The Best Way To Clean A Scotch Pan At Home

Cleaning a burnt pan can be tedious and frustrating, but it doesn't have to involve heavy scrubbing or scratching. To clean a Scotch pan, you can use a non-abrasive scrubber, fill the pan with water and a little dish detergent, and boil the water to loosen any stuck-on food. You can also try natural methods like white vinegar, baking soda, and water, or more heavy-duty methods like Bar Keepers Friend, a powdered cleaner that can scrub off tough stains without damaging the pan. For lighter stains, baking soda is a more versatile option. Always make sure to dry off your pan before putting it away and consider using cleaning gloves to protect your hands.

Use a non-abrasive scrubber and fill the pan with water and dish detergent

To clean a Scotch pan, you'll want to use a non-abrasive scrubber and fill the pan with water and dish detergent. This is a simple and effective way to clean your pan without damaging its surface. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Firstly, fill your Scotch pan with water until the stuck-on food particles are completely submerged. Then, add a small amount of dish detergent to the water. You can use a mild dish soap or a specialised product like Seventh Generation Natural Dish Liquid or Palmolive Ultra Oxy.

Next, use a non-abrasive scrubber to gently loosen the food particles. You can try a soft sponge, such as a Dobie pad, or a nylon scrubbing pad like the Scotch-Brite Non-Scratch Scour Pad. Gently scrub the pan using a continuous circular motion. If necessary, you can use a spatula to help scrape off the excess food.

Once you've removed most of the food particles, place the pan on the stove and boil the water. This will help to loosen any remaining stubborn bits. Remember to use gloves and protect your hands when handling a hot pan.

After boiling, remove the pan from the heat and pour out the water. Rinse the pan with fresh water and scrub it again with your non-abrasive scrubber and dish detergent to ensure all food particles are removed. Finally, rinse and dry the pan thoroughly before putting it away.

By following these steps, you can effectively clean your Scotch pan without causing any scratches or damage to its surface.

Boil water and vinegar, then add baking soda

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

First, fill your pan with water until the stuck-on food is covered. Then, pour in about a cup of vinegar and place the pan on the stove. Turn on the heat and bring the water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, remove the pan from the heat. At this point, pour in about two tablespoons of baking soda. Stir the mixture until the baking soda is dissolved. Use a non-abrasive scrubber to remove any remaining stuck-on food particles. If necessary, add a dash of dish soap and hot water for extra cleaning power. Rinse the pan with clean water and dry it with a towel.

For more stubborn stains, you can try a more intensive cleaning method. Fill a large pot or roasting pan with enough water to submerge your scorched pan. Add about a quarter to a half cup of baking soda and bring the water to a gentle boil. Carefully place your pan in the boiling water and let it cook for around 15 to 30 minutes. You should start to see the burnt residue flaking off. Remove the pan from the water using tongs and oven mitts. While the pan is still hot, create an abrasive slurry by adding more baking soda and water, and scrub the pan vigorously. You can use a toothpick to remove any remaining gunk from the crevices of the pan.

With these methods, you can effectively clean your scorched pan using a combination of water, vinegar, and baking soda.

Soak with a cream of tartar and water paste

If you're looking to clean a Scotch pan without heavy scrubbing, one method is to use a cream of tartar and water paste. Start by mixing the cream of tartar with water until it forms a thick paste. Spread the paste over the areas of the pan that need to be cleaned, ensuring that they are completely covered. Leave the paste to soak overnight—this will help to loosen any stubborn, stuck-on food particles. The next day, scrub the pan with a non-abrasive scouring pad and rinse it thoroughly with water to remove any remaining residue. This method is effective at cleaning stainless steel pans without causing scratches or damage to the surface.

Use lime and salt

To clean a burnt pan with lime and salt, squeeze the juice of one lime into the pan. If you don't have lime, you can use lemon as a substitute. Then, add a generous amount of salt, preferably sea salt or kosher salt due to its larger crystals, to the pan. Let the mixture rest for at least 10 minutes. The acidity of the lime breaks down food particles, and the gentle abrasiveness of the salt cleans the pan.

After the mixture has rested, scrub the pan with a non-abrasive scrubber. If the food particles have been removed, rinse and dry the pan. If not, repeat the process, adding a few drops of dish soap to the pan to help remove stubborn food particles.

This method is not suitable for non-stick cookware as it can damage the coating. It is, however, suitable for copper or stainless steel cookware.

Use a Scotch-Brite pad

Scotch-Brite pads are a great option for cleaning your scotch pan without causing scratches. They are known for their durability and effectiveness in removing even the most stubborn burnt-on food particles. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use Scotch-Brite pads to clean your scotch pan:

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

Before you begin, make sure you have the following items:

• Scotch-Brite Stainless Steel Scrubbing Pads: These pads are designed specifically for scrubbing stainless steel cookware without causing scratches.
• Dish Soap: Any mild dish soap will work. Some recommended options include Seventh Generation Natural Dish Liquid or Palmolive Ultra Oxy.
• Water: You'll need water to wet the Scotch-Brite pad and for rinsing the pan.

Step 2: Prepare the Pan

If there is any excess oil or grease in the pan, use a spatula or paper towel to remove it. You can also add a small amount of water to the pan and deglaze it by scraping off any remaining bits of food.

Step 3: Wet the Scotch-Brite Pad

Take one of the Scotch-Brite Stainless Steel Scrubbing Pads and wet it with water. You can also add a drop of dish soap to the pad to help with the cleaning process.

Step 4: Start Scrubbing

Using the wet Scotch-Brite pad, start scrubbing the pan in a circular motion. Focus on the areas with burnt-on food or stains. The non-scratch scrubbing dots on the pad will help lift the debris without damaging the pan's surface.

Step 5: Rinse and Repeat

Once you've scrubbed the entire pan, rinse it with water to remove any remaining food particles and soap residue. If there are still stubborn stains or burnt-on food, repeat the scrubbing process as needed.

Step 6: Dry the Pan

After rinsing the pan, use a clean, absorbent towel to dry it thoroughly. It's important to ensure that the pan is completely dry before putting it away or using it again.

Tips for Using Scotch-Brite Pads:

• For best results, use a fresh Scotch-Brite pad. Over time, the scrubbing dots can wear down, making them less effective.
• Avoid using excessive pressure when scrubbing. Let the Scotch-Brite pad do the work for you. Too much pressure can lead to scratches or damage to the pan's finish.
• If you're dealing with extremely tough stains, you can create a paste by sprinkling a small amount of Bar Keepers Friend or baking soda onto the damp Scotch-Brite pad before scrubbing.
• Always rinse and dry the pan after using the Scotch-Brite pad to remove any residue and prevent water spots.

Frequently asked questions