Easy Cleaning: Burnt Pan Bottoms, No Scrubbing Needed

Burnt pans are a common problem, but there are several methods to clean them. The most popular method seems to be using baking soda, sometimes in combination with vinegar, to scrub away the burnt bits. Other methods include using dishwasher tablets, lemon, dryer sheets, or Barkeeper's Friend.

Baking soda and vinegar

If you're looking to clean a burnt pan with baking soda and vinegar, there are a few methods you can try.

The Deglazing Technique

First, remove as much burnt food and debris from the pan as possible. Next, put the pan on the stove and heat it until a droplet of water sizzles on its surface. Add a cup of water or a mixture of half water and half white vinegar to the hot pan, and let the liquid boil. Use a spatula or scraper to deglaze the bottom of the pan, loosening the burnt food. Pour the liquid down the sink, and sprinkle the bottom of the pan with baking soda. Let the pan cool, and then scrub the pot bottom vigorously with a wet scouring sponge or nylon brush. Wash and dry the pan as normal once all stains and scorched bits are removed.

The Baking Soda and Vinegar Method

First, remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible. Add enough white vinegar to the pan to cover the bottom 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 a cup of baking soda; this will cause a fizzing reaction. Set the pan aside and wait for the fizzing to stop. Discard the liquid and scrub the pan with a nylon brush or scouring sponge, adding more baking soda if necessary. Rinse and dry the pan.

Alternative Method

Fill your dirty pan with equal parts water and vinegar. Bring the mixture to a boil, then add two tablespoons of baking soda. Remove the pan from the heat and let it soak for up to 15 minutes. Discard the liquid, then use a sponge or scouring pad to scrub away any remaining burnt bits. If spots remain, apply a paste of baking soda and water and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing again.

Tips

• When adding baking soda to boiling water or vinegar, add it slowly to avoid an explosive reaction.
• If you don't want to wait for the pan to cool down after boiling, you can add a quarter to half a cup of water to thin the baking soda paste, then put the pan back on the stove and let it come to a boil. Remove it from the heat quickly so it doesn't burn again, and then let the pan cool and wipe or scrub away the burnt bits.
• For burnt non-stick pans, cover the bottom of the pan with a thin layer of warm water, then sprinkle the pot 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.

Deglazing technique

Deglazing is a cooking technique that is used to loosen and remove food particles stuck to the bottom of a pan. It is also used to create a sauce or gravy from the food particles. Here is a step-by-step guide to the deglazing technique:

• Remove as much burnt food and debris from the pan as possible.
• Place the pan back on the stove and heat it until a droplet of water sizzles when dropped on the surface.
• Add 1 cup of water or a mixture of 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup white vinegar to the hot pan. Use more liquid for a larger pot or pan.
• Bring the liquid to a boil and let it simmer.
• Use a spatula or scraper to deglaze the bottom of the pan, loosening the burnt food particles.
• Pour the liquid down the sink and do not dry or wipe the pan.
• Sprinkle the bottom of the pan generously with baking soda and let the pan cool.
• Using a wet scouring sponge or nylon brush, scrub the pan vigorously to remove any remaining stains or burnt bits.
• Wash and dry the pan as you normally would.

It is important to note that deglazing is most effective when used on stainless steel, aluminum, or cast-iron cookware. Non-stick pans are not suitable for this technique as the principle of deglazing relies on food particles sticking to the pan, which non-stick pans are designed to prevent.

Baking soda and water

Burnt pans can be saved! Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean the bottom of a burnt pan using baking soda and water:

Step 1: Remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible

Scrape off as much of the burnt food from the pan as you can.

Step 2: Make a paste

Make a paste using a mixture of baking soda and water. You will need 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. For a full pot bottom, try 1 cup of baking soda and 1/3 cup of water. The paste should be thick enough to fully coat the burnt area.

Step 3: Apply the paste

Apply the paste liberally to the burnt area of the pan.

Step 4: Let the paste sit

Let the paste sit for a few hours or overnight. The longer you leave it, the easier it will be to remove the burnt residue.

