Cleaning Burnt Pan Bottoms With Baking Soda: Effective Method

Burnt pans are a common occurrence in the kitchen, but it's important to know how to clean them effectively without causing any damage. Here's an introduction to the topic of cleaning burnt pan bottoms with baking soda, a popular and effective method.

Baking soda is a versatile, natural cleaner that can be used to remove even the most stubborn burnt-on food and stains from pans. Its mild abrasive properties and alkaline pH help neutralise acidic burnt foods and create a fizzing reaction when combined with an acid such as vinegar or lemon juice. This reaction helps to loosen burnt food, making it easier to remove.

To clean a burnt pan with baking soda, simply fill the pan with water and vinegar, bring it to a boil, and then add baking soda. The exact measurements may vary depending on the size of the pan, but a common ratio is 1 cup of water or vinegar to 2 tablespoons of baking soda. After adding the baking soda, remove the pan from the heat and let it soak for a few minutes. Finally, discard the liquid and scrub the pan with a scouring pad or sponge. For tougher stains, a paste can be made by mixing baking soda with a small amount of water, which can then be applied to the affected area and left to sit before scrubbing.

While the baking soda and vinegar method is effective, there are also several other techniques that can be used to clean burnt pans, including using lemons, dishwasher tablets, dryer sheets, or salt. However, it's important to note that some methods may be more suitable for certain types of pans, such as stainless steel or cast iron, and it's always a good idea to test any cleaning method on a small area first to ensure it won't cause any damage.

Baking soda and vinegar

Step 1: Remove Burnt Food and Debris

Start by scraping out as much burnt food and debris from the pan as possible. This will make the cleaning process easier and help prevent food particles from becoming more stubbornly stuck to the pan during the cleaning process.

Step 2: Boil Vinegar in the Pan

Fill the pan with enough white vinegar to cover the bottom of the pan by at least 1/2 inch. Place the pan on the stove and bring the vinegar to a boil. Let it simmer for a few minutes. The acid in the vinegar will help to loosen the burnt-on food.

Step 3: Add Baking Soda

Remove the pan from the heat and add 1 cup of baking soda. The baking soda will react with the vinegar, creating a fizzing reaction. This reaction helps to break down the burnt food and loosen it from the pan. It is recommended to do this step in the sink, as the reaction can be quite vigorous.

Step 4: Let the Pan Sit

Set the pan aside and wait for the fizzing and bubbling to stop. This may take a few minutes. During this time, the baking soda and vinegar mixture will continue to work on breaking down the burnt food and making it easier to remove.

Step 5: Discard the Liquid and Scrub the Pan

Once the fizzing has stopped, carefully discard the liquid down the drain. Using a nylon scrub brush or scouring sponge, scrub the pan to remove any remaining burnt-on food and stains. Rinse the pan with clean water and dry it thoroughly.

Tips and Precautions:

• Always use caution when handling hot liquids and pans to avoid burns.
• Be sure to do the vinegar and baking soda reaction in a well-ventilated area to avoid strong odours.
• If there are still stubborn spots after the initial cleaning, create a paste of baking soda and water, apply it to the pan, and let it sit for a few hours or overnight before scrubbing again.
• For extremely burnt pans, you may need to repeat the process or try a different cleaning method.

Boiled lemons

Step 1: Chop Up Two Lemons

Quarter two or three lemons and place them in the pan. You can also cut them into eights or slices, as long as you end up with enough pieces to cover the bottom of the pan.

Step 2: Add Water

Add enough water to cover the whole burnt bottom of the pan. The lemons will float, so don't worry about covering them.

Step 3: Bring to a Boil

Bring the water to a rolling boil. You can even see the burnt specks coming off the bottom of the pot as the lemons swim around.

Step 4: Let Water Cool & Dump It Out

After boiling, remove the lemons and dump out the dirty water. You will likely be left with a thin brown layer on the bottom of the pot.

Step 5: Scrub Lightly

Use a brush or scouring pad to scrub away any leftover grime.

Step 6: Rinse out Your Pot

Rinse the pot a few times to ensure that all the crud is gone. Your pot should now be as good as new!

Bar Keepers Friend

To use Bar Keepers Friend to clean a burnt pan, follow these steps:

• Wet the burnt area of the pan.
• Sprinkle Bar Keepers Friend onto the wet area.
• Rub the powder in with a soft, wet cloth.
• Rinse the pan with clean water.

For tougher stains, create a paste with the Bar Keepers Friend powder and water. Apply the paste to the stain and let it sit for a minute before washing, rinsing, and drying the pan.

Aluminium foil and baking soda

Burnt pans are a common occurrence, even for professional chefs! Luckily, a badly burnt pot can be saved with the power of baking soda and a little elbow grease. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to clean the burnt bottom of a pan using aluminium foil and baking soda:

Step 1: Rinse the Pan

Rinse your burnt pan with hot water to remove any remaining food particles and debris. This will ensure that the cleaning process is more effective and helps to prevent the spread of bacteria.

Step 2: Sprinkle Baking Soda

Generously sprinkle 2 tablespoons of baking soda onto the bottom of the wet pan. Baking soda is a mild abrasive that helps to remove burnt-on food and neutralise odours. It also has an alkaline pH, which can help neutralise the acidity of burnt foods.

Step 3: Add Water to Create a Paste

Add a few teaspoons of hot water back into the pan to create a paste-like consistency with the baking soda. The water will help to activate the baking soda and enhance its cleaning properties.

Step 4: Scrub with Aluminium Foil

Now, the fun part! Begin scrubbing the pan with a golf ball-sized piece of crumpled aluminium foil. The aluminium foil provides a flexible and durable scrubbing surface that can effectively remove burnt-on food without damaging the pan. Scrub in circular motions, applying light to moderate pressure, until all the burnt debris is lifted off.

Step 5: Rinse with Soapy Water

Once you've removed all the burnt residue, rinse the pan with warm soapy water to remove any remaining baking soda and food particles. Ensure that you thoroughly clean the pan before using it again for cooking.

Tips:

• For extremely burnt pans, you may need to repeat the process or let the baking soda paste sit for a few hours before scrubbing.
• Always use a non-scratch sponge or scouring pad when cleaning pans to avoid damaging the surface.
• If you don't have aluminium foil, you can use a wooden spatula or a nylon brush to scrub the pan.
• For heavy-duty cleaning, combine baking soda with vinegar to create a fizzing reaction that helps loosen burnt-on food.

Dishwasher tablet

Step 1: Warm the pan

Cover the bottom of the pan with a small amount of water and warm it on low heat.

Step 2: Scrape the tablet

Remove the pan from the heat and scrape a dishwasher tablet across the burnt areas. Be sure to wear gloves while doing this.

Step 3: Rinse and wash

Rinse the pan with warm soapy water and wash as normal.

Tips:

• This process is quick and easy, but it may not remove all discolouration.
• For best results, use a Finish Powerball Tablet.
• For an alternative method, fill the pan with water and add a dishwasher tablet. Bring the water to a boil and leave to simmer for 10 minutes. The burnt bits will simply lift away.

Frequently asked questions