Scorched Sugar, Soothed Enamel: Removing Burnt Sugar From Pans

Burnt sugar is notoriously difficult to remove from pans. This is because the sugar melts and caramelises at high heat, and then solidifies as the pan cools, acting like glue. Soaking the pan in warm water won't work, and using steel wool to scrub the pan will likely damage it. However, there are several household products that can be used to effectively remove burnt sugar from pans.

Boiling water method

The boiling water method is one of the most effective ways to remove burnt sugar from an enamel pan. This method is quick and requires less effort than scrubbing the sugar off. It is also the best way to clean non-stick pans as it does not involve harsh cleaners or intensive scrubbing, which could damage the non-stick coating.

Step 1: Fill the Pan with Water

Fill the pan with water to the point where the cookware is stained with burnt sugar. Make sure to fully cover the burnt bits as this method will only be effective if they are submerged. For particularly stubborn stains, add a cup of vinegar to the water. Place the pan on the stove and let the water simmer.

Step 2: Bring the Water to a Boil

Bring the water to a rolling boil, then immediately lower the heat and let the pan simmer for 5-10 minutes. The hot water will slowly melt and dissolve the burnt sugar, making it easier to remove. The addition of vinegar will also help to dissolve the sugar faster.

Step 3: Stir to Dissolve the Burnt Sugar

Stir the water to help dissolve the burnt sugar bits from the sides and bottom of the pan. Use a silicone spatula or a wooden spoon to carefully scrape away any stuck-on sugar, dipping the tool in hot water to aid in dissolving the sugar.

Step 4: Drain and Repeat

Remove the pan from the heat and let the water cool. Stir the cooled water to dissolve any remaining sugar bits, then drain the water. Wash the pan as usual or rinse and repeat the process if necessary.

Depending on the amount and hardness of the burnt sugar, you may need to repeat the boiling water process several times. This method is simple and effective, and it will leave your pan clean and shiny without causing any damage to the enamel surface.

Baking soda and vinegar method

The baking soda and vinegar method is a great way to remove burnt sugar from your enamel pan without using any harsh chemical cleaners. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Fill the pan with water and vinegar, ensuring there is just enough liquid to cover the burnt sugar bits. You can use white vinegar or apple cider vinegar for this purpose.

Step 2: Add Baking Soda

Gradually add in a cup or two of baking soda, stirring the mixture as you do so. You should see a slight bubbling reaction, which is important for lifting the stains out of your pan.

Step 3: Simmer (Optional)

For heavy stains, you can place the pan on the stove and simmer the mixture for 15 minutes. This will help further loosen the burnt sugar. However, this step is optional, and you can choose to skip it if you prefer a heat-free method.

Step 4: Let it Sit Overnight

Let the solution sit in the pan overnight. As it sits, the vinegar will work to soften the sugar, while the baking soda helps to lift out the stains.

Step 5: Drain and Scrub

The next day, drain the solution but don't rinse the pan just yet. Use a cleaning sponge to gently scrub away any remaining bits of burnt sugar. Be careful when scrubbing non-stick pans, as you don't want to remove the non-stick coating.

Step 6: Wash as Normal

Once you've removed all the burnt sugar, rinse out your pan and wash it as you normally would with dish soap and warm water. Use a new sponge if the previous one was stained with burnt sugar. Don't forget to wash the outside of the pan as well!

Step 7: Rinse and Repeat (If Necessary)

If there are still some light stains remaining, rinse the pan and repeat the process. For heavy stains, create a thick paste from vinegar and baking soda and use it to spot clean the burnt areas. For lighter stains, the baking soda, water, and vinegar method should be sufficient.

Hydrogen peroxide method

Burnt sugar is notoriously difficult to remove from pans, as it melts, caramelises, and sticks to the surface. However, hydrogen peroxide is a powerful oxidising agent that breaks down the chemical bonds in burnt sugar, making it easier to remove. It also has a mild bleaching effect, which can help remove any discolouration caused by the burnt sugar.

