak with a dryer sheet

So, you've burned your dinner and now you're facing a tough clean-up job. Fear not, because dryer sheets could be your secret weapon.

The method is simple: just add a few drops of dish soap along with some hot water to the pan, then submerge a dryer sheet in the water and let it sit for an hour. If you're dealing with a particularly tough mess, you can leave it to soak overnight.

The silicone coating on the dryer sheet will help to soften the burnt food, and you can even use the sheet itself to wipe away the food without harming the finish of non-stick surfaces.

While this method may not be the most effective for all types of burnt-on food, it can certainly help to loosen things up and save you some elbow grease. It's also a good option if you don't have time to tackle the dishes right away.

So, next time you're facing a scorched pan, give this trick a try! Just remember to wash your pan with soap and water as usual after you're done.

Frequently asked questions