Cleaning Pans With Turpentine: Effective Bottom Cleaning

Cleaning the bottom of a pan with turpentine is not recommended. Instead, a paste of three parts Bar Keeper's Friend and one part water can be applied to the bottom of the pan and left for about 10 minutes. After that, scrub the paste in circular motions with a non-abrasive sponge. This method is suitable for stainless steel, non-stick, copper, and most cast-iron pans.

Use Bar Keeper's Friend

Bar Keepers Friend is a bleach-free, oxalic-acid-based powdered cleaning product ideal for stainless steel items, though it can be used on other things, too, such as enamel cast iron. It can remove rust, tarnish, mineral deposits, and tough stains from most surfaces. It also helps protect the surfaces of your pans, preventing them from tarnishing and rusting in the future.

To use Bar Keepers Friend, wet the surface of the pan, then scrub. The product doesn't work up a lather like dish soap, so you'll want to scrub with the faucet off, using just the moisture on the pan's surface to turn the powder into a paste. If necessary, add a small splash of water to hydrate the powder. For a very tarnished or greasy pan, you may want to start scrubbing with steel wool before switching to a soft sponge or rag.

When cleaning with Bar Keepers Friend, it is recommended to wear kitchen gloves to protect your skin as the product is abrasive.

• Dampen the pan in warm water.
• Make a paste using Bar Keepers Friend and water.
• Use a soft cloth to apply the paste to the pan.
• Let the paste sit for one minute. Do not let it sit for longer.
• Rub the paste in a circular motion from the centre outward.
• Wash in hot soapy water.
• Rinse and repeat as needed.

For cleaning the bottom of your pan, follow these steps:

• Set the pot or pan bottom-up in the sink.
• Sprinkle the bottom with water.
• Shake Bar Keepers Friend all around the bottom.
• Scrub in a circular motion.
• Rinse and repeat as needed.

Apply a paste of baking soda and water

To clean the bottom of a pan with a paste of baking soda and water, follow these steps:

Step 1: Remove Food and Debris

First, remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible. This will make the cleaning process easier and more effective.

Step 2: Create a Baking Soda and Water Paste

In a small bowl, mix three parts baking soda with one part water to form a paste. You can adjust the proportions as needed to achieve a thick, spreadable consistency. Make enough paste to cover the entire scorched portion of the pan. For a full pot bottom, you may need to use about 1 cup of baking soda and 1/3 cup of water.

Step 3: Apply the Paste

Now, it's time to apply the baking soda and water paste to the burnt pan. Use a spatula or brush to generously coat the affected area with the paste. Make sure the paste is thick enough to fully cover the surface.

Alternatively, you can try a different approach. First, cover the bottom of the pan with a thin layer of warm water. Then, sprinkle baking soda over the water to create a paste.

Step 4: Let it Sit

Once the paste is applied, let it sit for a few hours or even overnight. This gives the baking soda time to work its magic and loosen the burnt-on food and stains.

If you're short on time and can't wait, there's an alternative approach. After applying the paste, add another 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water to thin it out. Then, place the pan on the stove and heat it up until it comes to a boil. Be careful not to let it burn again! Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool down.

Step 5: Scrub and Rinse

After the paste has had time to work, it's now ready for scrubbing. Use a nylon brush or a non-scratch scouring sponge to scrub the pan vigorously. If necessary, add more baking soda to the sponge or brush to boost the cleaning power.

Once you're done scrubbing, rinse the pan thoroughly with warm water to remove any remaining paste and loosened debris.

Finally, wash the pan with dish soap and warm water as you normally would. Dry the pan completely before storing or using it again.

Tips and Tricks:

• For tougher stains, you can create a stronger cleaning solution by adding vinegar or lemon juice to the baking soda paste. However, avoid using acidic ingredients like vinegar or lemon juice when cleaning cast iron pans, as they can create rust and damage the pan's seasoning.
• For burnt-on grease and scorch marks, you may need to use some elbow grease and scrub multiple times to fully remove the stains.
• Always use a non-scratch sponge or brush when cleaning to avoid damaging the surface of your pans.

