Ketchup: A Surprising Solution To Clean Your Burnt Pan

Burnt pans are a common problem, but there are several ways to clean them without too much effort. One surprising solution is to use ketchup. Ketchup contains vinegar, which has acetic acid, breaking down dirt, oils, films, and stains. The thick consistency of ketchup also helps to completely coat the pan and stay in place during the cleaning process. To use ketchup to clean a burnt pan, place the pan on a flat surface, and cover the bottom surface with a layer of ketchup. Leave the ketchup for around 30 minutes, and then wipe away with a paper towel. If needed, leave for another 20 minutes, and then scrape off the grime with a metal spatula. Finally, rinse the pan with warm, soapy water, and dry with a clean towel.

Apply a layer of ketchup and leave for 5-30 minutes

To clean a burnt pan with ketchup, start by placing a layer of newspaper on a flat surface. Turn the pan over and use a spoon or rubber spatula to apply a layer of ketchup to the bottom surface of the pan. Leave the ketchup on the pan for 5 to 30 minutes. The exact duration depends on the extent of the burn. For lighter burns, 5 minutes should be enough, while deeper, more stubborn burns may require up to 30 minutes.

During this time, the acids in the ketchup will react with the burnt residue, breaking down the structure of the grease, oils, and grime. Ketchup's thick consistency also helps it to completely coat the pan and stay in place during the application.

After letting the ketchup sit, use a paper towel to wipe away a small area and check the progress. If the burnt-on gunk has thinned out, you can proceed to the next step. If not, reapply some ketchup and let it sit for another 15-20 minutes.

Wipe away with a paper towel or scrub with a metal spatula

Once you've applied the ketchup to the burnt pan, you'll need to let it sit for a while. The amount of time depends on the severity of the burn. For mild cases, 10 minutes should be enough, but for more stubborn grime, you may need to let it sit for up to 30 minutes.

After the ketchup has had time to work its magic, it's time to wipe away the residue. Using a paper towel, gently wipe the surface of the pan. You may need to apply a bit of pressure to remove the ketchup and the loosened grime. If the burnt-on gunk doesn't come off easily, you can try using a metal spatula to scrape it away. Work the spatula gently under the burnt residue, prying it away from the pan's surface. Be careful not to scratch or damage the pan's surface during this process.

If the burnt-on residue is particularly stubborn, you may need to repeat the process. Reapply a layer of ketchup to the affected area and let it sit for another 20 minutes or so. Then, using a paper towel or a metal spatula, wipe or scrape away the residue.

Once you've removed the majority of the burnt residue, give the pan a final rinse with warm, soapy water. Use a clean kitchen towel or paper towel to dry the pan thoroughly.

With these steps, you should be able to effectively clean a burnt pan using ketchup. It may take a bit of time and effort, but it's a great way to revive a pan that might otherwise be destined for the trash.

Rinse with warm, soapy water

Rinsing with warm, soapy water is the final step in cleaning a burnt pan with ketchup.

After applying a thin layer of ketchup to the burnt area of your pan, you should let it sit for at least five minutes and up to thirty minutes. The acids in the ketchup will react with the burnt stain and help to lift it from the pan.

Once the ketchup has had time to work, you can use a paper towel to wipe away the dirty surface. If the burnt-on part of the pan still needs more time, you can let the ketchup sit for another twenty minutes or so. When you're happy with the results, work with a metal spatula to scrape off the grime and reveal a clean surface underneath.

Finally, rinse the pan with warm, soapy water in the sink and dry it with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Your pan is now clean and ready to be used again!

Use on copper pans and moulds

Copper pans and moulds can be cleaned using ketchup. The process is simple and straightforward. Firstly, squeeze out enough ketchup to thinly coat the copper surface of the pan or mould. Next, let the ketchup sit on the copper surface for up to 30 minutes. The acids in the ketchup will react with the tarnish and remove it. Finally, wash the pan or mould with water and dry it immediately.

Ketchup can also be used to clean stainless steel, cast iron skillets, brass, and silver. It is a great alternative to commercial stain removers as it is safe to use without gloves.

Combine with aluminium foil for extra scrubbing power

To clean a burnt pan with ketchup, start by placing a layer of newspaper on a flat surface. Turn the pan over and use a spoon or rubber spatula to slather an even layer of ketchup onto the bottom surface. Let the ketchup sit for approximately 30 minutes, reapplying if it drips down the sides. After 30 minutes, wipe a small area with a paper towel to see if the burnt-on gunk has loosened. If not, let it sit for another 20 minutes or so. When you're ready, work with a metal spatula to scrape off the grime to reveal a clean surface underneath. You can also ball up some aluminium foil and work in a circular motion. Finally, give the pan a rinse with warm, soapy water and dry it with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.

Aluminium foil can be used in conjunction with the ketchup method to help scrub off burnt-on gunk. However, some sources advise against using aluminium foil as a scrubbing tool, as it can be too harsh and damage your pan, especially those with thin layers of non-stick coating. If you do choose to use aluminium foil, be gentle and avoid using too much pressure.

Another method that utilises aluminium foil is as follows:

• Cover the burnt area with 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda and add a bit of water to make a paste.
• Crumple up some aluminium foil and scrub the pan until all food bits and stained areas are clean.
• Rinse the pan with warm soapy water.

This method is quick and effective, and you don't need to use as much force as you would with a scouring pad. It is important to note that this method may need to be repeated, as the baking soda can get dirty and make it difficult to see the areas that still need attention.

Frequently asked questions