Easy Cleaning Hacks: Removing Pudding Burns From Pans

Burnt pans are a common problem, but they can be cleaned with a few simple techniques. The first step is to remove as much of the burnt food and debris from the pan as possible. Then, depending on the type of pan, you can use different methods to clean it. For stainless steel or aluminium pans, a paste of baking soda and water can be applied to the burnt area and left to sit for a few hours or overnight before scrubbing with a nylon brush or scouring sponge. For non-stick pans, a mixture of vinegar, water and baking soda can be used, while cast iron skillets can be cleaned with a paste of baking soda and water, scrubbed with a stiff-bristle brush, and then re-seasoned with vegetable oil.

Baking soda and vinegar

To clean the bottom of a pan with burnt pudding, you can use baking soda and vinegar. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Remove Debris

First, remove as much of the burnt pudding and debris from the pan as possible. You can use a spatula or scraper, such as a wooden utensil, to get rid of the bulk of the burnt food.

Step 2: Boil Vinegar

Next, add enough vinegar to cover the bottom of the pan with at least 1/2 inch of liquid. Place the pan on the stove and bring the vinegar to a boil. Let it simmer for a few minutes.

Step 3: Add Baking Soda

Remove the pan from the heat and add 1 cup of baking soda. This will cause a fizzing reaction. It is recommended to do this step in the sink as the reaction can be quite vigorous.

Step 4: Wait

Set the pan aside and wait until all the fizzing and bubbling stop. The mixture will work to loosen the burnt pudding from the pan.

Step 5: Discard and Scrub

Once the reaction has subsided, discard the liquid. Use a nylon scrub brush or scouring pad to scrub the pan, adding more baking soda as needed to create a mild abrasive that will help lift the remaining burnt pudding.

Step 6: Rinse and Dry

Rinse the pan with water to remove any remaining residue and then dry it thoroughly.

This method combines the power of baking soda and vinegar, which work together to break down and remove stubborn burnt food from your pan. The baking soda has mild abrasive properties, and its alkaline pH can help neutralize acidic burnt foods. Meanwhile, the vinegar is acidic and helps to loosen the burnt pudding, making it easier to remove.

By following these steps, you can effectively clean the bottom of a pan with burnt pudding using baking soda and vinegar.

Lemon and baking soda

Step 1: Remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible. It is important to get rid of as much of the burnt residue as you can before proceeding. You can use a wooden spatula or a similar tool for this step.

Step 2: Keep a thin layer of water in the pan. The water will help to create a baking soda slurry, which will be more effective in cleaning the pan.

Step 3: Sprinkle the bottom of the pan liberally with baking soda. Baking soda has mild abrasive properties and its alkaline pH can help neutralize acidic burnt foods. It also combines with the acid in lemon juice to create a fizzing reaction that helps loosen burnt food.

Step 4: 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 alkaline baking soda may fizz slightly, which is a good sign as it indicates a chemical reaction that aids in cleaning.

Step 5: If your pan has a copper bottom that has gotten blackened or tarnished, turn the pot upside down and use this method to help remove the stains and restore the shine.

By following these steps, you can effectively clean the bottom of a burnt pan using lemon and baking soda. This method is not only effective but also uses natural and non-toxic ingredients, making it a safe option for cleaning your cookware.

Dishwasher tablets

To clean a burnt pan with a dishwasher tablet, start by covering the bottom of the pan with a small amount of water. Warm the water on the stove on low heat. Once the water is warm, remove the pan from the heat. Take a dishwasher tablet and begin to scrape it across the burnt areas of the pan. You can rub the tablet in small circles until it starts to dissolve. Finally, rinse the pan and wash it with warm, soapy water.

This method is quick and easy, and it is also effective. It may take a few minutes for the tablet to start breaking down the burnt-on food, and you may need to heat the water a little more to speed up the process. This method may not completely remove all discolouration, but it will get rid of the burnt-on grime.

One thing to note is that this method may use up more than one dishwasher tablet, especially if your pan is very burnt. However, it is still a cost-effective way to clean your burnt pans, and it is worth it for the impressive results.

Boiling water and vinegar

Step 1: Create the Mixture

Combine equal parts water and vinegar in the pan, ensuring they cover the bottom of the pan. For a stronger cleaning solution, you can use a 1:1 ratio of water to vinegar.

Step 2: Bring the Mixture to a Boil

Place the pan on the stove and turn on the heat. Allow the mixture to reach a rolling boil. This step will help to loosen any burnt pudding residue.

Step 3: Add Baking Soda (Optional)

Once the mixture is boiling, you can optionally add baking soda to enhance the cleaning power of the solution. Add about 2 tablespoons of baking soda and stir the mixture with a wooden or silicone spoon. The baking soda will react with the vinegar, creating a fizzing action that helps to dislodge burnt food particles.

Step 4: Let the Mixture Cool

Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool down completely. During this time, the liquid will continue to work on loosening the burnt pudding residue, making it easier to remove.

Step 5: Discard the Liquid and Scrub the Pan

After the mixture has cooled, carefully pour it down the drain. Rinse the pan with warm water to remove any remaining loose particles. Finally, use a scouring pad or sponge to scrub away any remaining burnt pudding residue. If necessary, you can make a paste with baking soda and water and apply it to stubborn areas, letting it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing again.

Tips:

• Always use caution when handling boiling liquids to avoid burns.
• Be sure to use a non-scratch sponge or scouring pad, especially if you have a non-stick pan, to prevent damage to the pan's surface.
• For heavily burnt pudding residue, you may need to repeat the process or try a different cleaning method.
• For a stronger cleaning solution, you can adjust the ratio of vinegar to water, using more vinegar than water.
• The boiling water and vinegar method is a natural, chemical-free approach to cleaning burnt pans. However, it may require some elbow grease and additional scrubbing for heavily burnt pudding residue.

Cream of tartar

The Paste Method

First, make a cleaning mixture by combining equal parts cream of tartar and vinegar. The mixture should have a spreadable consistency. Apply the paste to the affected areas of the pan and let it sit for at least an hour. For best results, leave it overnight. The cream of tartar will loosen the burnt food and its mild bleaching properties will help remove the stains. After letting the paste sit, scrub the pan with a cloth or sponge. You may need to put in some elbow grease to get the desired results. Repeat the process if necessary and then wash the pan with soap and cold water.

The Boil Method

For burnt food at the bottom of the pan, make a cleaning solution by combining 2 cups of vinegar and 2 tablespoons of cream of tartar in the pan. Place the pan on the stove and bring the solution to a boil. Let it boil for at least 10 minutes and then let it cool. The scorched food will loosen and can be easily scrubbed off. Discard the solution and scrub the affected areas with a cloth or sponge. Repeat the process if necessary and then wash the pan with soap and water.

Tips for Cleaning with Cream of Tartar

• If you don't have cream of tartar, you can use baking soda instead.
• To make your aluminium pans extra shiny, boil apple peels in them. Simply fill the pan with water, add a handful of apple peels, and boil. Then, let it simmer for half an hour.
• To prevent discolouration, avoid washing aluminium pans in the dishwasher and don't let them soak in soapy water for too long.
• Use a steel-wool soap pad to remove food and make scrubbing easier.
• To remove discolouration from the interior of the pan, fill the pan with water and add 1 tablespoon each of cream of tartar and lemon juice. Bring the water to a boil and then let it simmer for a few minutes. Finish by scouring the pan.

Frequently asked questions