Cleaning Blackened Pans: Tips And Tricks For Sparkling Cookware

Burnt pans are a common kitchen nightmare, but there are several methods to clean them without too much elbow grease. The first step is usually to scrape off as much of the burnt food as possible while the pan is still warm, preferably using a wooden spoon to avoid scratching the pan's finish. After the pan has cooled, it can be soaked in a mixture of dish soap and warm water, with the option of adding a dryer sheet to loosen the burnt-on food. For mild burns on stainless steel and aluminium pans, a paste made from baking soda and water can be spread over the burnt area and scrubbed with a gentle sponge. For non-stick pans, a mixture of hot water and baking soda can be brought to a boil and then simmered for 10 to 15 minutes to loosen the gunk.

How to Clean a Blackened Pan

Deglaze with water or vinegar

Deglazing is a great way to clean a burnt pan without using harsh chemicals. It is a simple process that can be done with just water or vinegar. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Remove Burnt Food and Debris

Use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape off as much burnt food and debris from the pan as possible. This will make the cleaning process easier and help prevent scratches on the pan's finish.

Step 2: Heat the Pan

Place the pan back on the stove and turn on the heat. Allow the pan to heat up until a droplet of water sizzles when dropped onto the surface. This indicates that the pan is hot enough for the next step.

Step 3: Add Water or Vinegar

Slowly pour in about a cup of water or vinegar into the hot pan. You can also use a mixture of half water and half vinegar. The amount of liquid may need to be adjusted depending on the size of your pan.

Step 4: Boil and Deglaze

As the liquid simmers, use a wooden spatula or scraper to deglaze the bottom of the pan. Gently loosen any bits of burnt food that are stuck to the surface. Continue this process until most of the burnt-on food has been removed.

Step 5: Pour Out the Liquid

Once you have finished deglazing, carefully pour the liquid down the sink. Do not dry or wipe the pan at this stage.

Step 6: Use Baking Soda (Optional)

If there are still some stubborn stains or burnt bits, you can try using baking soda. Sprinkle a liberal amount of baking soda onto the bottom of the pan and let it cool down. The baking soda will help to lift any remaining stains and make the next step more effective.

Step 7: Scrub and Wash

Using a wet scouring sponge or nylon brush, scrub the pan vigorously to remove any remaining stains or burnt-on food. Wash and dry the pan as you normally would once it is completely clean.

This deglazing technique is a safe and effective way to clean a blackened pan. It may require some elbow grease, but it is a great option if you want to avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.

Use a dishwasher tablet

If your pan is blackened from heavy use, you may be able to restore it with a dishwasher tablet. This method is simple and effective, and it can save you from having to scrub your pan vigorously.

• Start by adding a small amount of water to the pan. You only need enough water to cover the bottom of the pan or the blackened area.
• Place the pan on the stove and warm it up on low heat.
• Remove the pan from the heat. Take a dishwasher tablet and gently scrub it against the burnt-on bits, using circular motions and focusing on the more heavily burnt areas. Be sure to wear gloves to protect your hands.
• Rinse the pan with warm water to remove the dishwasher tablet residue.
• If needed, repeat the process. Then, wash the pan with warm, soapy water as you normally would.

This method works well when using Finish Powerball Deep Clean tablets, but other dishwasher tablets may also be effective.

For an alternative approach, you can try the following:

• Add a dishwasher tablet to the pan and fill it with enough water to cover the tablet.
• Put the pan back on the stove and bring the water to a boil.
• Let the water simmer for about 10 minutes. The burnt bits should lift away easily.
• Repeat if necessary, then wash the pan thoroughly as usual.

Boil with hydrogen peroxide

Boiling with hydrogen peroxide is an effective way to clean a blackened pan. It can help lift stains without the need for scrubbing.

First, fill the bottom of your pot or pan with 1/2 inch of hydrogen peroxide. Then, place the pan on the stove and bring the liquid to a boil. You may want to open a window at this point as the process can become quite odorous. Once the hydrogen peroxide is boiling, reduce the heat and let the liquid simmer for around 10 minutes. The stains should then come off with minimal effort.

This method is particularly useful if you have burned sugar water or oatmeal in your pan, as one user reported that it was the only solution that worked for them.

