Reviving Scorched Pans: Easy Cleaning Methods For Great Results

Burnt pans are a common problem, but there are several methods to clean them effectively. The best method depends on the type of pan and the severity of the burn. For example, non-stick pans cannot be scrubbed with metal tools or pads, while cast iron pans should not be cleaned with water, soap, vinegar, or lemon juice as these can cause rust. Here are some of the most popular methods for cleaning burnt pans:

- Baking soda and vinegar: Fill the pan with equal parts water and vinegar, bring to a boil, then add baking soda. Let it soak for up to 15 minutes, then discard the liquid and scrub away any remaining burnt bits.

- Dryer sheet: Add dish soap, hot water, and a dryer sheet to the pan and let it sit for about an hour. Then, rinse the pan and scrub away any remaining food particles.

- Dishwasher tablet: Cover the bottom of the pan with a small amount of water and warm it over low heat. Scrape a dishwasher tablet over the burnt areas, then rinse and wash with warm soapy water.

- Boiled lemons: Cut two to three lemons and place them in the pan with enough water to cover them. Bring the water to a boil for five to ten minutes, then discard the lemons and water. Rinse the pan and scrub away any leftover bits.

- Aluminum foil and baking soda: Rinse the pan with hot water, then sprinkle with baking soda and add a small amount of water to form a paste. Scrub the paste with a piece of crumpled aluminum foil until all the burnt debris is removed. Finally, rinse the pan with warm soapy water.

- Bar Keepers Friend: Wet the area to be cleaned, then sprinkle or make a paste with Bar Keepers Friend Cookware Cleanser & Polish. Rub it in with a soft wet cloth, then rinse with clean water. For tougher stains, make a paste with water and let it sit for a minute before washing, rinsing, and drying.

Baking soda and vinegar

How to Clean a Scorched Pan with Baking Soda and Vinegar

Step 1: Remove Excess Food

First, remove as much burnt food and debris from the pan as possible.

Step 2: Boil Vinegar

Next, pour enough vinegar into the pan to cover the bottom with at least 1/2 inch of liquid. Place the pan on the stove and bring the vinegar to a boil, then let it simmer for a few minutes.

Step 3: Add Baking Soda

Remove the pan from the heat and add 1 cup of baking soda. This will cause a fizzing reaction. It is best to do this over the sink.

Step 4: Wait

Set the pan aside and wait until all the fizzing and bubbling has stopped.

Step 5: Discard and Scrub

Pour out the liquid and scrub the pan with a nylon brush or scouring sponge, adding more baking soda if necessary.

Step 6: Rinse and Dry

Rinse the pan clean and dry it with a towel.

Lemon and baking soda

To clean your pan with lemon and baking soda, start by removing as much food and debris from the pan as possible. Then, keep a thin layer of water in the pan and sprinkle the bottom liberally with baking soda. Cut a lemon in half and use the flesh side to scour the pan with the baking soda slurry. The combination of the acidic lemon juice and the alkaline baking soda may fizz slightly, which is a good sign as it indicates a chemical reaction that helps loosen burnt food.

If your pan has a copper bottom that has become blackened or tarnished, turn the pot upside down and use this method to remove the stains and restore the shine.

If you are looking for a more intensive clean, you can also add vinegar to the lemon and baking soda mixture. First, remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible. Then, add enough vinegar to cover the bottom of the pan with at least half an 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 baking soda, which will create a fizzing reaction. Set the pot aside and wait until the fizzing and bubbling have stopped. Finally, discard the liquid and scrub the pan with a nylon brush or scouring sponge, adding more baking soda if necessary.

Dishwasher tablets

To use a dishwasher tablet to clean a burnt pan, start by placing the pan on the stove and adding a small amount of water. Then, take a dishwasher tablet and either heat the pan until the water is hot but not boiling, or bring the water to a boil. If you're in a hurry, you can also place the pan in the sink and run hot water over it while scrubbing with the tablet.

Once the water is hot, use the dishwasher tablet to scrape away any blackened bits. The detergent will loosen and lift the food debris, making it easier to remove. If the pan is very scorched, you may need to use more than one tablet.

After removing the burnt-on food, wash the pan with soapy water and rinse it thoroughly. You can also leave the detergent residue on the pan for about 10 minutes before rinsing if you feel it needs a deeper clean.

Using dishwasher tablets is a quick and easy way to clean a burnt pan, and it doesn't require any additional ingredients or special tools. It's important to wear gloves when handling the tablet to protect your hands.

Dryer sheets

If you're looking for a way to clean a scorched pan without the endless scrubbing, dryer sheets could be your new best friend. This simple hack will save you time and money, and all you need is a dryer sheet and some water. Here's how to do it:

First, remove your burnt pan from the heat and fill it with warm water. Add a few drops of dish soap to the pan—this will help with the cleaning process. Place the pan on a trivet or an empty burner to protect your countertop or stove.

Now, take a dryer sheet and submerge it completely in the water. Make sure the dryer sheet is fully underwater and not just floating on the surface. Let the pan sit for at least an hour. For pans with stubborn, baked-in messes, you can leave it to soak overnight.

After the waiting period, pour the solution out of the pan. Most of the burnt-on grime should come off easily, and you can simply wipe away the remaining residue with a sponge or cloth. For any problem areas that still need attention, use a non-scratch scouring pad or scrub sponge to clean as usual.

Finally, give your pan a thorough cleaning with soap and water to remove any residue from the dryer sheet. And that's it! Your pan should now be shiny and like new.

This cleaning method is effective because it is believed that the conditioning properties of the dryer sheet are released into the water, helping to lift away the burnt-on food and grease. So, the next time you have a scorched pan, don't despair—reach for a dryer sheet and let it do the hard work for you.

Bar Keepers Friend

To use Bar Keepers Friend to clean a scorched pan, first wet the surface of the pan. Then, sprinkle the powder onto the pan and scrub with a soft, wet cloth or sponge. For very dirty pans, you can use steel wool at first, and then switch to a soft sponge. Make sure to rinse the pan well afterward, and don't let the powder sit on the surface for longer than a minute.

For tougher stains, you can make a paste with the powder and water, and let it sit on the stain for a minute before washing, rinsing, and drying the pan.

Frequently asked questions