Step 5: Add more baking soda and scrub

After the paste has sat for a few hours or overnight, add more baking soda and scrub the pan with a nylon brush or scouring sponge.

Step 6: Repeat as needed

If there is still burnt residue on the pan, repeat the process.

Tips:

• If you don't want to wait for the paste to sit, you can add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water to thin the paste, then put the pan on the stove and bring it to a boil. However, remove the pan from the heat quickly so that the paste doesn't burn again!
• You can also use this method to regularly wash your pots and pans to prevent scorched stains or burnt-on residue.
• For cast iron pans, do not use water, soap, or acidic items such as vinegar or lemon juice as these can create rust and destroy the pan's seasoning. Instead, use hot water and a brush to clean the pan, and then coat the pan with oil to help reseason and restore its non-stick surface.

Baking soda and lemon

Burnt pans are a common occurrence in the kitchen, but there are several ways to clean them using baking soda and lemon. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Remove Excess Food and Debris

Start by removing as much burnt food and debris from the pan as possible. Use a spatula or a wooden spoon to scrape away any loose bits of food. You can also run the pan under hot water to help soften and remove the burnt residue.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Soda and Lemon Solution

In the bottom of the pan, create a thin layer of water. Sprinkle baking soda liberally onto the water. Cut a lemon in half and squeeze the juice into the pan. The combination of acidic lemon juice and alkaline baking soda will create a fizzing reaction, which is normal and effective in breaking down burnt food.

Step 3: Scour the Pan

Use the flesh side of the lemon half to scour the pan and create a baking soda slurry. The lemon will help to remove stubborn burnt-on food, and its refreshing smell will leave your kitchen feeling fresh. Scrub the pan until you see the burnt residue starting to lift and loosen.

Step 4: Rinse and Repeat

After scouring, rinse the pan with warm water and check the results. If there are still burnt bits stuck to the pan, repeat the process. Create a new batch of the baking soda and lemon solution, and scour the pan again until all the burnt residue is removed.

Step 5: Final Wash and Dry

Once the pan is free of burnt residue, wash it with warm soapy water as you normally would. Dry the pan thoroughly with a clean cloth or paper towel. Your pan is now clean and ready to be used again!

This method is not only effective but also natural and gentle on your cookware. Baking soda has mild abrasive properties, and its alkaline pH helps neutralize acidic burnt foods. Lemon, on the other hand, has antibacterial and acidic properties, making it an excellent natural cleaner. Together, they create a powerful yet safe cleaning combination.

Dishwasher tablet

If you're looking to clean the bottom of a burnt pan with a dishwasher tablet, there are a few methods you can try. Here are some detailed, step-by-step instructions:

Method 1:

• Cover the bottom of the pan with a small amount of water and warm it up on low heat.
• Remove the pan from the heat source.
• Take a dishwasher tablet and scrape it across the burnt areas of the pan.
• Rinse the pan with warm, soapy water to wash away any remaining residue.

Method 2:

• Wet the dishwasher tablet with warm water.
• Begin rubbing the tablet on the bottom of the pan, focusing on the burnt areas. It is recommended that you wear gloves while doing this.
• You may need to heat up the water a little more to help the tablet break down.
• Scrub the pan in circular motions, paying extra attention to the heavily burnt parts.
• Allow the pan to sit for a few minutes before giving it a proper wash with hot, soapy water.

Method 3:

• Fill the pan with water and add a dishwasher tablet.
• Put the pan on the hob and bring the water to a boil.
• Leave the pan to simmer for around 10 minutes.
• The burnt bits should lift away, leaving your pan as good as new.
• Wash the pan thoroughly as normal.

Tips:

• It is recommended that you wear gloves when handling dishwasher tablets.
• You may need to repeat the process for heavily burnt pans or particularly stubborn stains.
• Ensure that you rinse and wash the pan with warm, soapy water after using the dishwasher tablet to remove any remaining residue.
• Some pans may respond better to this method than others.

Frequently asked questions