Get Rid Of Stubborn Stains: Clean Your Pan Easily

Cleaning a burnt pan can be a challenging task, but with the right techniques and products, it is possible to remove even the most stubborn stains. In this article, we will explore various methods for tackling burnt-on food and restoring your pans to their former glory. From natural solutions like vinegar and baking soda to commercial cleaners like Bar Keeper's Friend, we will discuss the pros and cons of each approach and provide step-by-step instructions for achieving the best results. We will also offer tips for preventing future burns and maintaining your pans' longevity.

Deglazing technique

Deglazing is a simple and versatile cooking technique that can be used to clean stubborn pans. It involves adding a liquid to a hot pan to remove the sucs or fond—the brown, flavorful bits stuck to the pan when cooking at high temperatures.

To deglaze a pan, follow these steps:

• Remove the meat, poultry, or vegetables from the pan, leaving behind the browned bits.
• Pour off any excess fat or oil.
• If making a sauce, add any aromatic ingredients such as shallots or fresh herbs.
• Pour a small amount of liquid into the pan, keeping it on medium heat. The amount of liquid should be just enough to cover the bottom of the pan by about a quarter of an inch. You can use water, wine, stock, juice, or vinegar for this step.
• Bring the liquid to a boil while scraping the bottom of the pan with a wooden or silicone spoon or spatula.
• Simmer and reduce the liquid to concentrate the flavor. If using alcohol, ensure it fully evaporates.
• Continue simmering until the liquid reaches the desired consistency.

Deglazing is an excellent way to clean stubborn pans while also creating a flavorful sauce. It is important to note that non-stick pans are not suitable for deglazing as the ingredients won't stick and caramelize, resulting in a loss of flavor.

Baking soda and water

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Remove as much food residue and debris from the pan as possible. This can be done by scraping the pan with a spatula or similar tool.

Step 2: Make a Baking Soda and Water Solution

Cover the bottom of the pan with a thin layer of warm water. The amount of water will depend on the size of your pan, but ensure it is no more than 1 inch (2.5 cm) deep. For a full pot bottom, you may use 1 cup of water.

Step 3: Add Baking Soda

Sprinkle baking soda liberally over the water to create a paste. The amount of baking soda will vary depending on the size of your pan and the thickness of the paste you desire. For a thicker paste, use a ratio of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. For example, use 1 cup of baking soda and 1/3 cup of water for a full pot bottom.

Step 4: Let the Solution Sit

Allow the baking soda and water solution to sit for several hours or even overnight. This gives the mixture time to work on loosening the burnt-on food and stains.

Step 5: Add More Baking Soda (Optional)

If you don't want to wait for an extended period, you can add another 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water to thin the paste. Then, place the pan on the stove and bring it to a boil. Be careful not to burn the pan again.

Step 6: Cool and Scrub the Pan

Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool. Once it has cooled down, you can wipe or scrub the pan to remove the burnt-on food and stains. Use a nylon brush or a scouring sponge for this step.

Step 7: Rinse and Wash the Pan

After scrubbing, rinse the pan with warm water and wash it with dish soap and a clean sponge or brush. Ensure all the baking soda residue is removed.

Variations and Tips:

• For tougher stains, you can add white vinegar or lemon juice to the baking soda and water mixture. This creates a fizzing reaction that helps loosen burnt-on food.
• For cast iron pans, avoid using water, soap, and acidic items like vinegar or lemon juice as they can create rust. Instead, use a stiff-bristle brush or scouring pad with baking soda and water.
• Always dry your pans immediately after cleaning to prevent water spots and calcium buildup.
• Avoid using steel wool, scouring pads, or harsh abrasive cleaners as they can scratch your cookware.

Baking soda and vinegar

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Remove as much food debris as possible from the pan. Then, cover the bottom of the pan with water, ensuring it's no more than 1 inch (2.5 cm) deep to avoid boiling over.

Step 2: Add Vinegar

Bring the water to a boil. Transfer the pan to the sink, keeping the water inside. Add 1 cup (240 mL) of white vinegar to the hot water. Apple cider vinegar can also be used. The vinegar will help neutralise odours and loosen baked-on food.

