Clean A Burnt Pan: Baking Soda To The Rescue!

Burnt pans are a common occurrence in any kitchen, and bicarbonate of soda (also known as baking soda) is an effective way to clean them without the use of harsh chemicals. Bicarbonate of soda is a mild abrasive that can help remove burnt-on food and tough stains. It is also alkaline, which means it can neutralise acidic burnt foods and react with acids like vinegar or lemon juice to create a fizzing action that helps loosen burnt residue. This article will explore different methods for cleaning a burnt pan with bicarbonate of soda.

Use a baking soda and water paste

To clean a burnt pan with bicarbonate of soda, you can use a baking soda and water paste. This method is ideal for non-stick, stainless steel, ceramic, and cast iron pans.

First, remove as much burnt food and debris from the pan as possible. Then, cover the bottom of the pan with a thin layer of warm water. Sprinkle the pot with baking soda to create a paste. You can also make the paste separately and then apply it to the burnt pan. Make sure the paste is thick enough to fully coat the burnt area.

Let the mixture sit for several hours or overnight. If you don't want to wait, you can add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water to thin the paste, then boil the pan on the stove. However, be careful not to burn the pan again.

After the mixture has sat for a while, add more baking soda and scrub the pan with a nylon brush or scouring sponge. You can also use a stiff-bristle brush or scouring pad if you're cleaning a cast iron pan.

Wash and dry the pan as normal once all the burnt bits and stains have been removed.

Deglaze the pan

Deglazing is a technique used to loosen and remove burnt-on food from a pan. It involves adding liquid to a hot pan, which helps to dislodge the stuck-on food. This is a good method to use before scrubbing your pan with baking soda. Here is a step-by-step guide to deglazing your pan:

Firstly, remove as much burnt food and debris from the pan as possible. Then, put the pan back on the stove and heat it up. You want it to be hot enough that a droplet of water sizzles on the surface. Once it is hot, add a cup of water or a mixture of half water and half white vinegar to the pan. Allow this to come to a boil and then simmer. As the liquid simmers, use a spatula or scraper to deglaze the bottom of the pan, loosening the burnt-on food.

Continue to simmer the liquid and scrape the bottom of the pan until you have loosened as much of the burnt-on food as possible. Then, pour the liquid down the sink and do not dry or wipe the pan. Instead, sprinkle the bottom of the pan with baking soda and let the pan cool. Once cool, use a wet scouring sponge or nylon brush to scrub the pan vigorously. Finally, wash and dry the pan as normal.

Deglazing is a great way to remove burnt-on food from your pans without the need for harsh chemicals or scrubbing brushes, which can damage your pans. It is a simple and effective technique that can be used on stainless steel, aluminium, or cast-iron pans.

Combine with vinegar

To clean a burnt pan with bicarbonate of soda and vinegar, start by removing as much burnt food and debris from the pan as possible. Next, add enough vinegar to cover the bottom of the pan with at least 1/2 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 1 cup of bicarbonate of soda. This will create a fizzing reaction. It's best to do this in the sink. Set the pot aside and wait until all the fizzing and bubbling stops. Discard the liquid and scrub the pan with a nylon scrub brush or scouring sponge, adding more bicarbonate of soda if necessary. Finally, rinse and dry the pan.

This method combines the power of bicarbonate of soda, with its mild abrasive properties and alkaline pH, and vinegar, an acid, to create a chemical reaction that helps loosen and remove burnt-on food from the pan.

For a more intensive clean, you can also try the deglazing technique. First, remove as much burnt food and debris from the pan as possible. Put the pan back on the stove and heat it until a droplet of water sizzles. Add 1 cup of water or a mixture of 1/2 water and 1/2 vinegar to the hot pan and let it boil. Use more liquid if you have a large pot or pan. As the liquid simmers, use a spatula or scraper to deglaze the bottom of the pan, loosening the bits of burnt food. Pour the liquid into the sink and do not dry or wipe the pan. Sprinkle the bottom of the pan liberally with bicarbonate of soda and let the pan cool. Using a wet scouring sponge or nylon brush, scrub the pot bottom vigorously. Wash and dry the pan as normal once all stains and scorched bits have been removed.

Add lemon

Lemon is an excellent tool to clean a burnt pan because of its acidic and antibacterial properties. It can also leave a refreshing citrus scent behind. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean a burnt pan using bicarbonate of soda and lemon:

Step 1: Remove Burnt Food and Debris

Use a spatula or wooden spoon to scrape away as much burnt food and debris from the pan as possible.

Step 2: Prepare the Pan

Fill the pan with water and place it on the stove. Turn on the heat and bring the water to a boil.

Step 3: Add Lemon

Chop 3-4 lemons into quarters. The number of lemons may vary depending on the size of the pan. Once the water is boiling, add the lemon quarters to the pan.

Step 4: Simmer

Reduce the heat and let the water and lemons simmer for at least 10 minutes. The burnt food should start to loosen and float to the top.

Step 5: Empty and Scrub

After simmering, carefully empty the pan and discard the lemons. Use a scouring pad or sponge to scrub away any remaining burnt bits.

Step 6: Rinse

Rinse the pan with warm water to remove any leftover residue. Your pan should now be clean and free of burnt stains!

This method is a natural and effective way to clean a burnt pan without using harsh chemicals. The combination of lemon and bicarbonate of soda creates a fizzing reaction that helps to loosen and remove burnt food from the pan.

Clean a cast iron pan

Cast iron pans can be tricky to clean, but baking soda is a great option. Here's how to clean a cast iron pan with bicarbonate of soda:

Step 1: Remove Debris

First, remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible. This can be done with a brush or a scraper, such as a wooden spatula. It is important to get rid of as much of the burnt-on food as you can before moving on to the next step.

Step 2: Add Baking Soda

Once most of the debris is removed, cover the bottom of the pan with baking soda. Then, add 2-3 tablespoons of water until it is moist but not a liquid. You want the consistency of a sandy paste. The baking soda will help to deodorize and neutralize any bad smells or flavours that may have built up in the pan.

Step 3: Scrub

Use a stiff-bristled brush, a scouring pad, or a wire pad to scrub the baking soda and water mixture into the pan. This will help break down any remaining burnt-on food and residue. Be careful not to scrub too vigorously, as this can remove the good seasoning from your cast iron pan. Repeat this process as many times as needed, rinsing the pan between scrubs to check your progress.

Step 4: Rinse and Dry

Once you have removed all the burnt-on food, rinse the pan thoroughly and dry it completely.

Step 5: Re-season

After your pan is clean and dry, it is important to re-season it. Rub the pan with vegetable oil applied to a paper towel, coating the bottom and sides. Then, place the pan in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about an hour. The pan may smoke as it seasons, so be sure to turn on your vent hood.

And that's it! Your cast iron pan is now clean and ready to be used again.

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