Restoring All-Clad Pans: Removing Burns And Revitalizing Shine

All-Clad cookware is a brand of upscale cookware that is fully-clad, meaning it has a core layer of highly-conductive aluminium sandwiched between two stainless steel exterior layers. This allows for quick and even heat distribution, making it unnecessary to cook on high heat. However, if your All-Clad pan does get burnt, there are several methods you can use to clean it.

Use a non-abrasive sponge or brush

To clean a burnt All-Clad pan, you'll need to use a non-abrasive sponge or brush. These are soft sponges or brushes designed to clean delicate surfaces without scratching or damaging them.

Before you start scrubbing, you'll need to prepare the pan. First, remove the pan from the heat and pour some club soda into it while it's still warm. Add a tablespoon of baking soda to help liquefy and loosen burnt-on cooking oils or food. Pour the liquid down the sink. Next, fill your sink with warm water and dish detergent. Submerge the burnt pan in the soapy water and let it soak for up to an hour. This will help loosen any burnt-on food remnants. Rinse off the soap but do not dry the pan.

Now, you're ready to scrub the pan with your non-abrasive sponge or brush. Sprinkle a powdered stainless-steel cleanser (without chlorine bleach) like Bar Keeper's Friend or Bon Ami into the pan. Rub the powder in a circular motion over the burnt areas to create a paste. You can also use a combination of vinegar and baking soda to create a foaming mixture that helps loosen stuck-on food. Once you've created the paste, scrub the pan gently with your non-abrasive sponge or brush. Rinse and dry the pan afterward.

If there are still some burn marks, you can try using a soft towel or sponge to rub lemon juice onto the affected areas. The lemon juice will help buff out the marks and restore the sheen of your All-Clad pan.

Avoid harsh detergents

When cleaning your All-Clad pan, it is important to avoid harsh detergents or detergents containing chlorine or peroxide bleach. These can damage the pan's surface and exterior.

Harsh detergents can cause discolouration and degradation of the stainless steel exterior. They can also be harmful to your health. Many laundry detergents contain carcinogens, toxins, and other harmful compounds. These toxins can be absorbed into the body through the skin and can cause a range of health issues, from rashes to respiratory problems, nervous system issues, infertility, vision loss, organ damage, and cancer.

Instead of harsh detergents, use a mild dish detergent, such as Ivory, Dawn, or Seventh Generation, which acts as a grease-cutting agent. You can also use a non-abrasive, non-chlorine cleanser, like All-Clad cookware cleaner, Bar Keeper's Friend, or Bon Ami. These products are designed to treat stainless steel and will effectively remove burn marks without damaging the pan.

To clean your All-Clad pan, first, allow the pan to cool. Then, rinse off any excess food with warm water. Soak the pan in warm, soapy water, using a mild detergent. Wash with a sponge or soft cloth, and rinse with warm water. For more difficult cleaning, you can use a nylon scouring pad. Dry the pan immediately to prevent spotting and water stains.

For tough-to-clean spots or burnt food, make a paste with a non-abrasive, non-chlorine cleanser and a small amount of water. Apply the paste using a soft cloth or sponge, rubbing in a circular motion. Rinse with warm water and dry immediately. Repeat if needed, allowing the paste to soak on the pan before scrubbing.

Remember to always avoid harsh detergents and chemicals when cleaning your All-Clad pan to maintain its integrity and performance.

Soak in a mixture of vinegar and baking soda

To clean a burnt All-Clad pan with a mixture of vinegar and baking soda, follow these steps:

Firstly, remove as much of the burnt food and debris from the pan as possible. Next, add enough vinegar to cover the bottom of the pan with at least 1/2 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 1 cup of baking soda. This will cause a fizzing reaction, so it's best to do this in the sink. 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. Finally, rinse and dry the pan.

For a heavier-duty clean, try the following method: firstly, remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible. Next, fill the pan with equal parts water and vinegar. Bring the mixture to a boil, then add 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Remove the pan from the heat and let it soak for up to 15 minutes. Pour the liquid down the drain, then scrub away any remaining burnt bits with a scouring pad or sponge. If there are still spots remaining, apply a paste of baking soda and water and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing again.

Use Bar Keeper's Friend

To clean a burnt All-Clad pan with Bar Keepers Friend, start by wetting the surface of the pan. Then, sprinkle Bar Keepers Friend powder onto the burnt areas. Next, add a small amount of water and use a soft cloth or sponge to mix the powder and water into a paste. Let the paste sit on the pan for around 15 seconds, but not longer than a minute.

After letting the paste sit, scrub the pan with the rough side of your sponge, using a circular motion and working from the centre of the pan outwards. If your pan has tough-to-reach spots, such as around rivets or logos, use an old toothbrush and some Bar Keepers Friend paste to scrub these areas clean.

Once you have finished scrubbing the pan, rinse it with clean water and dry it thoroughly.

Bar Keepers Friend can also be used to clean the bottom of your pans. To do this, place the pan upside down in your sink and sprinkle the bottom with water. Then, shake Bar Keepers Friend onto the bottom of the pan and scrub in a circular motion. Rinse the pan and repeat the process if necessary.

Dry immediately

Drying your All-Clad pan immediately after cleaning is crucial to prevent water spots and rust. All-Clad recommends rinsing the pan with warm water and drying it immediately to prevent spotting.

If you are using a non-abrasive cleanser to remove burnt-on food, it is important to rinse the pan with warm water and dry it immediately after scrubbing. This process may need to be repeated, allowing the paste to soak on the pan before scrubbing.

For tough-to-clean spots or marks, such as burnt fat, protein shadows, and charred food, it is recommended to use a non-abrasive, non-chlorine cleanser. Form a paste with the cleanser and a small amount of water, apply it to the pan, and then rinse and dry immediately.

After boiling a mixture of powdered cleanser and water in the pan, it is important to pour out the mixture, rinse the pan, and scrub it with a non-abrasive sponge or brush. The pan should then be dried immediately to prevent water spots and rust.

Additionally, when cleaning a burnt All-Clad pan, it is recommended to boil a mixture of water and vinegar or water mixed with baking soda and vinegar. After boiling and scrubbing the pan, it is important to dry it immediately to prevent further damage.

Frequently asked questions