Step 3: Add Baking Soda

Add 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of baking soda to the pan. Keep the pan in the sink to avoid messy overflows. The baking soda and vinegar will react, creating a fizzing and bubbling mixture.

Step 4: Let it Sit

Let the mixture fizz and bubble for a few minutes. During this time, the reaction will work to lift and loosen caked-on food residue.

Step 5: Scrub the Pan

Using the scouring side of a sponge, scrub the inside of the pan vigorously, focusing on any stained or scorched areas. The fizzing reaction is harmless to touch, so don't be afraid to get your hands in there if needed.

Step 6: Rinse and Wash

Empty the pan and rinse with hot water. Then, wash the pan with dish soap and a clean sponge or scrubber. Finally, dry the pan with a clean dish towel.

Tips and Variations:

• For more heavy-duty cleaning, especially effective for burnt pans, add the vinegar to the pan and boil it for a few minutes before removing from the heat and adding the baking soda. This will create a stronger reaction to break down burnt food.
• For stubborn stains that require more abrasive cleaning, create a baking soda paste by mixing equal parts baking soda and hot water directly in the pan. Scrub the pan with this paste, adding more as needed, then rinse and wash as normal.
• For a simpler cleaning method that doesn't involve boiling water, simply sprinkle baking soda onto burnt-on food or stains, rub it in, and add a little water. Bring the water to a boil for 5-10 minutes. The baking soda will help remove most food and stains without damaging the pan's surface.
• For an even stronger stain-removing solution, add 1/2 cup of vinegar to the above method before boiling.
• For a larger pot or pan, increase the quantities of water and vinegar accordingly.
• To clean the sink drain at the same time, plug the sink and fill it with hot water, adding 1/2 cup each of baking soda and vinegar. Submerge the pan and let it soak for 30-60 minutes before scrubbing.
• Avoid using steel wool or abrasive scrubbers on non-stick, Teflon, or anodized aluminium pans, as these can cause scratches.

Baking soda and lemon

First, remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible. Keep a thin layer of water in the pan, then 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 means the two are reacting to each other.

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

You can also use this method to clean the copper bottoms of pots and pans. Turn the pan upside down and sprinkle baking soda over the copper bottom. Pour vinegar over the bottom of the pan, then use a half lemon as a "scrub brush" to scrub all over the bottom of the pan. Rinse the pan thoroughly and dry it with a cloth.

Dishwasher tablet

Using a dishwasher tablet is an effective way to clean a stubborn pan. It is a popular household cleaning hack that can help remove burnt-on grime and stains. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use a dishwasher tablet to clean a stubborn pan:

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Start by allowing the pan to cool down if it is still hot. Then, fill the pan with a small amount of water, just enough to cover the bottom. You can also simply wet the pan slightly.

Step 2: Warm the Water

Place the pan on the stove and turn the heat to low. Warm the water gently. You don't need to bring it to a boil; just enough to help the dishwasher tablet dissolve and work its magic.

Step 3: Use the Dishwasher Tablet

Once the water is warm, turn off the heat. Take a powdered dishwasher tablet and carefully rub it across the burnt or stained areas of the pan. Wear gloves during this process to protect your hands. The detergent in the tablet will start to break down and lift away the burnt-on grime. You may need to scrub a little with the tablet, especially on stubborn areas.

Step 4: Rinse and Wash

After scrubbing with the dishwasher tablet, rinse the pan with warm water to remove any residue. Then, wash the pan with warm soapy water as you normally would. You can use a soft sponge or scrubber to ensure all the detergent and grime are washed away.

Tips and Additional Information:

• It is recommended to use powdered dishwasher tablets rather than liquid ones for this purpose.
• This method may not work equally well with all brands of dishwasher tablets. Some popular brands that people have had success with include Fairy Platinum Plus and Finish Powerball Tablets.
• While this method is effective, it may not be the most environmentally friendly option, as using a whole tablet for a single pan can be wasteful. It is also not the most cost-effective method, especially if you need to use more than one tablet.
• For a more sustainable and affordable option, you can try other household hacks like using baking soda, vinegar, lemons, or dryer sheets.

Frequently asked questions