Scrub with baking soda

If you have a burnt pan, don't panic! It can be saved with a little elbow grease and some baking soda. Here's what you need to do:

Step 1: Remove Burnt Food

Start by removing as much of the burnt food and debris from the pan as possible. Use a wooden spoon to gently scrape away at the food, being careful not to scratch the pan's finish.

Step 2: Make a Baking Soda Paste

Baking soda is mildly abrasive and can help to lift away stains from your pan. It's also alkaline, which means it can neutralise acidic burnt foods. To make the most of these properties, create a paste by mixing the baking soda with a bit of water. You want a thick, spreadable consistency that will coat the burnt areas of the pan.

Step 3: Apply the Paste

Use a gentle sponge to spread the paste over the burnt parts of the pan. You can also use a spray bottle to spritz the paste with white vinegar, which will make it foam and help to loosen burnt-on food.

Step 4: Scrub the Pan

Now it's time to scrub! Use a non-scratch sponge or a nylon brush to gently scrub away at the burnt-on food. You can also use a wooden spoon or a silicone spatula to lift off the food. Avoid using anything too abrasive, like steel wool or metal utensils, as these can damage the pan's surface.

Step 5: Rinse and Repeat

Once you've removed as much of the burnt food as possible, rinse the pan with warm water. If there are still some stubborn stains, simply repeat the process. Make a fresh batch of baking soda paste and apply it to the stains, letting it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing again.

Tips:

• For an extra boost of cleaning power, try combining baking soda with vinegar. The two will react to create a fizzing action that helps to dislodge burnt-on food.
• For burnt stainless steel or aluminium pans, you can also try using cream of tartar, a common baking ingredient that is mildly abrasive and acidic, helping to scrub away tough gunk without damaging pans.
• If you're dealing with a burnt non-stick pan, avoid using anything too abrasive, as this can damage the non-stick coating. Instead, fill the pan with hot water and add a generous amount of baking soda. Bring the water to a boil and let it simmer for 10 to 15 minutes to loosen the baked-on food.
• For cast iron pans, avoid soaking the pan in water or using soap, as this can damage the pan's seasoning. Instead, use a cleaner like The Ringer (a piece of chainmail that you use like a washcloth) or rub the pan with lemon and coarse salt to clean it without harming the finish.

Swap your sponge for tin foil

If you're looking for an effective way to clean a blackened pan, consider swapping your sponge for tin foil. Here's why this method is a great option:

Effectiveness and Efficiency:

This cleaning method is highly effective and efficient. By creating a paste with baking soda and water, you can scrub away burnt-on food and stains with minimal effort. The baking soda acts as a mild abrasive, breaking down the burnt residue without requiring intense scrubbing. The tin foil provides a flexible scrubbing tool that can reach all areas of the pan, ensuring a thorough clean.

Speed:

Compared to other cleaning methods that may take upwards of 25 minutes or even an hour, using tin foil and baking soda can yield impressive results in as little as 3 minutes. This makes it an excellent choice when you need to clean your pan quickly and don't have time for lengthy soaks or scrubbing.

Accessibility of Materials:

Another advantage of this method is that the required materials are likely already in your kitchen. Tin foil, or aluminum foil, is a common household item, and baking soda is a pantry staple. This means you won't have to purchase special cleaning products or wait for deliveries to arrive.

Versatility:

The versatility of this method is also worth noting. While it works well on stainless steel pans, it can also be used on other types of cookware, such as pots. Additionally, this technique is suitable for cleaning a variety of burnt-on foods, making it a go-to solution for a range of cooking disasters.

Step-by-Step Process:

Here's a simple step-by-step guide to using tin foil and baking soda to clean your blackened pan:

• Rinse your dirty pan with hot water to remove any loose debris.
• Generously sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda onto the burnt areas of the pan.
• Add a small amount of hot water to create a paste with the baking soda.
• Crumple up a piece of tin foil into a golf ball-sized ball and use it to scrub the paste all around the pan until all food bits and stains are removed.
• Rinse the pan with warm soapy water to finish cleaning.

So, if you're facing a blackened pan, don't despair. Swap your sponge for tin foil, grab some baking soda, and give this efficient and effective cleaning method a try. Your pans will be looking brand new in no time!

Frequently asked questions