Step 1: Prepare the Solution

Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and warm water in a container. You will need enough of this solution to cover the bottom of the pan. Alternatively, you can mix the solution directly in the pan.

Step 2: Apply the Solution

If you have mixed the solution in a separate container, pour it into the pan, ensuring that the bottom of the pan is completely covered.

Step 3: Let it Sit

Allow the solution to settle for a few minutes. During this time, the hydrogen peroxide will start to break down the chemical bonds in the burnt sugar, making it easier to remove.

Step 4: Remove the Burnt Sugar

Using a steel wool pad, scouring pad, or scrub brush, gently scrub the burnt sugar away. You may need to put some elbow grease into this step, as removing burnt sugar can be challenging. Be careful not to damage the enamel coating of the pan by using an abrasive scrubber.

Step 5: Rinse and Dry

After removing the burnt sugar, rinse the pan thoroughly with fresh water. It is important to ensure that all traces of the hydrogen peroxide are removed. Finally, let the pan air dry or dry it with a clean cloth or paper towel.

Precautions:

When using hydrogen peroxide, it is important to take some safety precautions. Always wear gloves and protective eyewear, as it can be irritating to the skin and eyes. Additionally, make sure to properly dilute the hydrogen peroxide and avoid mixing it with other cleaning products, as this can create dangerous chemical reactions. Always read and follow the instructions on the product label, and test a small area of the pan first to ensure that the hydrogen peroxide does not damage the surface.

Fabric softener sheet method

Burnt sugar is notoriously difficult to remove from pans. This is because the sugar melts and caramelises at high heat and then solidifies as the pan cools down, gluing itself to the pan.

However, fabric softener sheets can be used to remove burnt sugar from an enamel pan. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• First, fill the pan with water. Place it on the stove at low heat and allow the water to come to a boil.
• Take the pan off the heat and add one fabric softener sheet to it. You can also add one tablespoon of liquid fabric softener as an alternative.
• Leave the pan to soak for a few hours or overnight.
• After soaking, remove the sheet and scrub the pan with a cleaning sponge to get the burnt bits out.
• If you used liquid fabric softener, stir the water thoroughly before leaving it to soak.
• Finally, rinse the pan with warm soapy water to ensure that there is no residue left.

This method is effective because the chemicals in the fabric softener sheet help to loosen the burnt bits of sugar without damaging the pan.

It is important to note that this method may require some patience and elbow grease, as burnt sugar can be challenging to remove. You may need to repeat the procedure several times if your pan has a lot of burnt sugar.

Bar Keeper's Friend (BKF)

Using Bar Keepers Friend (BKF) to Remove Burnt Sugar from an Enamel Pan

Bar Keepers Friend (BKF) is a surface cleanser and polisher that can be used on enamel-coated cast iron, as well as stainless steel, ceramic, and glass. It is a high-strength powder that can effectively remove burnt-on food and stains from your cookware.

To use BKF to remove burnt sugar from your enamel pan, follow these steps:

• Wet the surface of the pan.
• Sprinkle a generous amount of BKF powder onto the burnt sugar.
• Let the powder sit for 2-3 minutes.
• Using a wet cleaning sponge or soft wet cloth, scrub the pan in circular motions to loosen and remove the burnt bits.
• For tougher stains, create a paste by adding a small amount of water to the BKF powder. Apply the paste to the stain and let it sit for a couple of minutes before scrubbing.
• Rinse the pan thoroughly with warm soapy water to ensure all residue is removed.

BKF is a great option for removing burnt sugar from your enamel pan as it is non-toxic, safe for use on food-related items, and will not leave any strange tastes or odours. It is also effective at protecting your cookware, helping to prevent future tarnishing and rusting.

However, it is important to note that BKF is abrasive and should not be used on non-stick or aluminium cookware. Always wear kitchen gloves when using this product, and be sure to rinse it off thoroughly to avoid any residue being left behind.

Frequently asked questions