Cleaning Scorched Pans: Bounce Sheet Magic

Cleaning a scorched pan can be a tedious task, but there's an easy solution that doesn't require any special cleaners or endless scrubbing. All you need is a dryer sheet and some water. This method works on copper bottom pots and even those tough, burnt-on grease stains. Simply fill the pot with hot water, add a dryer sheet, and let it sit for several hours. Then, use the softener sheet to scrub away the burnt debris. Finally, wash the pan with soapy water, rinse, and dry. This trick will save you time and effort in cleaning those stubborn, scorched pans.

Using a dryer sheet

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Remove the pan from the heat and fill it with warm water. The water level should be high enough to cover the scorched area. Adding a teaspoon of dish soap to the water is also recommended by some sources. Place the pan on a trivet or an empty burner to allow it to rest safely.

Step 2: Submerge the Dryer Sheet

Take a dryer sheet and submerge it completely in the water. Ensure that it is pushed down and fully saturated. You can add a few drops of dish soap to the pan before or after placing the dryer sheet.

Step 3: Let it Soak

Let the pan sit for at least an hour. For extremely burnt pans, you may want to let it soak overnight. During this time, the dryer sheet will work its magic, loosening the burnt-on food and grime. The exact duration will depend on the severity of the scorching.

Step 4: Rinse and Wipe

After the soaking period, pour out the solution. You may need to tilt the pan and rinse it with fresh water to completely remove the loosened grime. In most cases, the worst of the burnt residue will come off easily without any scrubbing. For any remaining problem areas, use a non-scratch scouring pad or a scrub sponge to wipe away the remaining stains.

Step 5: Final Cleaning

Once all the stains have been removed, give the pan a thorough cleaning with soap and water to ensure that any residue from the dryer sheet is washed away.

Using this method, you can transform a burnt pan back to its former glory without the usual scrubbing struggle. While it does require some waiting time, it significantly reduces the level of effort and elbow grease needed.

Soaking in soapy water

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Remove the pan from the heat source and fill it with warm tap water. The water level should be high enough to cover the burned area. Adding a teaspoon of dish soap to the pan as you fill it will help with the cleaning process. Place the pan on a trivet or an empty burner to avoid damaging countertops.

Step 2: Soak the Pan

This step is crucial for the success of this cleaning method. Add a dryer sheet to the soapy water, ensuring it is fully submerged. Let the solution sit in the pan for at least an hour. For extremely burnt pans, you may need to let it soak overnight. The dryer sheet works to loosen the burnt-on food, making it easier to remove.

Step 3: Rinse and Wipe

After the soaking period, pour out the solution from the pan. Most of the grime should be loosened, and you can now easily wipe away the residue. Use a non-scratch scouring pad or a scrub sponge for any problem areas that require a bit more attention. Rinse the pan thoroughly to ensure all the soapy residue is removed.

Step 4: Final Cleaning

Although the majority of the burnt bits will come off easily, it is essential to give the pan a thorough final cleaning. Wash the pan with soap and water as you normally would to ensure all traces of the dryer sheet and any remaining food particles are eliminated.

Tips and Variations:

• For extremely burnt pans, you can use two dryer sheets or let the pan soak overnight for better results.
• While hot water is recommended, be careful not to use water that is too hot, as it may damage certain types of pans.
• Always wash the pan with soap and water after using the dryer sheet to ensure no chemical residue is left behind.
• This method works well for copper bottom pots and pans.

Oven cleaner

Using Vinegar and Baking Soda

Add equal parts water and white vinegar to the bottom of the pan and place it on the stovetop. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it boil for a minute before removing it from the heat. Pour the vinegar down the sink and add a tablespoon of baking soda to the empty pan. Use a scouring pad to scrub away any remaining burn marks. Finally, rinse the pan clean.

Soaking with a Dryer Sheet

Add a few drops of dish soap and some hot water to the pan. Submerge a dryer sheet in the water and let the pan soak for at least an hour. For extremely burnt pans, you may want to let it soak overnight. After soaking, remove the dryer sheet and rinse the pan using a scouring pad and dish soap.

Boiled Lemons

Quarter two or three lemons and place them in the pan with a few inches of water. Bring the water to a boil and continue boiling for 5-10 minutes, or until you see food particles floating to the surface. Remove the lemons and pour out the water, then use a scouring pad to remove any remaining bits.

Using Cream of Tartar

Mix a tablespoon of cream of tartar with a cup of water in the scorched pan and bring it to a boil. Allow the water to cool, then scrub the pan to restore its shine.

Using a Dishwasher Tablet

Add a small amount of water to the pan and warm it over low heat. Remove the pan from the heat and scrape a dishwasher tablet over the burnt areas. Rinse the pan and wash it with warm soapy water.

Using Soda

While the pan is still hot, pour club soda or a store-brand soda into it, coating the bottom of the pan. The carbonation will loosen the burnt grime, after which you can wash the pan clean.

Cream of tartar

The Paste Method

• Make a cream of tartar and water paste.
• Apply the paste to the affected areas of the pan using a piece of rag.
• Let it sit for at least an hour. For best results, let it sit overnight.
• Scrub the pan with the same piece of cloth used to apply the paste. You may need to use some elbow grease to scrub away the burnt-on food.
• Repeat the process if necessary.
• Wash the pan thoroughly with soap and cold water before using it again for cooking.

The Boil Method

• Combine 1 cup of water and 2 tablespoons of cream of tartar in the pan.
• Place the pan on the stove and bring the mixture to a boil.
• Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes.
• Discard the water and scrub the pan with hot, soapy water.
• Repeat the process if necessary.

Baking soda and vinegar

To clean a scorched pan with baking soda and vinegar, follow these steps:

Firstly, remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible. Next, fill the pan with equal parts water and vinegar—you'll need enough liquid to cover the bottom of the pan with at least half an inch of liquid. Place the pan on the stove and bring the mixture to a boil. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes, then remove the pan from the heat.

Now, add a cup of baking soda to the pan. This will cause a fizzing reaction. It's probably best to do this in the sink, as some people have reported dramatic fizz that required a lot of clean-up. Once the fizzing and bubbling have stopped, discard the liquid and scrub the pan with a nylon brush or scouring sponge. You can add more baking soda as necessary. Finally, rinse the pan clean and dry it.

You can also try a variation of this method by first adding the baking soda to the pan, followed by the vinegar. This will create a fizzing reaction that can help loosen burnt food. After the reaction has stopped, add water to the pan and bring it to a boil. Use a spatula or scraper to deglaze the bottom of the pan, loosening the burnt food. Pour out the liquid, sprinkle the bottom of the pan with baking soda, and let the pan cool. Once cool, scrub the pan vigorously with a wet scouring sponge or nylon brush. Wash and dry the pan as normal.

Frequently asked questions