Cleaning Scorched Pans: Removing Black Marks Efficiently

Burnt pans are a common problem, but there are several methods to remedy the issue. One method is to use a dishwasher tablet, which can be rubbed under warm water to remove burnt-on food. Another method is to use a combination of vinegar and baking soda. This involves filling the pan with equal parts water and vinegar, bringing the mixture to a boil, adding baking soda, and then letting the mixture soak. After discarding the liquid, the pan can be scrubbed to remove any remaining burnt-on bits. Other methods include using dryer sheets, lemons, aluminium foil, or products such as Bar Keepers Friend, Bon Ami, or Carbon Off.

Boiling water, vinegar and baking soda

Boiling water, vinegar, and baking soda is an effective way to clean scorched pans. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Start by removing as much burnt food and debris from the pan as possible. If there is food stuck to the pan, fill the pan with hot water and let it soak for 10 to 15 minutes to loosen the residue.

Step 2: Boil Water and Vinegar

Next, fill the pan with water and vinegar in a 1:1 ratio, ensuring it covers the bottom of the pan. Bring this mixture to a boil. For a large pot or pan, you may need to use more liquid.

Step 3: Add Baking Soda

Once the mixture is boiling, turn off the heat and add baking soda. The amount of baking soda to use varies depending on the source, ranging from 1 tablespoon to 2 tablespoons. The reaction between the acidic vinegar and alkaline baking soda will create a fizzing reaction that helps loosen burnt food.

Step 4: Cool and Scour

Let the mixture cool completely, then discard the liquid. Use a scouring pad or sponge to scrub away any remaining burnt-on bits. If spots remain, make a paste with baking soda and a small amount of water, and let it sit on the marks for a while before scouring again.

Tips:

• This method works best for stainless steel cookware and not those with non-stick coatings.
• Be cautious when mixing baking soda and vinegar as it can cause a dramatic fizzing reaction. Slowly add the baking soda to the boiling water and vinegar mixture to avoid a mess.
• For very stubborn marks, you can try making a paste with baking soda and water and letting it sit on the pan for a few hours or overnight before scouring.
• For maintenance, you can regularly wash your pans with baking soda and water to prevent scorched stains and burnt-on residue.

Dryer sheet

How to Get the Black Out of Scorched Pans with Dryer Sheets

If you have a scorched pan, you don't have to throw it away. There are ways to clean it and make it look brand new. One of the methods to do this is by using dryer sheets.

Firstly, add a few drops of dish soap to the pan. Then, pour in some hot water. The water should be pretty hot but not scalding. Make sure the water covers the burnt bits. Next, add a dryer sheet to the water, pushing it down so that it is completely underneath the water. Let the pan sit for 15 to 20 minutes, or even overnight for really baked-in messes. Finally, use a wet sponge to wipe the dish. The caked-on grease and food should lift easily.

It is likely that the conditioning properties of the dryer sheet, released into the water, help to remove the gunk.

This method may not work for everyone, and the results may vary. It may only loosen the top layer of burnt-on food, but it will still save you some elbow grease. If you are dealing with an extreme case, you can use a second dryer sheet and hot water.

Once you are done cleaning the pan, wash it with soap and water as you normally would.

Dishwasher tablet

If your pan has black, burnt-on marks that won't come out in the wash, a dishwasher tablet can be an effective solution. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use a dishwasher tablet to clean a scorched pan:

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Start by covering the bottom of the pan with a small amount of water. You can heat the water on low heat for a few minutes, but this step is optional.

Step 2: Scrape with the Dishwasher Tablet

Remove the pan from the heat if you heated it. Take a dishwasher tablet and begin scraping it across the burnt areas of the pan. You can use the tablet as a scouring pad, applying a reasonable amount of pressure to remove the charred bits.

Step 3: Rinse and Wash

Once you've removed most of the burnt-on food, rinse the pan with warm water to remove any remaining detergent from the dishwasher tablet. Finally, wash the pan with warm, soapy water to ensure it's completely clean.

Tips and Variations:

• It's recommended to use powdered dishwasher tablets instead of gel tablets, as the coarse texture of the powdered tablets helps erase the blackened blemishes.
• You don't need to remove the plastic coating from the dishwasher tablet before using it. The coating will eventually dissolve on its own when exposed to water.
• If you're not in a hurry, you can place the pan on the stove with half a dishwasher tablet and some water, then bring it to a boil. Turn off the heat and let the pan sit overnight. The hot water and detergent will loosen and lift the food debris.
• For more stubborn stains, you may need to use more than one dishwasher tablet.
• Always wear gloves when handling dishwasher tablets to protect your hands.

Boiled lemons

To clean your pan with boiled lemons, first remove any loose food or debris. Then, cut two to three lemons into quarters and place them in the pan. Add two to three inches of water and place the pan on the stove. Bring the water to a boil for five to ten minutes.

Once the water has been boiling for five to ten minutes, pour the remaining water and lemon wedges down the sink and allow the pot to cool. Finally, scrub the scorched areas with a scouring pad.

This method is simple and effective, and it will leave your kitchen smelling zesty and invigorating.

Aluminium foil and baking soda

Step 1: Cool the pan

Always let the pan cool down before attempting to clean it.

Step 2: Scrape off debris

If there is a crust of food, such as scrambled egg or melted cheese, try to scrape off as much of the debris as possible first.

Step 3: Apply baking soda

Sprinkle two to three tablespoons of baking soda over the burnt area. Add a small amount of water to form a paste.

Step 4: Scrub with aluminium foil

Crumple up a piece of aluminium foil (any piece will do, even if it's been used) and scrub until you've loosened all the debris and any staining.

Step 5: Rinse the pan

Rinse the pan with warm soapy water. Your stainless steel pan should now be gleaming!

Tips:

• You can also use lemon instead of baking soda. Cut up a couple of lemons and pop them in your pan with enough water to cover the bottom of the pan and the lemons. Boil for five to ten minutes. Once food particles start rising to the surface, you can get rid of the water and lemons and use a regular scouring pad to get any last bits.
• For more stubborn stains, you may need to repeat the process and leave the mixture to simmer for longer before taking the pan off the heat.

Frequently asked questions