Cleaning Calphalon Pans: Removing Stubborn Burn Marks

Burnt Calphalon pans can be a pain to clean, especially since most of them are not dishwasher-safe. Calphalon makes several types of cookware products, including stainless steel, hard anodized aluminum, and non-stick. Each type of pan requires different care. For example, non-stick pans cannot be exposed to temperatures much above 400 degrees Fahrenheit, whereas stainless steel and hard anodized aluminum are more forgiving when exposed to high heat. In general, it is important to avoid abrasive scrubbers, harsh detergent solutions, and chemical cleaners that can damage the surface of the pan.

Use vinegar and baking soda

Calphalon pans are not dishwasher-safe, which can make them difficult to clean, especially if you have burnt pans. Using hot water, vinegar, or baking soda is an effective and inexpensive way of cleaning Calphalon pans with ease. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use vinegar and baking soda to clean burnt Calphalon pans:

Step 1: Create a Vinegar Mix

Create a vinegar mix by mixing equal amounts of water and distilled white vinegar. You can also use lemon juice instead of white vinegar.

Step 2: Apply and Sprinkle Baking Soda

Spray the vinegar mixture all over the inside of the pan, then turn the pan upside down to clean it from top to bottom. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the vinegar mixture and let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes. The longer it sits, the better it will work. Refresh the vinegar solution by spritzing the pan when the liquid dries up. As the solution sits, it softens the burnt bits and lifts them out of the pan without damaging the non-stick surface.

Step 3: Scrub Away the Grime

Use a soft sponge to scrub away the now-loosened grime and wash the pan as you normally would. Rinse and dry the pan before placing it in a cool, dry location. It is important to clean your Calphalon pans before storing them to prevent stains from setting in.

Tips:

• Baking soda is your go-to for cleaning a burnt pot or pan because it has mild abrasive properties and its alkaline pH can help neutralize acidic burnt foods.
• It can also combine with an acid, such as vinegar or lemon juice, to create a fizzing reaction that helps loosen burnt food.
• You can also use the deglazing technique. First, loosen the burnt-on food, then deglaze the pan, and finally, use baking soda to scrub.

Boil with water and dish soap

Boiling water and dish soap is an effective way to clean burnt Calphalon pans. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Fill the Pan with Water

Fill your burnt Calphalon pan with water, ensuring that the burnt sections are completely submerged. Add a few drops of dish soap and mix. The dish soap will help to break down the grease and oils, making it easier to dissolve the burnt-on stains.

Step 2: Bring the Water to a Boil

Place the pan on the stove and turn on the heat. Keep a close eye on the pan as the water comes to a boil, as it may overflow due to soap suds. Once the water reaches a boil, turn off the heat and let the pan soak in the hot water. Allow the pan to cool until it is safe to handle.

Step 3: Scrub the Burnt Residue

Using a soft sponge or soft scrubbing pad, gently scrub the pan in circular motions. Avoid applying too much pressure to prevent scratching the pan's surface. If the burnt residue is not coming off easily, repeat the boiling process and let the pan soak again.

Step 4: Wash and Dry as Normal

Once all the burnt residue has been removed, wash the pan with mild dish soap and warm water. Calphalon pans are typically not dishwasher-safe, so hand washing is recommended. Dry the pan with a lint-free dish towel, such as a microfiber cloth, or air dry by placing it upside down on a clean counter or rack.

Tips for Boiling with Water and Dish Soap:

• Always use mild or gentle liquid dish soap to avoid scratching the pan's surface.
• If the burnt residue is particularly stubborn, you can add a few drops of vinegar or a sprinkle of baking soda to the water before boiling.
• For heavily burnt pans, you may need to repeat the boiling and soaking process multiple times.
• Always allow the pan to cool before handling to prevent burns.

Wash with warm water and dish soap

To clean burnt Calphalon pans, it is recommended to hand wash them with warm water and a mild dish soap. Calphalon pans are not typically dishwasher-safe, so hand washing is important to preserve the tempered finish and luster of the non-stick surface.

