Easy Ways To Clean Stubborn, Baked-On Food From Pans

Burnt pans are a common problem, but there are many ways to clean them without damaging the pan. The first step is usually to fill the pan with hot water and, in some cases, add a cleaning agent such as baking soda, vinegar, dishwasher detergent, or lemon juice. The pan can then be left to soak, after which the burnt food can be scrubbed away with a sponge, brush, or scouring pad. For more stubborn burnt food, a paste made from baking soda and water can be applied to the affected area and left to sit for several hours or overnight before being scrubbed away.

Soaking vs. Scrubbing

Scrubbing with a sponge or steel wool can work, but it often takes a lot of time and effort. Even with all the scrubbing, it can be challenging to remove all the stubborn, burnt-on bits of food. Soaking, on the other hand, is a more effective, easier, and less strenuous method for removing baked-on food. It is a simple and efficient way to loosen baked-on food, making it easy to wipe away without vigorous scrubbing.

The key to successful soaking is using the right product. Many people recommend using a natural soaking agent such as vinegar or baking soda, or a combination of the two, along with water. These agents help break down the food, making it easier to remove. Some people also suggest using specialty products. However, an even better alternative is dishwasher detergent.

The same cleaning agent you use in your dishwasher can be used to soak your pots and pans. It works better than regular dish soap and is more cost-efficient than specialty products. Simply fill the pot or pan with enough water to completely cover the burnt-on food and add some dishwasher detergent. Let the pot or pan soak for at least an hour, or overnight for particularly stubborn food.

After soaking, the baked-on food can be easily wiped away with a sponge or cleaning cloth. For any remaining bits of food, a gentle scrub with a sponge or soft brush will be enough. If the pan is non-stick, avoid using abrasive sponges or steel wool to prevent scratching the non-stick coating.

So, the next time you're faced with a pot or pan covered in baked-on food, try soaking it with dishwasher detergent for an easy and effective cleaning experience. This method will not only save you time and effort but will also leave your pots and pans sparkling clean.

Vinegar, water, and baking soda

Step 1: Remove Debris

Start by scraping off as much burnt food and debris from the pan as possible.

Step 2: Boil Vinegar and Water

Next, add enough water to cover the bottom of the pan—about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water or 1 cup (240 mL) depending on the size of your pan. Bring the water to a boil, then carefully transfer the pan to the sink and pour in 1 cup (240 mL) of white vinegar. (Apple cider vinegar works too!)

Step 3: Add Baking Soda

Add 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of baking soda to the pan. The baking soda and vinegar will react, creating a fizzing, bubbling mixture. This reaction is key to lifting caked-on food residue.

Step 4: Let it Sit

Let the mixture sit for a few minutes while the pan cools down.

Step 5: Scrub

Using the scouring side of a sponge, scrub the inside of the pan vigorously, focusing on any stained or scorched areas. You'll be surprised at how effective this is!

Step 6: Rinse and Wash

Once you're done scrubbing, empty the pan and rinse it with hot water. Then, wash the pan with dish soap and a clean sponge, and dry it with a clean dish towel.

Tips:

• Don't be afraid to touch the fizzing baking soda and vinegar reaction—it's harmless! Just avoid getting it in your eyes.
• If your pan still has some residue, you can make a baking soda paste by mixing equal parts baking soda and hot water. Scrub the pan with this paste, then rinse and wash as normal.
• For non-stick pans, avoid using abrasive sponges or steel wool, as these can scratch the non-stick coating.

Lemon and baking soda

• Remove as much food residue and debris from the pan as possible.
• Keep a thin layer of water in the pan.
• Sprinkle the bottom of the pan liberally with baking soda.
• Cut a lemon in half and use the flesh side to scour the pan with the baking soda and water mixture. The combination of acidic lemon juice and alkaline baking soda may cause a slight fizzing reaction, which is normal and effective in removing burnt food.
• If your pan has a copper bottom that has become blackened or tarnished, turn the pot upside down and use the same method to remove stains and restore shine.
• For non-stick pans, cover the bottom of the pan with a thin layer of warm water, then sprinkle with baking soda to create a paste. Let the mixture rest for several hours or overnight, then scrub with warm water and a non-stick surface-safe sponge or nylon brush.
• Alternatively, bring a solution of 1/2 cup water and 4 tablespoons of baking soda to a boil in the pan. Remove from heat and let the pan cool. Add more baking soda and scrub with a non-stick surface-safe sponge or brush.

Always ensure that you rinse and dry the pan thoroughly after cleaning. This method is a natural and effective way to clean burnt pans without the use of harsh chemicals.

Dishwasher detergent

If you're dealing with stubborn baked-on food, regular dish soap may not be enough. This is where dishwasher detergent comes in. Its purpose is to deal with stubborn bits of food stuck on dishes, pots, pans, and the like.

The first step is to simply soak your cookware. Fill it with water above the level of the baked-on gunk, then add about a tablespoon of dishwasher detergent (liquid or powder). Leave your cookware to soak for at least an hour; for particularly stubborn messes, you can even leave it overnight. After soaking, dump out the liquid and wipe the cookware with a non-abrasive sponge or cloth.

If you're dealing with a non-stick pan, it's important to avoid using abrasive sponges or steel wool, as these can scratch the non-stick coating.

For best results, you can use a premium dishwasher detergent pac such as Cascade Platinum Plus ActionPacs. These pacs have the power to clean baked-on messes without pre-rinsing or pre-washing, saving water and time. They are also tough enough to remove burnt-on messes without damaging the non-stick linings of your pots and pans.

Dryer sheets

Place your burnt pan in the sink or on the counter. Add one or two dryer sheets to the pan, along with some dish soap, and fill the pan with warm water. The warm water should cover the charred bits in the pan. Let the pan sit for 2 to 3 hours or even overnight. When you return, throw out the dryer sheets and dump the water from the pan. Wash the pan with soap, water, and a sponge.

This method works because of the conditioning properties of the dryer sheet. You can also use hot water if you prefer, and if you are dealing with an extreme case, feel free to use a second dryer sheet.

While this method is effective, it is important to note that there are some concerns about the general safety of dryer sheets. Their content varies, and they often contain scents.

Frequently asked questions