Try ketchup

If you're looking to clean the bottom of your pan with turpentine, it's important to proceed with caution as it is a highly volatile substance. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to effectively use turpentine for pan cleaning:

Safety Precautions:

• Ensure proper ventilation by opening windows and doors to provide adequate airflow during the cleaning process.
• Wear protective gear, including rubber gloves, safety goggles, and a face mask, to minimize direct contact with turpentine.
• Keep the turpentine away from open flames or any sources of heat as it is highly flammable.
• Avoid using metal scrubbers or abrasive cleaning tools, as they may damage the pan's surface.

Cleaning Process:

• Place your pan on a flat, stable surface that is well-ventilated.
• Pour a small amount of turpentine onto a clean cloth or sponge.
• Apply the turpentine-soaked cloth or sponge to the bottom of the pan, gently rubbing it in circular motions.
• Let the turpentine sit on the surface for a few minutes to loosen any stubborn residue.
• Using a soft, damp cloth, wipe away the turpentine and the loosened grime.
• Rinse the pan thoroughly with warm water and mild soap to remove any remaining turpentine residue.
• Finally, dry the pan completely with a clean cloth or towel.

Now, let's shift our focus to an alternative method using a different substance:

Ketchup is an unexpected yet effective solution for cleaning burnt pans. Here's a detailed guide on how to use ketchup to clean the bottom of your pan:

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Place a layer of newspaper on a flat surface. Turn the pan upside down to access the underside, which is usually the area that needs cleaning. Ensure that you have a spoon or rubber spatula, paper towels, and a metal spatula or some aluminum foil handy.

Step 2: Apply Ketchup

Using the spoon or rubber spatula, generously slather an even layer of ketchup onto the bottom surface of the pan. Make sure to cover all the affected areas.

Step 3: Let it Sit

Let the ketchup sit on the pan for approximately 30 minutes. The acid in the ketchup will work to break down the greasy grime and loosen its hold on the pan. If needed, you can let it sit for an additional 20 minutes.

Step 4: Wipe and Scrape

After the ketchup has had sufficient time to work, use a paper towel to wipe a small area and check the progress. If the burnt-on grime has softened, proceed to the next step. Use a metal spatula or a ball of aluminum foil to gently scrape away the loosened grime, revealing a clean surface underneath.

Step 5: Rinse and Dry

Once you've removed the majority of the burnt residue, rinse the pan with warm, soapy water to remove any remaining ketchup and grime. Dry the pan thoroughly with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.

Ketchup is particularly effective on copper-bottom pans and can also be used on stainless steel pans. It's important to note that ketchup may not be as successful in removing super stuck-on stains, but it will impart a slight sheen and help restore the pan's appearance.

Give this method a try, and you might be surprised by the results! It's always handy to have a bottle of ketchup around, whether it's for your fries or your pans!

Soak in a solution of vinegar and baking soda

To clean the bottom of a pan with a solution of vinegar and baking soda, first flip the pan upside down. Next, run some steel wool over the burnt bottom. Then, sprinkle a few pinches of salt and a few pinches of baking soda onto the bottom of the pan. Squirt dish soap over everything and rub with steel wool to combine. Lay paper towels across the bottom of the pan, drench them with white vinegar, and let the mixture sit for a few minutes. Finally, remove the paper towels, wipe up the gunk, and your pan bottom should be shiny and like new!

Alternatively, you can create a paste with baking soda and water, or vinegar, and apply it to the bottom of the pan. Let the paste sit for 10 to 20 minutes, then scrub away with a non-scratch sponge. You will likely need to re-season a non-enameled cast iron pan after cleaning.

Use steel wool and baking soda

To clean the bottom of a pan with steel wool and baking soda, first flip the pan upside down and rub the burnt bottom with steel wool. Next, sprinkle a few pinches of baking soda onto the bottom of the pan. Squirt dish soap over the baking soda, enough to spread across the bottom, and rub with the steel wool to combine. Then, lay paper towels across the bottom of the pan and drench them with white vinegar. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes, then remove the paper towels, wipe up the gunk, and reveal your clean pan!

Frequently asked questions