Firstly, rinse the pan with warm water. Hold the pan under the water stream and splash water around in it, trying to remove as much stuck-on food as possible. Cold water may cause the pan to warp or weaken if the temperature of the pan is rapidly lowered.

Next, add a few drops of a mild liquid dish soap, such as Dawn or Palmolive, to the pan and scrub with a soft-bristle dish brush or a soft sponge. Avoid using too much pressure as this may scratch the surface; scrub in gentle but firm circular motions. You should notice the stains coming out easily.

If the burnt bits are not coming out, repeat the process of filling the pan with warm water and dish soap and scrubbing. You can also place the pan on the heat to boil and let it soak. Repeat this process until there are no more stains or burnt bits on your pan.

Once all the burnt bits have been removed, wash the pan as you normally would with dish soap and warm water. Dry the pan with a lint-free dish towel, such as a microfiber cloth, or keep the pan upside down on a clean counter or table and leave it to air dry.

Clean with lemon juice

Lemon juice is a natural cleaning agent that can be used to clean burnt Calphalon pans. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Create a Salt and Lemon Mixture

Mix one part salt with one part lemon juice. You can adjust the quantities as needed, but make sure you have enough to cover all the burnt areas of the pan. For example, you can start with two teaspoons of salt and one and a half teaspoons of lemon juice.

Step 2: Apply the Mixture to the Pan

Using your fingers, gently rub the salt and lemon mixture onto the burnt spots, stains, and discoloured areas of the pan. You can also use a rubber glove for this step if you prefer. Make sure to cover all the affected areas generously.

Step 3: Let the Mixture Sit

Allow the salt and lemon mixture to sit on the pan for a maximum of 30 to 45 minutes. The longer you let it sit, the more effective it will be at breaking down the burnt residue.

Step 4: Scrub the Pan

After the mixture has had time to work, use a soft-bristled brush or sponge to gently scrub the pan. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as it may scratch the non-stick surface. Scrub in gentle but firm circular motions until the burnt residue comes off.

Step 5: Rinse and Dry the Pan

Once all the burnt bits have been removed, rinse the pan thoroughly with warm water to remove any remaining residue. Then, dry the pan with a lint-free dish towel, such as a microfiber cloth. Make sure the pan is completely dry before storing it to prevent water spots and stains from setting in.

Additional Tips:

• Always allow your Calphalon pan to cool down completely before attempting to clean it.
• Avoid using harsh scrubbers, abrasive sponges, or metallic brushes as they can damage the non-stick surface.
• Do not use steel wool or any other abrasive materials that can ruin the pan's temper.
• Avoid putting the pan away while it is still wet, as this can lead to water spots and odours.
• Store your Calphalon pan in a vertical dish rack to help it drain excess water and dry properly.

Soak with Coke

To clean a burnt Calphalon pan with Coke, follow these steps:

Firstly, fill your burnt pan with Coke, ensuring that the burnt food is fully covered by the liquid. You may need to use a lot of Coke, depending on the size of your pan and the extent of the burnt residue. Place the pan on your stove and turn up the heat. Bring the liquid to a boil and let it boil for a few minutes. The acid in the Coke will help to break down the burnt-on food. Turn off the heat and let the pan cool until it is safe to handle.

Next, take a soft sponge or soft scrubbing pad and scrub the burnt pan gently but firmly in circular motions. You should notice the burnt residue starting to come off. If the burnt bits are not coming off easily, you can try boiling the pan with Coke again and letting it soak for longer. Repeat this process until the burnt residue is gone.

Once you have removed the burnt residue, wash the pan as you normally would with mild dish soap and water. Calphalon pans are not usually dishwasher-safe, so it is best to hand-wash the pan. Dry the pan with a lint-free dish towel, such as a microfiber cloth.

Using Coke to clean a burnt Calphalon pan is an effective and inexpensive way to remove burnt-on food without damaging the non-stick surface of the pan. This method is also useful if you do not want to use vinegar or baking soda, which can be more abrasive.

Frequently asked questions